Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)

Automatic transmission: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992-94)

Engine noise: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)

Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-98)

Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the No. 1 main bearing. (1992-93)

Engine noise: A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1998)

Ignition switch: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)

Radiator: Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)

Traction control indicator light: The ETC warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stops working. If the computer failure memory is cleared, everything returns to normal. No current fix. (1996)

Transaxle leak: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)

Valve cover leaks: The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1992 coupe: Passenger-side easy-entry seat adjuster on some cars may fail to fully lock into position after seatback has been tilted and seat slid forward.

1992: Bolts and nuts that attach bearing-hub assembly to rear axle are insufficiently tightened on some cars.

1992: Small number of cars have incorrect upper spring seat at right rear.

1994: Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.

1996: Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.

1996: If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.

1996: Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.

1996: Steering-column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.

1997: Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Pontiac base SE model comes equipped with the single overhead-camshaft Quad OHC. At introduction, it provides 120 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. It comes with a manual 5-speed and optional 3-speed automatic. Optional for the SE is a dual-overhead-cam Quad 4, producing 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. The automatic is the only gearbox provided. The Grand Am GT comes standard with a High-Output, double-overhead-cam version of the Quad 4. It pumps out 180 at 6200 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. Engineering changes for '93 result in all three 4-cylinder engines loosing five 5 horsepower. Optional for both the SE and GT versions is a new V6 powertrain. Paired with a 3-speed automatic, GM's 3.3-liter V6 is the first to appear under the hood of a Grand Am since 1987. It delivers 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. A 4-speed automatic arrives for '94, along with a smaller 3.1-liter V6 replacing the 3.3-liter unit. It generates 155 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A revised, 150-horsepower Quad 4 with balance shafts arrives in '95, while for '96 the Quad OHC base engine is replaced with a new 2.4-liter Twin Cam. It produces 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It's paired with either the standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic gearbox.