Great value; many standard features (fog lights, running lights, A/C, etc.) and on the SE2 you get all sorts of goodies like traction control, CD w/ 6-speaker stereo (which is very good, by the way), cruise, rear spoiler (a must-have on this body style), power everything, remote keyless entry, 16-inch aluminum wheels, etc. The electronic traction system is *great* in the winter for decreased sliding around when accelerating on snowy/icy roads. Good visibility with big side mirrors. Smooth automatic transmission with good downshift response. Nice, quiet, and smooth inside, at virtually all speeds. Slick looks. I'm a big fan of the Pontiac instrumentation styling (too many cars today have that trendy, silly "racecar" white, which I can't stand).

Probably my biggest reservation are that the rotors, after only 10,000 miles, seem to be warping a bit. It's subtle, when decelerating through 35-30 mph, not nearly enough to make me take it in, but I'm hoping I don't have brake problems on the way already. Also, I expected somewhat better gas mileage in town (I'm getting about 18-19 mpg); there's a big difference between city and highway mpg with this car. Also, Pontiacs don't have a great reliability record. I'm hoping the much-hyped SolidForm design of the Grand Am will mean something down the road and over the years. Hope this car lasts and holds up. We will see. Minor stuff also can be mildly annoying, like auto-headlights you can't turn off when it's dark, even if you're idling in the driveway. Batmobile-styled interior could seem dated in a few years. But that's mostly minor stuff.

The 1999-generation Grand Am should appeal to those looking for a somewhat sporty-looking smaller car that also actually also has room to -- *gasp* -- seat four people (or even five) ... and all in a very reasonable price range. I'm a fairly tall guy, and the Grand Am has the headroom and legroom I wanted.

After 10 months and 10,000 miles of ownership, I still haven't had any problems with the vehicle (see "weaknesses" for my one slight reservation). I wasn't a big fan of the pre-1999 Grand Am body styles, but the 1999 generation body style I love. I can't help staring at other Grand Ams on the road, especially GTs (I wish I'd gotten a GT).

The V6 offers good power and low-end torque that is fun for accelerating out of stoplights. Very good passing power under 60 mph (not terribly impressive above 70). I definitely recommend the V6 (worth the extra $800), but that's because I find it fun driving like a jerk sometimes. (The 4-cyl model I test drove was of course not as impressive.) Handles well, though not standout.

Note: The SE2 model (which includes almost all options and V6 as standard) was dropped for the 2001 year, probably because many people in the SE2 market would be more likely to look at the more expensive GT line. I love the GT body style differences, but could not justify the extra $1,500 to go after it and get fewer options. I have not driven a GT, but suspect that if I did it all over again I might drop the cash for a GT with everything instead.

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2000 Toyota Celica (too small, though better mileage and reliability and even more agressive styling); 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse (too small, slightly more expensive, fewer options); 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (too expensive, didn't like the styling); 2001 Mercury Cougar (great handling but smaller and too stiff-feeling, fewer options); 2001 VW Jetta (a huge improvement over my 1991 Jetta, but overpriced for what you get in terms of features). Basically, no car could meet or even come close to the overall balance of pricing, size, and features that the Grand Am SE2 offered me.

Looks good, I like the upgraded stereo system with CD player. Doesn't handle THAT bad. I like the indoor styling. It was better than the two used cars I had driven before. Good trunk space and good passenger room, especially on this 4 door.

Brakes adjusted under warranty at 8,000 mi. Rotors replaced at 10,350 mi. Dealer didn't "locate" the problem, but the stereo volume control tends to RAISE the volume when you're trying to lower it. Not as good mileage as I expected. Rubber seal along bottom of driver door starting to come off. Power steering pump replaced at less than 10,000 mi by dealer. And yes, the cup holders are too small.

My first new car. Shopped around for comparable models, was the best deal (lease) - best money both to lease and to insure at the time.

