love and hate: what do you like and dislike about your GA?

[donalson]

the subjet line says it all... what do you like and dislike about your GA? why?

mark

[donalson]

ok i'll start

good
- the body looks nice, exciting lines and such very good compared to that of most other non-exotic car companies
- fairly comfortable inteior (save the seats) lots of little nooks and cranies to put and stash stuff
- the center armrest... perfect for cruizing w/ the shifter in hand (even though i don't get to shift the car myself :(
- engine... even though it's the 2.3 OHC rather then the DOHC it seem to do the job rather well, lots of tourqe compared to what i'm used to and it gets around 23-25mpg when i'm delivering pizza w/ it (stop and go stop and go, worst thing in the world for a car)
- nice plush ride
- huge engine bay, lots of room for a turbo back there ;-)

i'm sure i'm missing some but i'll think of it :)

BAD
- engine placment... who the HELL though the engine should go almost 2 feet in front of the axles? that does absolutely nothing for the handeling :(
- followed by the last point, the chassis seems to lack greatly in the handeling department compared to other cars i've driven, even the jap econo boxes :-/ (i will give it that it has less body roll then my geo but less stick to the road)
-who the hell came up w/ the trunk seal design?... the car is less then 10 years old and was babbied to death, but when i 1st got the car and checked out the spare tire the tire well was completely full w/ water.
- headlights this is a minor complaint but the change over from low beams to high is nasty, why couldn't they make it so both high and low where on at the same time?
- seats, in typical GM fashon they have no lateral support and are all around up there w/ the park benches i've sat in, the seats also need to sit about 1 1/2" lower


well thats pretty much it :) i know most of my dislikes are fixable w/ some work which may or may not be done one day... just like to see other owneres responses.

mark

[Jason Lesbirel]

I hate the speed governor and the lack of a manual transmission....that's it.

[GrandAmageGT]

Body roll and the lack of a manual transmission are my only dislikes.

[Artic]

Originally posted by GrandAMage GT
Body roll and the lack of a manual transmission are my only dislikes. I agree with the above but the body roll can be taken care of :)

[apple jacks48]

this isnt much of a problem though., but i dont like how when I back up, I cant see jack squat of the back windowl.

[SpecialFX]

THE GOOD:

Great styling
Awsome power for a 2.3L engine
Always been reliable
Good gas mileage


THE BAD:

Engine set-up makes some parts very hard to get to
Horrible brakes (esp. rear)
Vibrating dash
Water leakage
Seats could be better

[BBT]

I have a 95 Gt 4 door.

Likes:

Looks
Performance
Comfort
Convenience (fold down rear seat)
Roominess (relative to the size of the car)
Equipment (full instrumentation)
Reliability

Dislikes:

Chintzy materials
Poor brakes
Lousy alternators (they have been building cars with alternators for DECADES! Why do thery fail so frequently? I'm on my 3rd one in 3 years.)
Seats OK, but bottom cushion too short, and bolster material is starting to sag.
Leaky trunk - think it actually leaks in from around rear window
lack of good cup holders. Those things on the cubby flip-down are more like cup launchers over bumps
Foot actuated parking brake. How quaint - at least it isn't the pull out type

For all the dislikes, the likes still out weigh them. I love this car!

[MJE95GAGT]

95 GT 3100
Likes:
- Looks
- Comfort
- Fully loaded
- Decent power
- Decent handling
- Decent gas mileage
Dislikes: (lets just say I have put more in for parts and repairs then I did to buy it)
- Tranny (auto weak and no manual)
- Intake manifold
- Alternator
- Brakes

[Mike00SE]

My only complaint is the lack of gauges in the dash. Would be nice to know your oil pressure and alternator output. Why did GM take the gauges out?

[sunrunner_pei]

Originally posted by Mike00SE
My only complaint is the lack of gauges in the dash. Would be nice to know your oil pressure and alternator output. Why did GM take the gauges out?

Not to get off-topic, but that's easily fixed with a guage pod from Lotek. :) But I agree 100%

[sunrunner_pei]

The Good:

Great Styling
Adequate Power
Good Handling
Awesome interior
Good build quality
Lots oof standard and optional equipment
Reasonable price


The not-so-good:

No manual transmission with V6
No Oil Pressure and voltage guages from the factory
The new mirrors are ugly (IMHO)

[Dman97SE]

LIKES:

a. surprising power from a little v-6
b. e-brake right next to shifter (weeeee)
c. when my car is washed, it looks sweet
d. decent gas mileage
e. super reliable, haven't had to touch the engine in a year except to change oil.
f. looks good with 17" Moda r-4 wheels
g. Interior looks awesome

DISLIKES:

a. body roll
b. no manual transmission for the 3100
c. stock speakers suck
d. hard to find parts to customize, but when you find them they are EXPENSIVE!
e. looks like a cheap car unless it has tinted windows, and maybe a better spoiler.
f. spoiler (I want a better one!)

