1995 Pontiac Grand Am User Reviews

Cheap Fun — With the v6 that you find in the grand prix. It is fast enough to get you there. Aftermarket parts are few and far between but the ones you can find are quality.

Meh... It's A Pontiac — It's a pretty strong car when you are not fixing it. It seems like it won't go 3 months without something going wrong. The 3.1L engine is notorious for common problems and being difficult to work on. I replaced the transmission at about 125,000 miles and then the motor at about 142,000 miles. Even a simple task like changing the spark plugs requires taking out the motor mounts and tilting the entire engine forward because the spark plugs are in the back of the motor. It has a slick look to it though and like I said, it is a strong car when everything is working properly.

Parts Car's In Progress. — Intake manifold leaks. I personally see at least 20 a week in my place of work. GM slipped up hardcore when they built the most popular 60 degree V6. A problem with the intake manifold gaskets where the coolant (usually Dexcool) leaks onto the manifold. In the most common and extreme cases, the heads will actually warp and cause a headgasket leak. People like to blame Dexcool but the fact of the matter is that if you take care of your car and do the PROPER maintainence at or before its due, time or mileage-wise, it will treat you right. I mean don't get me wrong, GM screwed up bad, I've seen brand new 3500s with coolant sweats on the intake. What they should've done from the get-go is change the gasket design instead of continuing with it for 10+ years. Now they're in court (in the US) because of it.

It Seems To Be A Good Car — Other than usual problems you get with older vehicles it seems to be a good car

Owner for 2 years, 0 months

Miles Driven per Year:5,000

Small, Sporty, And Practical — 2dr sport coupe. 2.3L L4, 3 speed w/ OD auto. Avg mpg - 25 3 speed makes for slower acceleration: first 2 gears are good, 3rd gear's power band spread too far and wide (Edit: Gears 1 and 2 are fine. 3rd and OD are a little off) 2.3 offers 150 hp and 155 ft-lbs.

Primary Use: Commuting to work