2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE review from North America
"I would never recommend a Grand Am to friends, family or complete strangers."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The car was purchased brand new in May 2001. The assumption was since it was brand new I wouldn't have to be concerned with an older car needing maintenance. A very foolish thought in my case. I have had so many if only's...If only I had chosen a different color, if only I had chosen a different dealer, if only I had gone with the types of cars I have dealt with in the past and new the history...
The car was delivered on May 10th 2001.
May 23 2001 --- it was back in the shop with the Check ABS light on. Problem fixed.
June 28 2001--- Engine stalls while idling and dies when AC is turned off. Diagnosis --Power Train Controller-reprogram on car.
July 6, 2001--- Engine stalls when put in gear at times. Diagnosis-- Valve, idle air control - replace valve.
August 20,2001--- Engine stalls when turning off AC. Diagnosis--unable to duplicate any abnormal condition at this time.
September 12, 2001---Same problem as above. Diagnosis-- Body unit, throttle - replace.
October 12, 2001-- Engine idle fluctuates and misses at times. Diagnosis--unable to duplicate.
November 19, 2001 --Same problem --Diagnosis- powertrain controller- reprogram on car.
May, 7, 2002-- Engine hesitates while driving. Diagnosis--Integrated direct ignition system components - Replace Coil.
July 11, 2002--Engine Stalls at times. Diagnosis-- Throttle Body.
October 7, 2002 Repeat of problem with Engine stalling and running rough when put in gear or AC being turned off. Cannot Duplicate. Turn signals and hazards inoperable at times. Diagnosis--switch -replace hazard warning.
November 18, 2003--Security light comes on and car will not start. SES Light is on. Diagnosis replace coils and coil housing.
November 26, 2003--Security light is on and no start at times. Diagnosis --Replaced lock cylinder and housing. Still has miss when going up hills. Diagnosis--injector service.
May 24, 2003 to current (July 2006) - Vehicle continues to miss when traveling open highway miles primarily when accelerating or going up hills. This problem with the vehicle has never been fixed. The Security light has continued to be a problem off and on for the last several years, but within the last few days it is now averaging no starts at least 1-2 times per day.
July 25, 2006.
General comments?
This car is clearly a lemon. Unfortunately I was not familiar with the Lemon Law and missed the time to file. In good conscience I cannot "unload" this car because I would not want anyone to go thru what I have gone and continue to go thru with this car.
Recommended reviews
| Not a bad daily driver |
|
| 2001 - Grand Am GT Mark 1 3.4, Modified Great Ride, easily modified, and it eats imports for breakfast! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 100 miles |
| Most recent distance | 70000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 27th July, 2006 |