[SC/TGrandAm]

Dislikes:

NO manual tranny for the GT.
The 2002 mirrors look like hippo ears.
the car rattles after 6,000 miles, interior rattles, rear deck,etc.
Cheaply built- power windows break.
Rotors suck in the 99's i went thru 2 sets.
Wind noise is horrable.

[SteveGT1]

- The 3400 needs to be matched with a 5 or 6 speed gearbox.
- GM needs to re-design thier gaskets.
- I can never get my drink in or out of the cup holder when the car is in the park position
- The GT model should have a computer/HUD similar to the GP
- My leather seats need heaters! lol
- The moonson volume knob is useless, goes up when you try to turn it down.
- The SC/T should function.
- The chrome techs need to chrome, or GM needs to fix the damn noise that they make when moving. (is there a TSB on this??)
- Now I'm dreaming...an optional GM approved SC......and maybe some strippers when you purchase??????:-)

[HighwayProwlerz]

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
The Good:

Great Styling
Adequate Power
Good Handling
Awesome interior
Good build quality
Lots oof standard and optional equipment
Reasonable price


The not-so-good:

No manual transmission with V6
No Oil Pressure and voltage guages from the factory
The new mirrors are ugly (IMHO)


Instead of typing out all my stuff good and bad... I am quoting this one. This is exactly how I feel. I HATE those new mirrors. I would love to replace mine with the old style mirrors from the 99-02s

[PurpleGA99]

hmm what i love about my car is the color of course...the ribbed look, the dashboard..things i hate about it is that i am getting tired of it and that i really wanna get a mazda6...

[tattooedcouple]

we love almost everything about our gt..would be nice to have heat in those leather seats...cold winter mornings suck

[Travis99GT]

Likes are about anything OTHER than the dislikes:

Dislikes:
Too small of engine compartment, spark plugs suck to change.
No manual tranny.
Lack of real good aftermarket.
Seats get uncomfortable after lots of driving(too hard)
Rattling interior pieces(grrr especially when it's cold)
Brakes suck.

[TA^Guy]

Shawn your list was near perfect for me, so I stole it also but added a few little things...
The Good:

Great Styling
Adequate Power
Good Handling
Awesome interior
Good build quality
Lots of standard and optional equipment
Reasonable price
Nice wheels
Not common among ricers
It's a GM!

The not-so-good:

No manual transmission with V6
No Oil Pressure and voltage guages from the factory
Lack of lateral support in the front seats
Small aftermarket

Originally posted by apple jacks48
this isnt much of a problem though., but i dont like how when I back up, I cant see jack squat of the back windowl.
You think thats bad try backing up a new Celica or even my mothers EclipseGT.

[Travis99GT]

I agree with the back window thing... I hope it's better after I put the springs on my car, it just seems to sit so high and I'm always afraid of backing into something :agree:

[donalson]

ok i'll agree w/ the blind spot issue DOH... and yes the auto tranny sux :( but its not as horid as some i've driven... but i can't complain to much about the auto tranny, the car was GIVEN to us :)

and yes who though the foot e-brake was a good idea?

oh and the steering wheel is pretty nice, takes a while to get used to the bulges at 10-2 though.

as for aftermarket... i'm used to a lack of it, the mr2 has parts avalible from japan-land all day long but you pay a premium for that... we seem to find our own ways of fabing stuff amongst ourselves for that reason

overall a fairly nice car though...

mark

[tommymcc]

97 gase

likes: good power for a 2.4
looks good
i like the red interior lighting

dislikes: the brakes
the crappy power windows
my faulty electrical system
everything rattles
the cup holders don't hold the average 20oz bottle(i've spilt many code red into the passenger seat while turning
sthe back seat area is really small, even for a 4 door

[LoneRangers15]

Rust, Rust, RUST!!!!!!!!!

[WhiPontiac]

Likes:
-Gas mileage
-Room for 4 + their bags
-Ride
-Ease of using radio and A/C controls
-Really good A/C and heat (Well, in my car at least)
-Reliable
-Cheap to buy
-Looks!!
-My factory white rimz
-Decent factory system
-Safety

Dislikes:
-Rattles in dash and sunroof
-Almost no aftermarket parts for 98 and earlier GAs
-Insurance
-Paint
-Needs just a little more power
-Seat bottoms are flat and low
-Damn cupholders!

[mom2mac]

love pretty much everything EXCEPT blowing head gaskets & heads on every single GA I have ever owned....

I mean can 1 lil girl be THAT hard on 4 cars?????

[klc317]

I really hate my factory issue Goodyear Eagle RS/A tires. They are OK as far as tires go, but the rubbing noise (after repeated tire rotations) is driving me nuts. For a year old car with less than 15,000 miles, I'm kinda irritated at the fact that I have to buy new tires of another brand. As far as any other problems I have had (the leaking trunk, "popping" drivers door hinges, bulging black exterior trim, etc.) the dealer has fixed and been satisfactory. Otherwise, I love my car. Anybody wanna donate $450 for new other brand tires since GM won't? I'm also not very impressed with the brakes. For having 4 wheel discs, I would expect alot better stopping power without so much foot effort. I do like the sound system and overall quality of the car, not to mention the "fun" driving factor.

