2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.5 from North America

Summary:

The 2001 model is a disappointment

Faults:

Had problems with the brakes at about 3,000 miles and dealer replaced the rotors under warranty.

Idle problems in the summer months, dealer had to make computer adjustments.

Transmission needed to be rebuilt at 86,000 miles.

The emergency flasher switch had to be replace at about 95,000 miles and this was a factory recall about 6 months after I had this service done, GM reimbursed me the money for the repair.

The blinker "controls switch" had to be replaced, which involved taking the steering column apart, so this somewhat simple repair, cost more than I expected. This cost was on me.

The manifold gasket needed to be replaced at 105,000 miles. Even though there is a GM service bulletin about this problem and instruction on diagnostics and repair procedures, GM refused to pay for this repair. This was expensive, $650.00 but the dealer gave me a discount and charge me $400.00.

I just had a major brake job and had to replace the struts (which is not abnormal at this high mileage --115,000), but I didn't realize that this car has 4 struts, no shocks, so the repair was expensive.

General Comments:

This is the 3rd Pontiac Grand Am that I have owned. All were purchased new. The first two were great cars, I recommended it to all my friends, as reasonably priced and good highway transportation. I drive approximately 110 mile a day round trip commute for work, so 40 to 50 thousand miles a year is not unusual for me.

I am not sure what GM did to the 2001 model, but I did not recommend this car any more to any of my friends.

I did end up buying a Pontiac G6 in December 2004 only because of the GM loyalty rebate and I do not like the car, I'll explain my reasons at a later date. I also still own the 2001 Grand Am, but not for long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2005

4th May 2005, 02:52

I sympathize with the problems that you had with your 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, however you should realize that the car, at least its four cylinder version, is not expensive and you did get a lot of miles out of it. Mine I purchased for less than $15,000 brand new. That is about as cheap as you are going to get a mid-sized sedan with automatic transmission for. The car is an excellent value.

1st Feb 2007, 19:51

I offer a comment in support of the 2001 Grand AM. I have owned a 2001 SE 2.4 inline 4, DOHC, auto-trans, since new. Everything with the drive train has been great! I have had it in for a couple of replacements to the ventilation fan speed resistor, and the assembly inside the drivers seat gave way twice. Other than that, everything else is great! Front Brakes every 50-70,000KM, with the rears at 70,000 and 150,000KM. Original exhaust, no leaks, no trans change, nothing (knock on wood). I am wondering about the hazard switch tho, as it sometimes starts clicking on its own. All around, been a great car so far - still has great power and gladly flies down the highway until the limiter kicks in at 162KpH. Cheers!

2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT Mark 1 3.4, Modified from North America

Summary:

Great Ride, easily modified, and it eats imports for breakfast!

Faults:

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).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

18th Jun 2005, 14:03

I have a 2000 Grand AM GT CP1, and it rocks. Here is a list of performance parts that I have added myself:

1.) SLP Performance stainless steel cat back exhaust system (10-12 HP gain, highly recommended over Borla).

2.) Installed larger throttle body with 62mm opening (10 HP gain).

3.) PCM was reprogrammed by Digital Horsepower, Check out PFYC.COM for Grand Am performance parts.

Speed limiter removed.

3-1 and 4-2 skip shifts.

Transmission line pressure increased.

Shift points moved (5800-6000 RPM).

Fan turn on points: 186 degree F turn on.

2 minute fan on at key-off (this feature activates when engine coolant is 179 degrees or greater).

Fuel/spark adjustments as follows:

Enrichens fuel delivery for critical problem areas. Provides a consistent power gain across the entire power band.

Reduces spark retard (knock retard).

Dynamo-meter testing has shown up to an 6 to 10 HP gain in 60 degree temperatures on a development vehicle using 93 octane fuel.

4.) K&N air filter installed.

5.) Using full synthetic oil and K&N oil filter.

6.) 185 degree thermostat (factory thermostat is 195). This is a great combination with the computer fan setting.

7.) Installed Killer sound system (Used MTX interior powered amplified speakers and subwoofers. This thing turns heads when I rock heavy metal down the road).

This car screams custom. The only problem I have with it is I live in Ohio, which I would recommend never to live here.

Altogether, I've spent roughly $3000 on everything. This thing performs wonderful on the highway. Going from 70 to 100 is no problem. I would like to add headers to it someday.

Gas mileage after improvements jumped from 13-15 city, 20-24 highway to roughly 18-22 city now, and 30-35 highway. Spending money was well worth it, due to the rising cost of gasoline. Adding headers would further increase gas mileage.

This is a great car to work on, can't beat it. I'm going to drive this car until Ohio weather completely destroys it.