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My fiance is leasing the 2000 GrandAM coupe which I drive on occasion. It handles tighter than my sedan, but at 14,000 mi on his now, it's at Pontiac today for brakes, and they want $200 for the pads! Previously, I had an '85 TransAM (nice, tight steering but a mechanical diseaster) and an '88 Chevy MonteSS - falling apart mechanically but not too bad at handling. The GrandAM definitely gets better gas mileage than those two, and I really can't complain. I knew about the road noise before I leased, and it's nice to get in the car to go to work knowing that everything works! However, buyer beware: BRAKES are obviously a problem in these cars. Heading to the dealership now to argue about my fiance's brake pads.

Appearance.
3400 V6 Engine has tons of torque, especially between 3000 and 5000 rpm.
The looks you get from guys driving V6 Mustangs when you blow them away stoplight to stoplight.
Automatic tranmission is great.
Fuel economy, I have actually achieved or bettered the EPA estimates consistently.
Dash layout is great, I never have to take my eyes off the road to adjust anything.
Amazing in the snow if you turn the traction control off. Has a tendency to understeer though.

Tiny gas tank.
Speeding tickets...you feel like you are going slower than you really are in this car. It's easy to be cruising along at 140kph (85-90mph) on the highway and not realize it.
No manual transmission available with the V6.
Squeaking doors that the dealer couldn't fix.
The OEM brakes are terrible and espensive. Had the pads and rotors replaced (the first time) when I had the car in for it's first oil change, as they were completely worn out. The rotors and pads were replaced with OEM parts another two times under warranty. After the warranty expired I replaced them with aftermarket parts and they have lasted twice as long so far with no problems. If you buy this car, expect to replace the brakes every 15000km (10000 miles) or so.
Coolant lines have either popped off or burst three times and it is an expensive fix since they are molded.
GM Roadside Assistance is basically useless outside of 8-5...why bother?
My biggest problem has been the service. This is the only reason that I wouldn't recommend this car, or any other GM vehicle. They refuse to admit when there is a problem (even when there is a TSB for it), and the work is generally inferior.

I love the car, however, I have had terrible service and as a result I am looking to get rid of it ASAP. I think it's a great car, the only real problem I have had is the brakes but that is par for the course with GM.
I think that it is a good car for the money, there isn't much else on the market that can match the number of options for the price.
My only major complaint is the GM service. For this reason I recommend that you look elsewhere.

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Looked at GM products only, I got it at dealer invoice due to an employee discount.

Gas mileage is great! Comfort in the seats and rides nice for a mid size car. Factory stereo sounds great, and the cassette still works after 163,000 miles. Very Dependable.

Seat belt placement is somewhat uncomfortable. Interior rattles here and there. Clear coat on hood peels (very common). Oil light comes off and on even though the level is fine. Brakes seem to wear faster than normal.

One of the best cars I have owned, this will make #36 since 1985. All the moaners and cryers out there giving this car a bad review, simply put, should have kept up on the maintainence on theirs. This car gets 400 miles to the tank in the city, and 350 miles to the tank running the air in 100+ weather.

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Mustang GT: wont come close for economy!
Trans Am: still, economy is the key.
Thunderbird: hmmm, FORD,... do I need to say more?

Handling, looks, acceloration

Top speed,40 dents even on my freakin hood alone from a hail storm.

Ok, I'm reading these reviews on some of the older Grand Am's and you people b****ing and complaining, I have two words for you... PROVENTITIVE MAINTENANCE. My grand am has 152,000+ miles on it and it runs like a scalded dog. Believe it or not I race the dang thing!(modifications 0) Handles great, rides pretty smooth for a mid-size, low budget car. Factory speakers thump. Granted mine is starting to show a little rust, but damn mine fly's. People, change your fluids regularly, keep it clean, in and out, and most of all run'em like a wild stalion!

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I've driven lots of cars around the same year and style and the grand am proforms with the best.

Cheap, lots of options, roomy, solid power train engine and tranny, NO WAY will you find a Jap or german car with a 6cil at this price range not even close. Faster than people give it credit for.

cheap interior materials and cheap build.

This is my first new car (at age 27), I am a frugal, fix it your self, drive it till the wheels fall of kind of guy. All my other cars were used all American and all lasted well over 120k miles. All were paid in cash.

What can I say it is an American car built by overpaid, unmotivated, uncaring Union Auto Workers. But it is probably one of the best ones out there.