[USMCspy]

Likes:

Great room, especially for a 2 door
Great Power
Awsome gas mileage (when I don't get on her to much):rolleyes:
Quiteness, mine doesn't rattle at all; maybe I'm lucky (41,000 miles)
Body mostly made of metal (I hate plastic cars)
Made mostly in the USA
Affordable
Great looks without being a cop target
Lots of old people drive them (adds to above, plus underestimated)

Dislikes:
Cost to mod
Stock Governer
Haven't found a way to get a 6 speed in yet :D
Too few people are modding them
GM wont build a real sports car off version
Configuration of Engine makes it hard to fabricate for it
Seats need lumbar support at least
Brakes work well, but wear out to fast:angel2:

[Cmnky16]

Like

Exterior styling
Interior styling
Door lock/unlock features
Color
Power 3100
Reliabilty for so many miles
Inexpensive
It's a GM

Dislike

Power windows are slow!!!!
Water leak trunk and interior.
Seat is worn out underneath and has little support
Windshield washer sucks, only sprays passenger side because the hose keeps breaking
Gas mileage isn't great
Door panels are loose and squeak when pushed
There were rattles but i fixed all of them:)
Air always comes out the top vents.
Wind noise
Gas light and gauge!!!


I think my likes override my dislikes.

[USMCspy]

one more like, wider is better:D

[XtremeGrandAm]

Like-
Exterior styling-sporty and unique you know its a pontiac
Engine- love the Ecotec engine I will miss it in my next car
Interior Styling- Unique looking and pleasant
Ride Quality-extremly smooth, very little bumps or road noise

Dont Like-
Interior Quality- Some interior parts could be of a better quality to improve the overal look.
Brakes-Brakes warp, stopping isnt that good expecially with rain snow or ice.
Steering- my power steering problem where the power steering goes out
Gas Mileage- Terrible gas mileage
Electrical System- My saturn could take my current system without a major drain in the electrical system. The GA cant take it even with my cap the draw is too much. I also dont like the door chime relocation (although more and more gm cars are switching to a class 2 system)
Power windows- I agree are very slow the sunroof is too.
Price-I think the price is too high currently for what you get
Rear Visiblity- I agree you cant see anything when backing up. First week I backed into a car in a parking garage

[XtremeGrandAm]

Originally posted by HighwayProwlerz
Instead of typing out all my stuff good and bad... I am quoting this one. This is exactly how I feel. I HATE those new mirrors. I would love to replace mine with the old style mirrors from the 99-02s
The 2002 Model GA's have the new style mirrors. They dont really bother me

[RomeoGAOC]

Likes:
1) Damn good power for a 2.3 L
2) Nice Body look
3) ICE COLD A/C
4) Hot as hell heat
5) Pretty decent stock speakers
6) Reliable
7) Pretty good gas mileage
8) Love the sound a good exhaust makes on my GA

Dun Dun Duuuunn
The DISLIKES!

1) Body Roll....oh my lord the body roll
2) Wind Noise
3) Stupid IDI ignition (too many problems and nobody else but us knows a damn thing about them)
4) There is no place in the world other than over-priced Mantapart that supplies aftermarket parts.
5) rattles...Rattle.....RATTLES!

theres a bunch of other goods and bads but they've all been said before.

[TurboFreak]

I like

- The power from the 2.0L
- The turbo
- Manual tranny
- The colour coded motor
- The seats are comfortable


My dislikes

- Seatbelts in the doors don't retract quick enough, to easy to rip the door panels with them if you're not careful
- Can't see the tach when the steering wheel is tilted down


I can't think of anything else right now, but i'm sure their is more!

[antirice]

like- cheap parts break away when you land in ditch rather than the expensive ones
plenty of trunk room for bodies, er, um, I mean tools and speakers
big back window
potent 4 banger
I love the red paint...on the drivers side (pass. side was wrecked and painted horribly!
It hauls!

dislikes- when wheel is tilted, can't see top of speedo
engine is sideways in engine bay
20 oz. pop bottles fall out of doors when going into corners
I don't like the way the motor is set up

[jerseygt]

Good:

Its red and looks nice.
v-6

Bad:

Tire noise
Brakes
The stupid movable cup thing/ ashtray that doesn't really fit.
Cupholders - try and put something in them at night
Horrible sound system and control
2 way power seat doesn't work
seats unconfortable
no oil or amp guages (old one had them)
Lights that are always on in daytime.

[gt karl]

'97 GT coupe.

What I like;

Styling
Decent performance
Good fuel economy
Lots of options

What I don't like;

The fact that it's cost me $2700 in maintenance and repairs in the two years and 40,000 miles I've owned this thing!! It would have cost even more if I hadn't done some of the work, and if I hadn't gotten a discount on stuff I didn't do, because my daughter is a parts manager at a auto repair shop!

[Toutsuu]

I guess I've taken care of most of the dislikes with my mods, the eibach springs do a world of good for handling... just wish they made more for the suspension...

The thing that bugs me the most right now is that steering thing which I'm sure is somewhat random but it squeeks and bings once in a while...

