-September 2024 Special Lease Deals-
2024 Chevy Blazer EV lease from Bayway Auto Group Click here
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee lease from Mark Dodge Click here
2025 Ram 1500 Factory Order Discounts from Mark Dodge Click here
2024 Chevy Blazer EV lease from Bayway Auto Group Click here
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee lease from Mark Dodge Click here
2025 Ram 1500 Factory Order Discounts from Mark Dodge Click here
Comments
GrandAm GT. I'm looking for some hints on changing the filter (the six cylinder)
Stephen
The one thing I was bothered about is it had a lot of steering wheel vibration. Has anyone else noticed this?
I loved the car at first, but then as time went on, I've been less than satisfied. Main reason is that the suspension seems like it's "loosening". The handling lost tightness it used to have, I can't be as agressive on cornering anymore, brakes fade to the point of many nearly missed rear ending the cars in front, etc...
I really missed the tight and solid feel of the car it had. It has high miles for one year old car, but it still doesn't warrant the drastic decline of the quality. Although the roads are not that good in metro Detroit, but it's not that bad either, they've been doing constructions all year long.
My next car will be an import of some kind..
Any comments\feedback would be helpful!
My girl friend's 98 Malibu has the 3100 and my 99 Grand Am has the 3400. We have not seen too much of difference. Mine has a little more power but that is before the 3100 went to 170 hp. I do find it interesting that my 3400 uses the same oil filter as my 3800 in my LeSabre did use. I was hoping that it was a sign that it was designed along the same lines. The only thing that I have been having with my 3400 is that sometimes it is not so eager to start if it is warmed up some, sounds kind of strange but it starts easier when it is cold then when it partly warmed up. Probably just a bad sensor in mine some where.
You are the only one that I've seen post about a 1999 GA GT with higher mileage. I realize the brakes and suspension are a major problem, but how about the rest of the car? Any other major problems with steering, transmission, leaking doors, etc.? My GT has about 4500 miles and I 'm getting worried with all these posts about problem after problem. I'm trying to figure out how long to keep this car. It looks like I should consider dumping it after the warranty is up.
That's a real shame because I absolutely LOVE this car and have had no problems with it yet. I guess I've got some time before I have to make a decision. Just hope I don't spend the entire warranty period taking it to the shop for repairs. Can you imagine the bad reliability ratings Consumer Reports will give this vehicle in its annual auto issue?
I am currently waiting for snow which is expected soon and I hope the 225 tires will be ok with traction control. (I hope they are not too wide for the weight of the car on snow)
My brother also has a GT and he is also had no problems with 14000 km.
I looked through the Edmunds site to find the information on waxing and other cleaning tips, but I can't find anything. Please let me know where I should look. Thanks.
If all goes well, I should receive my GrandAM GT 2000 on december 8,1999. I currently have a Cavalier Z24 1996. I can hardly wait!!!
only has 5k on the car know.
But that's just the top of the ice berg. I have been into the repair shop over 7 times now to have different things replaced.
First reason not to buy this car.
#1 Leather on door panels are flipping up, (No Fix for this problem, just have to keep taking it back until your warranty runs out).
#2 Discontinued radio due to shorting out and volume button problems. (No Fix For This Either)
#3 Radio will cut off and on all by itself and also cut the main power to it and the windshield wipers. (Haven't taking it in for this problem yet).
#4 Wind Leaks in at high speeds. Worse if you have a sunroof and you like to drive the speed limit.
#5 Enablity to drive without you lights off.
(Stupid Safty Feature)
#6 Power Steering Unit Having problems due to tight turns. ( No word on fix)
#7 Really bad shaking in the steering wheel when stop quickly. (Watch out if your not holding on to wheel)
#8 Back window look really stupid when you tint the windows. Results in looking dirty all the time.
#9 The Black paint jobs are not holding up to normal car washes. Well leave alot of shwirl marks
and eats of your clear coat.
Also look out for Bugs.
#10 Rattles in seat belt covers. Due to none tightable bolts that hold them up.
(Keep the radio up if you don't want to hear all the rattles)
#11 Very poor panels underneath the Dash, Looks like they cut it out with a dull Knife.
#12 Middle of back seat is solid as a rock. Not very soft. Don't sit on it for more then 2 mins.
#13 Over powered radio has the speakers popping alot...Don't turn your radio up to loud.
#14 Suspension gets really loss if you live in a woody area or if you just have alot of pot holes.
Well I hope by reading this every will not buy this car, I'm fixing to get a lawer to take car of this matter.
Pro.....None..
Cons....Everyone you can think of.
DON'T BUY THIS CAR!!
Mil132
My radio works fine and I have never popped the speakers (and I crank it up quite loud).
Maybe I won't be excited about my car in the future if I have to bring it to the dealer over and over. But for now, I LOVE this car!
I can't believe that your comments are so extreme. I have not had any problems with my vehicle.
I especially like how you tinted the windows and then complain about a change YOU made to the vehicle.
I don't think that the stereo system was made to perform at the same decibel level of a Boeing 767 jet engine. Use some common sense and you will not blow out your speakers, or just install an after market stereo system like I did.
I would also like to warn any dealership who happens to encounter anyone who can not master the English language by the time they are of legal driving age.
Needless to say, I also love my car and I am very happy I purchased it.
I've had my black '99 GT1 for 8 and a half months and I haven't had any of the mechanical problems you have. I'm just a few miles shy of 12,000 and my car is running like a champ. I've driven it in the open spaces of the midwest, through the mountains and desert to my new home in southern California and went on a road trip last weekend to Arizona. I drive in all kinds of conditions and vary in the way I drive from very sedately to quite aggressively.
