2003 Pontiac Grand Am User Reviews

Would I Buy One Again? Probably. — My 2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan. I've owned this car for over three years now, and done numerous mods to it. It's not by any means the fastest car out there, but it's a sharp looker, reliable and the fit and finish has held up very nice. Perfromance: While out of the box, the LA1 3.4L pushrod V6 leaves a lot to be desired, there is a strong niche aftermarket to make the LA1 a performer, without breaking the bank. But even just adding intake and exhaust made the Grand Am more lively driving around town. But for a V6? It's sadly underpowered HP-wise. but is very torquey. Handling, despite body roll, is decent. With a good set of rubber on the car, it handles pretty well in the turns despite some understeer when pushed too hard. Braking is average, even with upgraded pads and rotors. Build Quality: This car has been very good as far as repairs go. It'll usually go for eight or nine months before something odd would let go. But in the +3 years and +60,000 miles in my ownership, here's it's list of repairs: > Clogged catalytic converter - 82K > Leaking Lower Intake Manifold gasket/thermostat failed - 92K > Failed wheel assembly (right front) - 103K > Floated intake valve on cylinder #3 - 119K > Fuel pump let go - 129K All of these repairs cost me a shade over $1,000. for all the warnings I've gotten about the headaches of owning these cars, and being unreliable, this car has bashed all of their low expectations. Appearence: Even though the 5th generation Grand Am was designed back in late 1997, early 1998, the car look looks good compared to most of the new cars on the road. Of course, my own appearence tweaks have helped as well. Inside, it's stylish, but nothing over the top. Nothing looks cheap and tacky, and still looks new despite the car being eight years old now. Cost of Ownership: Gas mileage is fair. Driving around town, even when the car was bone stock, I average around 21-22 mpgs. But with only 12 gallons at hand, the car usually gets 215-225 miles on a tank of gas. In my ownership, the car has seen both full synthetic, and synthetic blends. It's currently back on synthetic blends, since I really don't want to pay the high costs for oil anymore. On average, oil changes cost me around $25-$30, and are mostly done by myself. Brakes? The car has cross drilled and slotted rotors on all four corners, with ceramic pads. A bit pricey over the normal stuff, but these pads have 24K on them, and they aren't even halfway worn. I don't even have to worry about them. Fun Factor: Being the oddball it is in the car enthusiast community, I've gotten grief of all kinds just for being a Grand Am owner, let alone modifying one. It's taught me to be thick skinned, mod the car to my tastes and enjoy the car anyway. But don't ever expect a Grand Am to be a full attention grabber.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

2003 Pontiac Grand Am — There are some trim issues on the exterior. Some basic things like windshield trim and paint defects in some areas like the door panels. Acceleration is kind of disappointing with the standard automatic transmission, it shifts slowly. Overall the car handles great around curvy roads.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Grand Am, The Car For Sensable People. — You want a car that's not too much money and gets you from place to place while being respected, but not flashy. This is the car you want! It's no small japanese. So if you like those. You're out of luck. It's a fun mid sized car to drive.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Teal Green — This was a good car I just did not care for it. I bought it after selling my truck and it did not compare. I was spoiled with the truck. But i would drive it today if I had it.

Great!! — Awesome car :) It ran great and did what was needed. Had no problems out of it, it would get up and go without a problem. This car is very fun to drive I absolutely loved it :) I wouldn't of traded it for anything

Primary Use: Family transportation