Other than that it seems like I hit my knee on the steering wheel everytime I go to shift or get out of the car.

Everything else I like, the style, the ride, the fact that it's one of the strongest engines in it's class.. etc.

[statikk]

Besides these few things I Love everything about my GA!!!!

1) You have to take your drink out of the cup-holder before you put the car in park.

2)Cheap stock speakers

3)wind noise- I always think one of my doors are open

4)Radio knob - It always goes up when I try to turn it down

5) I HATE THE REAR BUMPER!!!!!


I think we should compile a list of all the bad and good things that are mentoned the most and send it to GM, because they need help!!!!! :cool:

[Gimli]

Originally posted by XtremeGrandAm
The 2002 Model GA's have the new style mirrors. They dont really bother me

Not all of them, mine has the old GP-style mirrors.

I think they got the new mirrors on the 2002.5, same time they started not putting badges.

[GAGTWI]

Originally posted by jerseygt

Lights that are always on in daytime.

If you're referring to the DRL's (Daytime Running Lamps), you can turn them off. Click your parking brake up one notch so that it doesn't engage, but turns of the DRL's.

If it's your headlights, you have problems with your nighttime sensor for the auto on headlights.

[GAGTWI]

My list:

Likes

The styling of the coupes is awesome in the '99+s
(The pre 99's were cool until the '99 redesign :))
The performance is awesome
The handling is 25X better than my wife's Civic
The stock speakers sound great compared to most factory ones
Thick steering wheel
Radio/Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel
Automatic Sunroof
Remote Keyless Entry


Dislikes
Volume knob increasing volume when turning down (good thing there's controls on the steering wheel)
Water leaks
Tire rubbing noises
cheap power windows
Repair bills

[TEAM_AED]

Dislikes:
Brakes suck
alternators suck
cheap plastic interior parts
seats uncomfortable for long trips
No V6 5 speed!!

Likes:
Power
styling
color choices
96-98 headlights

[SC/TGrandAm]

i need to add another one:

ALTERNATORS SUCK and so do the Batteries. Mines are already dieing POS :2up:

[Thin_J]

I'm exceedingly happy with my car. It's a complete dream compared to the old taurus. Some of the more common gripes about things like seat comfort and the sound system don't seem to be things I have issue with. I'm pretty comfortable sitting in my GA.

The only big complaint I have so far is the volume knob turning the volume up when I first start to spin it down, but someone posted an apparant fix for that a bit ago.


And.. forgive the car enthusiast newbie for asking a silly question.. but:

What exactly does "body roll" mean??

[VanishingImage]

nah my 97 is piece! hahaha......no way! I like everything about it so far....Love the one piece clear headlights.Nice body styling,no problems with it and its on the 64k mark.Only but likes for this GA owner.

[crazeyGT]

Likes:
Body Style
Cruise Control
Tilt Steering Wheel
Power Everything

Dislikes:
Battery is dieing
Headlight bulbs are blowing up (hehehe)
Electrical stuff - lots of problems with that

But I still Love Her :)

[L!m3]

Originally posted by TA^Guy
Shawn your list was near perfect for me, so I stole it also but added a few little things...
The Good:

Great Styling
Adequate Power
Good Handling
Awesome interior
Good build quality
Lots of standard and optional equipment
Reasonable price
Nice wheels
Not common among ricers
It's a GM!

The not-so-good:

No manual transmission with V6
No Oil Pressure and voltage guages from the factory
Lack of lateral support in the front seats
Small aftermarket


You think thats bad try backing up a new Celica or even my mothers EclipseGT.

or my dad's neon expresso :(

[1992grandam]

92 4 door SE

likes-
-looks stylish for a 4 door
-has lots of pep for a SOHC 4 banger
-roomy interior
-plenty of trunk space
-and last i love the handling, other ppl may not agree but compared to what else ive driven i think my GA has the best handling.

dislikes-
-cupholders are in wrong space
-and who the heck doesnt put a tach on their cars??am i the only one who doesnt have a tach?
well thats about it, i love my GA and for all its worth i probably will always have one even tho it might not be my only one.

[gt karl]

Originally posted by Thin_J
<snip>

And.. forgive the car enthusiast newbie for asking a silly question.. but:

What exactly does "body roll" mean??

Body roll is what happens when you throw a GA into a corner at a speed above crawling. The body literally starts to roll, because the forward weight bias. Because these are front-heavy, and front wheel drive, they are not designed as sports coupes. They're marketed that way, but front-heavy FWD cars are good for going straight. I drive mostly freeway, so I don't consider it an issue, but if I were a young whippersnapper, like many of you, it would be problem for me. :D

[GA1999]

Likes -

Styling
Surprisingly fast for a 2.4L
Gas Mileage

Dislikes -

No damn transmisson dipstick.......whoever the engineer was that came up with that grand idea should be shot in front of a firing squad.

No lighted ashtray.......instead we get a lidded cup that goes in a cupholder space......ugh....just stupid...