I only have two complaints about my car. The first is the daytime running lights. Sure, it's nice to not have to think about your lights from day to day. I haven't touched the headlight switch since I bought it. But it would be nice if there was an override switch in case I wanted to have the lights off at any particular time. I'm thinking about putting in a power cutoff relay in the system. I just need to find a good place to put the switch on the dash.
The second complaint is that my CD player is suddenly skipping half the time. Though, simply ejecting the CD and replacing it seems to fix the short term effect. I'm about to go in for the 12,000 mile oil change, so I'm going to talk to the dealer about it.
As far as your mechanical problems, I wish you luck in your endeavors to find restitution. It is unfortunate that you have to resolve to getting legal help. But, from what I hear of the quality of dealerships, I do not blame you one bit.
As far as the cosmetic problems, I have some advice. Getting a good, professionally buffed wax job on your black paint job will make worlds of difference over the sprayed on hot wax used in drive through car washes, or even a hand buffed home job. Even if you buy your own buffing wheel and do the wax job by hand, it will help.
But with the tinted windows, I can't sympathize. You put it on yourself (or had someone put it on) so you can't blame Pontiac for that.
Finally, if you really want serious stereo sound in a car, you are going to have to get an aftermarket stereo. Most production cars do not come with a capable sound systems, despite assertions to the contrary. When you're buying your next car, save the money on the sound system at the dealer and use it to get a good system installed.
Good luck to you.
But you are correct - if I worry all the time I will not enjoy the car. Usually the worrying takes place in between the time I spend in the car. When I'm in the car I enjoy it like no other vehicle I've ever driven.
Some people have said the seats are uncomfortable. A co-worker rented an SE and hated the seats. Maybe the GT seats are that much different, but I like the way the seat fits me like a glove. I like the stereo, especially the steering wheel controls.
I like the body shape, the spoiler, and the body ripples. The car is very unique, especially amongst the hideously boring Japanese sedans.
Again my advice to you is not to worry about all of the bad posts, you read in here and just have fun driving the great car that you have. If the Grand Am was really that bad of a car, why have they consistently sold over 200,000 per year since 1985. Also in the rare case your car breaks down, that is what a warranty is for. If you still are worried, pay more on your loan every month so that when the warranty runs out you can sell it. Again just enjoy your car and stop being afraid you have a great car!
thanks
If you're going to be doing a lot of snow driving in rough conditions (mountains, steep hills, deep snow) get something with 4WD and serious snow tires. If you're mostly spending time in a residential area that gets snow but clears it off the main roads on a regular basis, you'll be fine. Even short excursions into the mountains for ski trips are no problem for the tires on the GT. Admittedly, many ski areas are serviced by well traveled routes.
There are people who buy an extra set of rims and put snow tires on them, trading them off and on the car as the seasons change. If you have the cash to spare, it wouldn't be the worst thing you could do.
with the 4 cyl/5 speed? How is the mileage. How is the power? Are there any magazine road tests of this powertrain out there?
With 4 snow tires and rims this car will be great in the snow. (next year) Waiting for more snow...
I
martha10. That is still interesting to hear on the steering. The only times I have had any complaints about my steering is very hard acceleration in the 45 to 50 mph range. It was the effect of torque steer and although surprising seems understandable due to the power (rather the torque) of the 3400 engine. I have drive my GrandAm at 80 mph and passed on the highway with complete stability, this is deffinetly not something I do often though. Hopefully another car does better for you when you trade, try something with not as much torque as the GrandAm.
Happy Motoring All,
Stephen
Also, to comment on the negative posts on the Grand Am site: If you look at the other sites(ie. -Honda) they too are full of negative posts. I believe that people who have bad experiences tend to be the ones who post more, and maybe(?) this is not a good overall poll of everyones experience rating. Your opinions please.
I just did my first oil change MYSELF on it. I had the garage do it before and they overfilled it by a full quart, they also spilled some oil on the engine, and they over torqued the oil pan bolt. I use to always change my own oil on my Buick and I thought that I would try the dealership since it was free for the first one. Changing the oil on this car in general really is not bad. I have deffinetly done much harder. I had drained about a half quart out when they overfilled it but now that the oil level is at the right level the engine even feels more powerful.
Which Grand Am did your daughter get? I wish that I had the money for the GT but my SE1 with V6 is no slouch. The cornering and brakeing are very strong on mine. I like the looks of the interior. The radio is not as clear on FM as it could be but the CD player sounds good.
Hope she enjoys her car.
Stephen
Happy Motoring,
Stephen
However, I prefer to buy a GT when the Pontiac Company offers a factory rebate.
What is Pontiac's history of offering rebates on the GT during its current model year? Does anyone think that Pontiac will offer a rebate after Christmas?
Here's how I got my '99 GT1 for less than invoice:
1. I bought mine on the last business day of February. That is probably one of the worst months for car sales, especially in areas with snowy climates. And, on the last day of the month, the salesmen will do just about anything to make their quota.
2. I went in late in the afternoon and kept them open late to make the deal. Patience really pays off.
3. I managed to get a salesman who was new and hadn't delivered a single car yet. In a lot of cases, new people aren't on commission yet and will make deals easier that established salesmen won't like to. Cruise the lot for a month or so and identify the faces so you can pick up on the new guy when he hits the showroom.
Good luck.
Question: What is the difference between the SE V6 and the GT V6 Ram Air. Is it just the Air intake that is different, or is the exaust pipes bigger also. Could I just put in the Air intake on my SE V6 and voila I would have a Ram Air? Is the timming different? Is the computer different? If you know what is different, please let me know.
To be honest, though, I test drove both models and couldn't tell too much difference. Of course, I wasn't able to take either vehicle through it's paces during the test drives. I think both models are very good, and are much better than other similar-size cars on the market.
Hopefully your son does not like to speed, the GrandAm with V6 really moves.
Good Luck,
Stephen