2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT Mark 1 review from North America
"Great Ride, easily modified, and it eats imports for breakfast!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Battery has gone out, was original (ACDELCO) and sub-par
Replaced Ram Air Intake sensor, caused shifting abnormalities.
Possible Speeding tickets...
General comments?
I modified this car with the following...
Replaced Air Intake Sensor, stock was junk
Replaced Air Filter, stock was junk; K and N of Course
Replaced Exhaust mounting coupling system
Replaced computer chipset, replaced with high performace chipset with variable controls and settings (Dashboard mounted)
Replaced Ram Air Intake sensor, caused shifting abnormalities
Replaced Tires
Tuned Suspension
Installed performance bearings, new fuel injector system, and spark plugs (yah they were still stock at 90k miles).
With these modifications the car handles, and performs beautifully.
Cabin space is excellent, sporty design, very good handling, Leather is definetly your friend in this car as your drink will fly out of your cup holder before you loose traction. Will fit 5 adults snugly, and better hope that atleast one of them is short.
With the above modifications, a grand total of about 1500 bucks in parts and labor (not including 1k for tires), will turn this car into a GREAT ride! Stock it is OK too. This was my first car, and I am now in love with it. Take good care of this one and it will take care of you, feed this thing premium! Soon I will install a new exhaust system, turbo charger, new oil pump, and oil reservoir. This car definetly has a hot engine.
Further notes:
This car performs best with synthetic blend motor oil in my climate which is N. California: the central valley.
You should dump the air filter and buy a performance filter first thing.
Buy a radar detector with this one, and please be safe don't speed on Highways, or in heavy traffic, speed does kill, take it to the race track and just get it out of your system.
Performance within class:
This car rocks. It will eat any comparable import alive, American muscle is starting to rear its ugly head once again (kinda sorta maybe...nah 220 is nothing compared to my buddies 720 hp Nova). Great gas mileage! This car rivals the civic, with modifications of course. Dino'd at 220 hp, a big increase over the 175 hp stock, in gas mileage mode on Comp, unknown in performance mode (Computer malfunctioned awaiting repair).
Recommended reviews
| I would never recommend a Grand Am to friends, family or complete strangers. |
|
| 2001 - Grand Am GT 3.4L Ram Air A high performance lemon |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4, Modified Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 100000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2004 |