Some water got sucked into the EGR valve when I was on the highway in a storm. This made the check engine light come on and the engine stalled a few times. Got a new EGR valve (under warranty) and it's fine now.
Something related to the gas tank was messed up (the repair shop was vague on the details). I think they said it was an O-ring. It's fixed now (also under warranty).
In the past I owned an '87 Grand AM with a 4 cylinder engine. It was a solid car despite some electrical problems.
I like the way Pontiac designs their vehicles. It seems as if they give their designers more creative freedom. The bright red instrument lights are great and they really add to the overall attitude of the car. I also like the alloy rims that you can choose from.
The engine is great. It pumps out a hearty 170HP and sounds really great when you're winding up through the gears (as long as you fill it up with premium, otherwise you will hear some valve rattling). I am going to get a performance exhaust system and some other mods for it, to try and get the horsepower past 200.
The transmission is the best out of every vehicle I have owned. It shifts very smooth, even when you are racing, and the gear ratios are pretty good. My only gripe is that it won't let you go past 110MPH unless you get some performance chips. That is very irritating.
It handles very well for a car of its weight, but it will sometimes try to "dart" when you are trying to just casually change lanes because the steering is a little weird like that. No big deal though, it corners well and you have a good feel of the road.
The anti-lock brakes are good but a tad bit noisy. They have saved me from wrecking it 2 times already. The traction control seems unnessesary. All it does is cut back on the throttle if you spin out. It is on by default, so you have to "plan your peel-outs" and turn it off first. The stock tires are GoodYear and they have good traction.
As far as temperature, the engine stays at a constant 200F, but I haven't driven it in the hot Texas summer yet.
The interior is comfortable and functional. I really like the vents, because they are the way vents SHOULD be. Some people diss the dash styling, but I like it. All of the instruments are angled at the driver, which I like.
Be careful when switching lanes though, because it has some big blind spots when you are looking back.
It gets very good fuel economy. I'm not sure of the exact MPG but I'll just say it is on par with the 1.9L 4 cylinder Saturn I used to have!
I originally though the keyless entry system wasn't necessary, but now I love it. Worth the price.
If you are considering getting one of these, GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. It is definitely worth it. Buy the car. If you love driving, you won't regret it.
You have no idea about performance cars, give your head a shake and try something like a 4.5 TVR Cerbera with 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, then talk about performance.
I don't think it gets great gas mileage at all. Of course, I had a 92 Cavalier before this which was excellent on mileage. Compared to the Cavalier, this one's a gas guzzler. It seems like I'm always at the station.
Just a quick Thanks for the reviews. I just bought a 2001 Grand Am SE last night and will be calling about getting the brakes looked at tomorrow. So far, (a whole 24 hours later) I am still in love with this car!
I agree 100% about the blind spots. I am a shorty and thought that was why I couldn't see over the spoiler when backing up.
Bought a 2001 Grand Am SE Sedan and love it. The small 15.2 gallon tank will lead you to think the MPG is not good, but it is. Power is excellent. So many gagets don't know what they are all about yet.
I own a 2001 Grand Am, and I am absolutely in love with it. It does get good gas mileage, despite what you may think. My tank is only 12 gallons, so it does feel like you fill up a lot, but it gets good mileage, trust me. It also packs quite the punch in the performance section. I assumed that this car would be like most others and a little sluggish to accelerate, but when I first drove it and opened it up, it just took off from under me! It really surprised me, and I haven't ridden in a non-performance car that has that much getup-n-go. A solid purchase for hauling the kids or hauling donkey, (if you get my drift.) All around a great car. I love the 2001 Grand Am!
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