2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent performer, driver friendly

Faults:

I had a minor issue with a charcoal filter or something. But it was just that the service engine light came on. The dealer informed me that it really wasn't a big issue and showed me the part and what was wrong with mine. It was a hairline crack through which small amounts of emissions seeped through. He replaced it for free, but told me that it only cost him about 100$ mainly because of shipping the part from a far away service center.

General Comments:

Great car, couldn't ask for a better first car. It is very responsive. Quite comfortable, seems to be in good mechanical shape. I'm happy with my car and have no complaints. Other than the insurance cost for me, being 16 and having a 175 horsepower car. Not that much until you pay the premium. (2870/year!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2005

27th May 2008, 09:29

I have a 99 Grand Am SE coupe with the 3.4. I only pay 600 per half year on insurance and I'm also 16.

28th May 2008, 17:26

Congrats on the SE-2. I have a 2001 SE-1 that has been the best car I've ever owned. The only repair has been one battery and the front brake pads (which I did myself for about $18). I put high performance AA-traction rated 2:15/60 tires on mine and it helped the handling a LOT. I also own a new Mustang, and the Grand Am is more comfortable and fun to drive. When my Mustang club has another rally, I plan to drive my GRAND AM!!

30th May 2008, 23:32

Since this is your first car, I'm sure you want to take care of it. I'm a mechanic and own a Grand AM (I also made comment 17:26 above). I thought I'd give you a few pointers on keeping your Grand Am in good condition:

1. Never, ever, EVER let the heat gage get into the "hot" end of the scale. If it starts overheating STOP IMMEDIATELY and find out what's wrong. Even mildly overheating these engines will ruin them (usually blown head gaskets or worse, all VERY expensive).

2. Never slam the doors. The window clips on these cars break easily, but they WILL NOT unless the doors are slammed.

3. Use FULL SYNTHETIC OIL. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, it's worth it.

4. Run a can of injector cleaner through the car every 5000 miles or so. This can save you expensive MANUAL cleaning of the injectors.

5. As soon as your tires are worn out, replace them with some good high-traction rated tires in a slightly larger size (I run 215:60 Kumho AA-rated on my GA). You won't believe the improvement in traction, cornering and braking.

5. Keep your ignition key CLEAN. The ignition and security systems on these cars are prone to mess up, and it is often related to dirt in the ignition switch from a dirty key.

6. It's not a good idea to manually shift the automatic (you can do it, but it's just as fast if you let it shift on its own). Under no circumstances hold it in 3rd gear to more than 130mph.

Lots of luck, and enjoy your car!!

2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT ramair V6 from North America

Summary:

First Pontiac was a 1969 GTO. Still drive them.

Faults:

Had to replace steering unit (rack and pinion) cause it was binding with 23000 miles on the car.

General Comments:

I have had this car since it came off the show room floor and have not had any serious problems with it. The problem I did have Pontiac took care of it. I average around 30000 miles a year between work and travel and it has been a great vehicle. I am on my second set of tires and they are due to be replace soon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2005