Stock Radio and speakers (Since replaced with an Alpine Receiver, Polk Audio 4x6, 6x9, 10" Alpine Sub, 300W Mono Alpine V12 amp)

SIDE POST BATTERY CABLES!!!!!! (Can't GM just ditch this dumb idea???? Every other car maker has top post cables)

Various torx headed screws throughout (So they can strip and have to be drilled out, another grand idea by GM)

Chinsy mounting of upper back seat cushion with black clips that fall out when you remove or reinstall the seat.

Automatic on headlights...that cannot be shut off without pulling the e-brake before turning the key......every other GM car has a slide switch to shut off this feature.

Automatic door locks that lock when you put the car in gear. Thank god someone at GM had the smarts to allow 4 settings for the locks. Setting 4 shuts this useless feature off.

Chinsy hubcaps that rattle while going over bumps or drving at low speeds.

Clear plastic headlamps that pit over time (Why they won't use glass lenses is beyond me)

Screws that hold the air cleaner cover on instead of speed clips....makes checking the air filter even that much more involved.

[Mindgame8]

Likes:
exterior design
interior (for the most part except for the rattles)
exceptionally reliable (motor has just crossed over to 170k with nothing having to be done to it but now it's starting to wear out)
decent power in the 3100

Dislikes:
the whole car rattles over time
not enough aftermarket and when there is....it's expensive!
no 5 speed!!!
3100 engine hard to work on

there are other likes and dislikes but like everyone else, they have been said already including some of the ones i posted. I love my granny and i'll never sell her but i'm gettin to where i want to get something newer. either a new gt or a mazda 6 (if i could ever afford it...(drool)) I think i might move on to a different car other then pontiac though even though i love mine. i'm young, time to try something different.

[BBT]

I have to add one more dislike, that has appeared from time to time with this car & now that spring is coming and I can clean the car & see it - the PAINT! It is flaking from around my wheel wells again! This time it looks as though I won't be able to control it with undercoating like I have in the past as it is cracking above the fender lip. Painting will likely be my only hope.

Why oh why does GM do so many things well, then do so many others so crappy?!?!?!?!?! How hard is it to properly prep and apply paint to a car so it STICKS!!!???? :pissed2:

[yonkman]

I got a 96 and I hate that dam removable ashtray, and the fact that thers not nearly as many aftermarket parts as the other years.

[Trenaur2kGT]

Likes:

Gas mileage
Great power for a V6
The body style is absolutely killer!
It's GM
Am I the only one who likes the factory 5 spoke rims?

Thing's I'll live with:

When in park the cup holder doesn't hold my Big Gulp cup so well:)
Body roll
No option for Manual tranny
A HUD would be sweet like the GP's have
The auto tranny needs to be more beefy to handle torque from heavier modding

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by crazey0279
Dislikes:
Battery is dieing
Headlight bulbs are blowing up (hehehe)
Electrical stuff - lots of problems with that

But I still Love Her :)

Well if you didn't have (gasp) APG and/or Boomers install all your stuff I don't think you'd have those problems. lol

[master]

Originally posted by GA1999
Likes -

Styling
Surprisingly fast for a 2.4L
Gas Mileage

Dislikes -

No damn transmisson dipstick.......whoever the engineer was that came up with that grand idea should be shot in front of a firing squad.

No lighted ashtray.......instead we get a lidded cup that goes in a cupholder space......ugh....just stupid...

Stock Radio and speakers (Since replaced with an Alpine Receiver, Polk Audio 4x6, 6x9, 10" Alpine Sub, 300W Mono Alpine V12 amp)

SIDE POST BATTERY CABLES!!!!!! (Can't GM just ditch this dumb idea???? Every other car maker has top post cables)

Various torx headed screws throughout (So they can strip and have to be drilled out, another grand idea by GM)

Chinsy mounting of upper back seat cushion with black clips that fall out when you remove or reinstall the seat.

Automatic on headlights...that cannot be shut off without pulling the e-brake before turning the key......every other GM car has a slide switch to shut off this feature.

Automatic door locks that lock when you put the car in gear. Thank god someone at GM had the smarts to allow 4 settings for the locks. Setting 4 shuts this useless feature off.

Chinsy hubcaps that rattle while going over bumps or drving at low speeds.

Clear plastic headlamps that pit over time (Why they won't use glass lenses is beyond me)

Screws that hold the air cleaner cover on instead of speed clips....makes checking the air filter even that much more involved.

GA1999, I have a few replies to your dislikes:

Sealed transmission doesn't need the fluid level to be checked so no need for a dipstick, to make it more "maintainance free" for most owners. Plus, manual transmission cars don't have dipsticks either and they don't complain.

I don't smoke and many others don't either so now I can remove the ashtray and not have to look at the useless feature.

Stock radio does suck.

No comment on the DRL's. I personnally like them but that's just my opinion.

Auto door locks are a great feature for urban driving so I don't have to worry about car-jackers. Plus, they unlock automatically when you turn off the ignition anyways.

Don't know about the hubcaps, I have the 16" polished aluminum wheels.

They sell headlight protectors at PFYC.

