2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Problem free

Faults:

Replaced both front wheel bearings, one due to wear, the other because a dragging brake caliper overheated the entire assembly.

Replaced disc brakes all around, and pads a couple times.

Replaced tie rod ends twice.

Replaced catalytic converter.

Replaced thermostat.

General Comments:

Fuel economy has been remarkable (30+MPG) on the interstate, and never below 24 even around town.

Needs good tires on the rear or it gets unstable in the rain.

I've done the scheduled maintenance and its rewarded me by needing very few repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th October, 2007

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix from North America

Summary:

My car is in very good condition when I bought it. I am very happy with it

Faults:

I am having trouble getting my key out of the ignition. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem without taking it to a mechanic?

General Comments:

Over all I really have no problem with my car. It rides nice, I'm very comfortable in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th June, 2007

7th Apr 2008, 12:59

Mine does the same with the ignition...

You're shifting it into park too fast, drop it back and do it slower and it'll come right out.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix from North America

Summary:

Average

Faults:

Strange winding noise.

General Comments:

Does anyone know where you add power steering fluid on this car?

My husband's Toyota T100 was making a similar noise and needed power steering fluid. We cannot find where to add this on the Grand Prix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2007

14th Aug 2007, 17:37

The power steering fluid is located on the passenger side engine compartment. Find the alternator which is located at the top of the engine. The reservoir is located to the left of the alternator. But it is almost out of sight because it sits low in the engine compartment (about a forearm's length down from left of alternator). Look first with a flashlight, and you will need a long funnel. Mine still whines, but comes and goes.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L from North America

Summary:

Good car, bad parts

Faults:

Intake manifold gasket replaced today at 76,000 miles, no recall on this, and thousands of people have had this problem. Also with 76,000 miles on it, today the mechanic calls me when he's done with the $600.00 intake manifold gasket and tells me the catalytic converter is stopped up, informs me that its covered under GM 8yr 80k mile warranty. Also replaced the fuel pressure regulator today at the tune of $90.00, and wasn't charged any labor.

General Comments:

I love the car, wish it would hold together for me, it rides great, has good power, and plenty of room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2007

24th Jan 2007, 22:37

I'd stick with this car. In looking over the number of satisfied owners in the various categories there seem to be more "smiley faces" on the Grand Prix site than on most others. A lot of folks get well over 200,000 miles out of these cars. The 3.1 does have a gasket problem, but other than that they are usually very trouble-free cars.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

An expensive piece of junk! No wonder GM is having financial problem; it is losing all its customers

Faults:

Just after I got the car, it started making a noise in the front end engine, but it usually went away after the car warmed up.

Check engine light EGR valve.

Key usually got stuck in the ignition.

Sometimes I feel the transmission jerking a little bit between the first shifts.

Recently the noise in the front end became louder and more regular.

Mechanic said that I will need a NEW MOTOR, which is the cause of the noise in the front end.

General Comments:

As I said I have a Grand Prix 2001. I bought it used last September (2005).

Just after I got the car, it started making a noise in the front end, but it usually went away after the car warmed up. It also had the check engine light on, and very rarely I feel the transmission jerking a little bit between the first shifts.

But then recently, the noise in the front end became louder and more regular.

I have an after market warranty, Lubrico, so I took the car to the shop to get it fixed, and to check the check engine light.

The mechanic said that the check engine light is on because I need a new EGR valve. He said he could not feel the transmission jerking, and the big one: he said that I will need a NEW MOTOR; that is the cause of the noise in the front end.

My car currently has 162.000 km (about 100.000 miles), and I would like to know if that is a common problem of Pontiac?

Is that noise in the front end usually the cause to get a new motor?

Before the noise in the front end, my car never had a problem in the engine, never failed to start or die on me, or nothing like that, and that is what worries me, because just due to the noise in the front end, I will need a new motor.

Lubrico will only pay a maximum of 2500.00, and the mechanic gave me two options:

To get a new motor I have to pay 1080.00 extra, and have 3 years warranty on the motor.

Get a used motor, and I will have to pay 370.00 and get only 90 days warranty.

Which one should I get?

Do you guys think I should take the car to another shop to get a second opinion? Or is that noise in the front end a characteristic of engine failure?

Should I trust the mechanic Lubrico warranty sent me to?

Thank you, I appreciate your help.

PS I apologize for my many questions, but I am an girl and do not understand much about car mechanics.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2006

3rd May 2006, 21:34

If you could describe the noise in more detail it might help. Also any detail on what exactly the mechanic says is broken or wrong with the engine. Write it down, or have him write it down for you. From what you say, I would be suspicious about the Lubrico mechanic and get another opinion. Good luck.