30th Sep 2005, 17:08

I am not saying this to be offensive, but as an electrical engineer, I often cannot help but laugh when people brag about options such as memory seats, windows that go up themselves, etc, and that Mercedes and company are so high tech for having them. Those options cost about $2.00 each to implement, and are about as basic technology as you can get, even back in 1980, as someone mentioned. Yet, people spend an extra 10-20K on cars for that flashy nonsense, and think they have the cutting edge.

I personally prefer the stripped down models, because there is less to go wrong. Cars today are not remotely worth what manufacturers are charging for them. I refuse to buy a new car for that reason. The notion of people financing their lives away for cars (and everything else), thinking it will change their lives, is absolutely ludicrous to me.

1st Oct 2005, 13:11

I agree with you completely. The more "features" that a car has the more that can go wrong. There are a lot of vain people who believe that a fancy car will project a certain image of success or prestige to others. If you are a status whore and need to have the recognition of others inorder to feel good about yourself than there is no helping you. No matter how elite your car is there is always someone who will have more. Life is not about how much or what you have. However there is a significant market for luxury vehicles and it seems to drive the auto industry. Lets face it, you will never legally be able to push your car to the limits so what is the point of having the fastest car this side of the race track? I think that I made a good purchase with my Grand Am. I like the car for its simplicty and functionality.

Thank you for responding to this thread. All opinons are welcome here and that's what I enjoy about this site.

21st Oct 2005, 10:14

To the fellow who was gushing over the Honda horsepower numbers: Take a look at the newest ratings on their motors. Since the Japanese adopted the new SAE standard (using stock intake and exhaust and recommended grade of fuel) their numbers have dropped 10 - 15 HP at least. Most of the domestic manufacturers have gone up or atleast stayed the same. Also with the GM Hydramatic transmission it will "Lock" itself into a gear unless the driver changes how they are giving it throttle. If you just gradually increase pressure on the gas it will just climb slowly to maximize fuel efficency. If you stab the gas pedal with your foot it will shift down and respond as you desire.

20th Aug 2006, 14:26

I'm a former Dodge owner who now drives a Grand Am also. My Dodge went 240,000 miles with virtually ZERO problems, so I certainly won't knock Chrysler. I have had my Grand Am 3 years now and absolutely love it. At 51,000 miles I have not had a single problem with it. I love the power, handling and ride. The fuel mileage is great. My only regret is that Pontiac doesn't make the Grand Am anymore and I won't be able to buy a new one when I'm ready to trade. The G-6 looks like a nightmare compared to the sleek and sporty Grand Am.

4th Jan 2007, 00:53

Hi, As an owner of a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 with 121,000 km's I would have to say the car is great. I'm very happy with it.

Right now I'm driving an 06 Malibu, and compared to the grand am, it isn't half as nice!

Yes, I unfortunately have to agree the G6 DOES look like a nightmare on wheels!

Gm made a bad move on that one. Hopefully they bring the GA, back again.

30th Aug 2007, 11:25

You had the car for a thousand miles when you wrote your review. You are in no position to say anything about reliability. You should have waited till your new car giddiness wore off.

16th Apr 2008, 16:40

My Grand Am now has 70,000 miles on it, and has never had a repair. My new car giddiness is still firmly intact.

12th Mar 2010, 05:36

I bought my 04 SE 1 in Sept of 03. The only problem I had with it was the battery died like 3 years ago. Oh and after an accident (some lady ran a light and hit me), my steering wheel would rattle on the road. But every time I took it to the dealer, I could never duplicate it. But other than small maintenance, she's still good to go. Granted she's only got 61,000 miles on her.