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by GA1999
Likes -

Styling
Surprisingly fast for a 2.4L
Gas Mileage

Dislikes -

No damn transmisson dipstick.......whoever the engineer was that came up with that grand idea should be shot in front of a firing squad.

No lighted ashtray.......instead we get a lidded cup that goes in a cupholder space......ugh....just stupid...

Stock Radio and speakers (Since replaced with an Alpine Receiver, Polk Audio 4x6, 6x9, 10" Alpine Sub, 300W Mono Alpine V12 amp)

SIDE POST BATTERY CABLES!!!!!! (Can't GM just ditch this dumb idea???? Every other car maker has top post cables)

Various torx headed screws throughout (So they can strip and have to be drilled out, another grand idea by GM)

Chinsy mounting of upper back seat cushion with black clips that fall out when you remove or reinstall the seat.

Automatic on headlights...that cannot be shut off without pulling the e-brake before turning the key......every other GM car has a slide switch to shut off this feature.

Automatic door locks that lock when you put the car in gear. Thank god someone at GM had the smarts to allow 4 settings for the locks. Setting 4 shuts this useless feature off.

Chinsy hubcaps that rattle while going over bumps or drving at low speeds.

Clear plastic headlamps that pit over time (Why they won't use glass lenses is beyond me)

Screws that hold the air cleaner cover on instead of speed clips....makes checking the air filter even that much more involved..

Can I add a few to your list? lol

The torx head screws are far better than normal phillps, or slot screws. They have more positive contact points so stripping the head of them is harder to do.

I don't know any automakers using glass lenses. Especially for a car under $30g's, do you?

The stock radio is well, a stock radio what do you expect? Actually pretty damn good for a stocker too.

The hubcaps rattle becuase they are held on by the lugnuts, no snap clips on the edge. This prevents you from loosing them. Hit a bump they may rattle but you won't lose them like others.

And the DRLs are a safety feature thats why they can't be shut off. You can't shut off the drivers side airbag either. And most other GMs you can't turn the DRLs off either.

[SmokinGT00]

Likes:
1 appearance
2 stance
3 interior (seats aren't too bad, love the 6way power)
4 reliable
5 nice stock rims
6 not too many mod a GA, which makes our modded GA's even more unique
7 stock radio & system aren't bad at all
8 radio controls on steering wheel
9 the red color dash lights instead of green or orange etc
10 automatic locking doors
11 removeable ashtray (dont smoke, just tossed it out!)
12 I just love the car, period!

Dislikes:
1 crappy rotors
2 leaking in my 2 front doors (all fixed)
3 drl's (took care of that with a kit :D )
4 wind noise (took care of that too, if you go in your trunk, underneath the carpet on the passenger side all the way towards the rear bumper, there's a vent....get a towel and stuff it in there, voila!!)
5 those damn RS-A's!!! (fixed that too with Yokohama's)
6 huge ass stock muffler (that was definitely fixed with a nice magnaflow)

BTW, on 99+'s the ebrake trick doesn't work for disabling DRL's,
for wind noise notice dislike #4 to fix that

[Trenaur2kGT]

What's DRL's?

[master]

Originally posted by klc317
I I'm also not very impressed with the brakes. For having 4 wheel discs, I would expect alot better stopping power without so much foot effort. I do like the sound system and overall quality of the car, not to mention the "fun" driving factor.

GM designed the brakes to be firmer and require more effort because it gives better feel to the brakes and you can modulate it better. I hate how the brakes on many Japanese cars are soft and mushy and require more pedal travel to stop the car.

Car and Driver did a comparison test between the Alero GL (with RSA tires) against the other Japanese cars and turns out the Alero has the most grip (0.81 g) and shortest braking distance (180 feet for 70-0 mph) with minimal fade. This, going against the Accord, Camry, Altima, and Galant.

[GA1999]

Any automatic without a tranny dipstick is just ridiculous. Manual trannys never usually have one anyway. How in the hell are you to see if the fluid is dirty or not? Especially when buying the vehicle used? A lot can be told about a vehicle by the condition of the transmission fluid. Are you supposed to trust some nit wit at a GM dealer service dept??? Suppose a leak develops......how are you to add fluid to the transmission??? Run to the GM service dept everytime??? Just another way for GM to get a kickback on service, and to make backyard mechanics like myself unable to do their own maintenance.

Anyway, judging from the amount of complaints I've seen on N-car transmissions, I guess I don't have to worry about checking fluid levels.....because with or without regular maintenance, they all seem to give out before 100K. I can see that I made a poor decision in purchasing this vehicle...I hope that time will prove this incorrect....because the 92 T-bird I traded for it had 266K on it, 220K of which I put on it myself. Aside from a head gasket letting go at 206K, never a day's trouble with the old T-bird......always started, got me where I needed to go, and very easy to do maintenance on.

[SmokinGT00]

DRL's are daytime running lights, stock on 96+ GA's

[GA1999]

As for the DRL....that's fine.......

