This paper presents two permanent magnet motor models using finite element method. The transient 2-D finite element method was applied to analyze the performances of a permanent magnet motor. And the cogging torque, back electromotive force and torque of the motor were obtained. A comparison between the model of a whole permanent magnet motor and that of a section of the motor for the motor performance are made. And based on the models, the effects of mesh and solver settings, such as transient time step, tolerance, etc. on the calculated results, are investigated.