Summary:
Junk
Faults:
This car was plagued with problems from brand new, and they continue to this day. Do not purchase a GM product. After having several, I got disgusted and started buying Fords. After hearing that GM had fixed their problems, I bought this car brand new, and loved it. It did not take long to realize that this is the worst car that I have ever had! Complete junk! Now GM is claiming to have fixed their problems again, beware!
Starter went bad.
Intake crossover gaskets leak, that's what I think killed the starter.
Power steering lines developed a leak and were spraying fluid everywhere. The pump also went bad.
Front bearings and hubs went bad.
Water pump went bad.
Easily breaks engine & transmission mounts.
Oil cooler lines & valve cover gaskets leak.
Gauges do not work.
Interior floor in back seat fills with water.
Radio lights burned out.
Driver control center went bad.
Continuously blows fog lamps and headlights. Has been rewired with new upgraded harnesses and wiring by dealer, but lights continue to blow.
Seat heater fried.
Blower motor fried.
Side cladding pops loose. Is simply held on with two sided tape.
General Comments:
This car is very tempting. Very fast with Northstar V8. Looks sexy too.
Don't be fooled. You will regret your purchase.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 12th April, 2012
12th Apr 2012, 16:17
Not everyone's experience is like yours. I have never had anything but GM products since '01, and they have all been very reliable. I have had 1 Chevy, and currently am on my 4th Buick (which I have only had for a few weeks). I will admit I don't put a lot of miles on my cars (usually under 35,000 miles), but the first 2 cars had over 100,000 miles when I got them. I have never had a major engine or transmission issue with any of them, and really like the styling and comfort of GM products, especially when compared to more popular import makes.
13th May 2012, 17:40
I agree, I purchased a 2008 Grand Prix with 53K in 2010, and have put 13K trouble free miles on it, and only now am I having to replace the original tires and brakes.
I think in his case he bought the Northstar based Bonneville, and well I have a burning hatred for the Northstar, because it is junk. I doubt he would have had so much trouble with the 3800 variant.
GM has turned a corner, but no, they are no Honda/Toyota. Trouble is neither are Toyota and Honda anymore. Pick your poison, nothing's perfect.
24th Mar 2013, 05:33
I just recently purchased a 2005 GXP with the Northstar 4.6 V-8. And after reading the long list of complaints, I am not happy with the purchase or the complaints. Holy cow!
I researched the car on various websites, and only found on average 2 issues of concern. Water pump/crossover leak and ignition coil(s) at cold start. Wow, I guess I picked the wrong website to view reviews. Now after coming to this site, I'm terrified.
Wow, the negativism. Now I hate the car, and have not even had it a month yet, LOL.
24th Mar 2013, 16:05
Our experience with GM, including a Pontiac that we traded in 2009, has been absolutely perfect. Zero problems or repairs with any of them.
I prefer the solidly reliable 3.8 V-6 engines over the more complex (and hence trouble-prone) Northstar.
We currently own two Fords and one GM vehicle. All three are flawless. The GM is ten years old with over 115,000 miles and has never had a single repair of any kind. Not even a brake job yet. I'd have no qualms at all about buying any late model domestic car.