I was referring to the fact the lights turn on automatically at night. All that is just more electronic crap to break later on down the line. The switch I was referring to is more commonly known as the "Twilight Sentinel" feature, which most upscale Buick Park Ave's, Olds 88's and Chevrolet Caprices have. My father has a Caprice LS, and there is a rotary switch to shut this feature off. Appparently Pontiac didn't feel the need to give us a $10 switch.

[TA^Guy]

Ok makes more sense.

Maybe it's just the wife and I but I like them coming on by on their own. One more thing I don't have to worry about. And as for electronics breaking I think turning a switch on and off over time will wear out before the sensor will.

[JFab713]

LIKES:

-styling
-body
-interior
-mods


DISLIKES:
-My passenger seat breaks every two weeks or something like that ( i finallly ordered a new one yesterday)
-brakes
-steering wheel vibrates
-everytime i go over a bump or down a slope the underside of my car by the front tire get scratched up



Dont get me wrong i may have more dislikes, but i LOVE MY CAR!!!

[master]

Originally posted by GA1999
As for the DRL....that's fine.......

I was referring to the fact the lights turn on automatically at night. All that is just more electronic crap to break later on down the line. The switch I was referring to is more commonly known as the "Twilight Sentinel" feature, which most upscale Buick Park Ave's, Olds 88's and Chevrolet Caprices have. My father has a Caprice LS, and there is a rotary switch to shut this feature off. Appparently Pontiac didn't feel the need to give us a $10 switch.

I also have a 1989 Olds Cutlas Ciera with this auto headlight feature and you know what? It still works just the same as the day I bought it.

How many of you have Aleros? I drive an Alero GLS (it's the same car as the GA GT). But I've talked to many Alero owners as well as my friend who's a service advisor at an Olds dealership and it seems Alero owners don't have nearly as many complaints as GA owners in terms of transmission, vibrations, etc. I've got a few theories on this:

1. Aleros are made better than GA's (probably not since they're on the same factory)

2. Alero owners treat their cars better.

3. GA's are generally bought by younger people who trash their cars trying to do burnouts and neutral drops. Or lower the cars and install 20" wheels (this all puts stress on the suspension).

I'm leaning towards #3. Also, GM makes the smoothest and most reliable transmissions on the market today. But must realize that the 4T45E is NOT a performance transmission and shouldn't be treated as such.

[GA1999]

True Bolero...

I tend to treat my cars better than the average owner.....and certainly better than a kid would. After all, I did manage to get 266K out of my old Ford......and that's quite a record....for a Ford!! Regular maintenance and no horsing around helps. We all go thru that "wanna race??" phase when we 1st get our license. I am well over that phase. I guess I am just a little apprehensive thusfar. It takes awhile for a vehicle to earn my trust. Overall I guess I am pleased. I get 29 mpg on the highway, it rides smooth and it is in mint shape. I was hard pressed to find a mark on it at the dealership. $7500 for a '99 GA SE1 with 50K I thought was pretty reasonable.....and a clean carfax report as well. Anyway.....nuff on the rants.....wish me luck.

[Themeneea]

:offtopic:


i woundering what pushing a car is? i mostly take off at around 2000RPM, and when im on the hiway i do about 140KM/h at about 2500 for 30-40 mins. plus i punch it to 5000 once and a while. is this driving to hard and giving excessive wear?

thanks

[master]

Pushing it hard is when you floor the car to redline often and then jam on the brakes at the next stoplight. Repeated doing this will put excessive wear on the transmission and brakes (the engine itself is surprisingly durable). Too much of this stoplight racing will seriously shorten the lifespan of your car.

So no, you're not pushing it too hard.

[blckgrndam99]

dislikes

-tranny
-very plain dash
-horrible back seats
-NO SUPERCHARGED/TURBOCHARGED version

[Grandam02chick]

good things about my ga
-ecotec motor to help me save gas
-moonsoon stereo system awesome
-moonroof
-my chrometech whls (love em
-traction control
-body looks awesome after washed and detailed
-interior

now here comes the bad
-already had to replace my driver's side strut mount
-front windows continuely sratch everytime I roll them down
mind u this is a 2002 se1
-1 wk after I had my rear tire was flat
-antenna kept on popping out under pass dash
-car had 14k on it and had to replace brakes
brakes from gm are crappy quailty
that's about it

[ladiesmanga]

The only thing I really dislike on my 97 SE are the lack of real cupholders. Nothing fits in there.

Alot of the complaints i'm hearing are stuff that I thought was good....my brakes are awesome....my backseat is plenty big (especially after having a 94 Cavalier....), I don't like driving manual anyway (I sit in traffic, everyday, on the highway for about an hour...)

I love how it looks and everything. I saw it and fell in love with it.

[Bouchie11982]

ok lets see..
what i LIKE
-how my car looks so dead sexy after its been washed and put shine on the tires
-the brightness of the headlights
-on a dreary, cloudy day, the tint on my car get really dark, almost looking like its 10%

what i DISLIKE
-the way it hits REALLY hard when i go over bumps
-the way the steering wheel "whines" when i turn it
-the way my headlights look, (there seems to be a gaping between my hood and my headlights)
-the way it handles when i turn corners
-its 10 YEARS OLD!

hmm i seem to have more DISLIKES then LIKES...kinda tells me suttin :D

[Bouchie11982]

oh i forgot one for DISLIKES...how my neons are nowing turning PINK instead of being the normal color Red...:\

[Riley1123d]

-Likes-
Never having to touch my headlight switch
DRL's
The fact I have a 6 when all my friends have 4's haha
Locking gas door
I love my car, she's my baby.
Everything I havn't mentioned!

