Used 2003 Pontiac Grand Am Consumer Reviews
It's okay
I have had my G.A. for almost a year. Not too crazy about it. Every time a hit a bump or tracks, I think it is going to fall apart (rough ride). The seals around the windshield, and the back window are peeling off. I have had my radio replaced twice, for excessive skipping. It still skips. There is a leak somewhere on the driver side, so, I am forever thinking the door is not closed all of the way. The front seat is really cramped when there's a rear facing car seat behind it. I don't recommend the G.A. as a family car. I do, however, like all of the cup holders and the storage space. I was also looking into buying the Taurus. The Taurus was really generic, compared to the G.A.
Long-term review
I've had the GAGT over 6 yrs/70K miles. Seen many of the typical problems-replace front brakes every 15k, passlock issues, random clicking, leaking intake manifold gasket, etc. When I complained about the front brake servicing to Pontiac corporate, they were minimally helpful. Researching a bit, I found numerous consumer complaints, and several Tech Service Bulletins issues by Pontiac regarding the brakes. One additional item:(might vary by state) in MA, the GAGT is very expensive to insure-same as a BMW, due to repair cost. Many of the negative aspects of the car seem to be related to a corporate philosophy from GM, which with the recent bailout requests seem to run deeper than just the GAGT
Passenger Side Crash
I bought a 2-dr GRAm GT (Black). While driving on the hwy a woman started coming in my lane. When I swirved to miss her I lost total control of my vehicle (Steering and Brakes !) hitting the contrete barrier on the hwy, crossed 4 lanes of traffic before I was hit in the psgr side door by a F-150 truck at 70mph. No one was with me, that person would have been dead. My "drivers cage" held up The psgr door was pushed over to the console. I do not visually remember hitting the wall or by the truck but I do remember the feeling of the brakes pulsing (ABS) and not being able to stop, and cranking the steering wheel with no control.
greatest ride ever
after buying this new beauty, we took a trip to the north and was very pleased at the way the car handled and the comfort was perfect. the 4 cylinder engine handled like a 6 cylinder with alot of pep. a real pleasure to drive and the complements are always coming at the looks..
Governers and Rear seat 60/40 split.
Ok, I understand the reason for he the governers on the car, They govern Redlining, Top speed, slip shifting on an automatic. No problem, But why does the governer turn off the engine at 106 mph? I normally don't travel at those speeds, but when I took it to the track, It wouldn't perform past 106 mph. Someone owes me money or an explanation, I lost to a 4cyl stick Grand Am, I beat him off the line and in the 1/4 mile but when we went on the oval track I lost. He was able to reach 120mph now how is that fair? Rear Seats, ok now why can't I gain access to my trunk from within the car? The old Grand Am's were able to.