I bought mine loaded with power seats, power windows, power mirrors, CD/cassete stereo, steering wheel controls, keyless entry, V6 and a cabin that is big enough to sit 5 people decently in a pinch. NO WAY will you find that in a jap or german car!

I was willing to buy a american car since I am willing to repair most things myself. Here is what I do
Every 3k: oil, clean air filter, fuel injection cleaner
Every 10k: rotate tires, replace air filter
Every 15k: check brakes, change fuel filter
Every 25k: change plugs, change tranny fluid, change coolant, change belt
Every 40k: new tires, ac check up, alignment

Repairs:
15k door panels developed bubles
20k cassete player started freaking out replaced over 5 times
25k carpet started falling apart
30k small squeeks and rattles were very noticable, most were fixed
40k cassete no longer works and now main volume is freaking out

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5k cheaper than a 2dr accord v6
cheaper and faster than a integra (0-100mph)
roomier, faster and cheaper than a miata
faster and more reliable than a 6cil mustang

Looks great, sounds great, drives great.

Not a lot of paower, but like I said before I didn't buy it for power. It's only a 4-cylander. What do you expect?

I love my car. I was 19 and had bought a '96, black 2 door, stick-shift. I loved it. I was then in a car accident, and it ended up being totaled. I went back and bought another one. This one '95 with only 28,000 miles on it. I thought I got a good deal, but ended up being screwed by the dearship, which is nothing against the car or Pontiac, because it wasn't a Pontiac dealership. Anyway, I've only had two problems out of it, since I bought in '98, and that as the battery died, which is expected with the original battery, and the oil indicator light, which is a $30 part and can replace yourself when you change the oil. No big deal. I love it, and will buy another one when the time comes for me to trade it in. I have put over 60,000 miles on the car since I bought it, and recently took it on a 3,500 miles road trip. It was great. Never a problem. Power is not all there, but I didn't buy the car for power. Plenty of leg room in the front and back seats.

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I drove my parents Sunfire, and i wanted to be back in my Grand Am. No leg room or head room in the Sunfire.

Acceleration, handling, styling, low maintenance, and many more.

Gas mileage 16 city 20 highway, no 4spd auto, Have replaced 2 alternators, had electrical problems, but replaced the cig lighter wiring and no more electrical probs.

AWESOME. One of the best handling cars out there, mine has the FE3 suspension with the 55 series Goodyear Eagles. Great acceleration, mine has the 3.3L that was only used in 92-93, big mistake taking it out Pontiac the 3.1L isn't half the engine, this car will put you back in your seat, not alot of top end did, did hit 120mph once, mainly made for low end torque, will take almost any car light to light. Looks great like the style better than the next generation Grand Am's, they look like mini Mustang's and I wouldn't want that sterotype. Great overall car, low maintenace costs, will never sell this one. It only has 80,000 miles after nearly 9 years. Definatly recommend to someone looking for a great used car.

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1996 Dodge Intrepid, same characteristics as Grand Am just bigger.

Sound system, handling, and power.

None

Just got this car yesterday, not even 24 hours yet and I love it. Read several of the other reviews and I must agree that everything that comes with the car is awesome.

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sporty looks, reliable so far

Either hesitates or stalls on initial start up, it happens once in a while and seems to only happen after it rains or when it's really damp outside. Also the service engine light is almost always on, but nothing seems to be wrong. Oil seems to leak but I've had my uncle (he's an experienced mechanic) check it out every where for the leak and we can't find it, It doesn't leak when in park either coz there's never a puddle, I just always run out of oil before my 3000 miles are up. I've also had problems with my blinkers, I saw that someone else mentioned this problem. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't but everything seems to be fine. And I too have had problems with the drivers side window. It often gets stuck, I think I'm goign to replace the motor, hope this works. And the dash rattles a lot.

I bought the car from a private owner in august of 2000 for just 4500.
It had 78,000 miles on it and I've put 24,000 miles on it since then.
I like my car, it looks sporty and goes fast but there are just a few quirks that aren't worth taking in to get fixed because it would cost me a fortune to have a mechanic figure out what the hell was actually wrong. I haven't had any major problems but I'm just waiting for something to happen. I'm also worried that the car isn't going to have a great trade in value when I eventually decide to get something newer. For now, the car is fine though.

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