-Dislikes-
Nothing I can really think of. I'd like a laser cut key, or a dash mounted ignition, but ya I'm not gonna go complaining.
Had a broken window regulator.. but things happen

[Riley1123d]

Originally posted by ladiesmanga
The only thing I really dislike on my 97 SE are the lack of real cupholders. Nothing fits in there.

Correction, my cell phone fits nicely:lol:

[Bouchie11982]

ok i hafta add more to my DISLIKE list
-i have CRANK down windows...
-my back seat bolt is stripped, so i cannot get the seat out :pissed:

[RyanB]

03 GA SE2
Likes
-The way it takes corners
-The seats they are actualy comfortable
-The interior setup
-The display at night

Dislikes
-Horsepower
-Little windnoise
-Brakes

[ladiesmanga]

Originally posted by Riley1123d
Correction, my cell phone fits nicely:lol:

Well, I guess some stuff does fit. I've been using mine to house my CD changer commander.

[SonicTron]

Likes:

Style and look of the car
Its pretty new (2001)

Dislikes:

2 door instead of 4 door
Automatic transmission when standard is available (and not even an option!)
lack of spoiler
2.4L 4 cylinder weakness
no power anything (even my power steering does not function right)
the horrible rotor problems
the suspension
the color, it is Grandma Gold
the leaky trunk, the weatherstripping coming off everywhere
the road noise (some from weatherstripping of course)
THE HANDLING, DEAR GOD THE HANDLING. This thing handles corners like a truck :(

[SmirkingRevenge]

Likes:
- Unlike others, I actually like how my car steers. I haven't had a real problem with body roll. If I try to corner with my dad's Impala like I do with my Grand Am, THEN I have problems with body roll. :lol:
- Body style and size of the car.
- Lots of get up and go for a 4 cylinder.

Dislikes:
- Terrible suspension. I've replaced the shocks and struts and it still rides just as bad. Nothing like throwing away tons of money for nothing.
- Electrical system. Even the battery cables won't stay on. I'll just leave it at that, or I'll be complaining for pages.
- Dull paint. That's one thing I hate about GM in general though. Is it that hard to actually use paint that shines and has some life in it? Maybe a few more colors instead of the usual basics?
- As many have said, the seats are uncomfortable for long drives. I commute 60 miles one way to work, and my neck and back are always killing me by the time I get out of the car.

[MASSmetal2000]

apple jacks48...Opeth rips dude \m/!

Anyway, I love my 2000 GT, I too would rather it had a 5-speed and maybe a turbo charger that's stock, and for the love of God I hate how I spilt anti-freeze on my belt and now it squeeks to high hell, and I'm just gonna put a new belt on it. Sometimes my radio has a mind of its own, the volume will turn down then up again by itself, and you go to mute it from the steering wheel control and it turns right back on again, maybe it's a electrical issue, but other than that, this is a kick ass car. Had it 3 months, can't wait to get some cash and do stuff to it!

[FusionGT]

2003 GA GT Coupe

likes
-The motor-pulls the car along quite nice, and sounds rather healthy with the exhaust I put on
-The monsoon system- Sounded incredible for what it was, good bass and treble sound. Still replaced it all though lol!
the sc/t package-love the hood and the wing, sets it off quite nice
-Fusion Orange Paint- Stands out, its different
-chrometechs-makes the car look good, love the shinyness
-moonroof-love how it slides over the roof and not into it, gives the car a sportier appearance

dislikes-

brakes- having constant problems with them, rotors being the big issue
rattles- good god, they are everywhere...and the cars not a year old
transmission-very tempermental, some times it does all the right things while other times its reluctant to downshift, upshift etc...
paint quality-there are chips everywhere
starter- the car does not always turn over on first try. This has been an occurence since brand new, and I dont know what to do to fix it.
Wheel sensor-been through two of em already, not a happy camper about that...
gas mileage-It drinks like its a v8! I average about 20 mpg...dont know whats wrong there

I love the car though, and Im enjoying every moment with it...I just am not certain how long it will hold up.

[Prospeeder]

Originally posted by Trenaur2kGT
Likes:


Am I the only one who likes the factory 5 spoke rims?



Well, the factory 5 spoke rims, silver or chrome, look pretty cheesey, especially the chrome, and the siver aluminum ones look like plastic and the silver coating is chipping off for some reason! But this car is awsome, I feel bad for those with like 2001's who get it as a SE, Plastic Hubs, 4 door, and a 2.4L engine when a 3.4 H.O. is easily gotten! even on the SE ones for 1999+ But the power windows do break easy, and we had a 1992, and our 1999 and we had no leaking in the trunk. And the wind noise might be the windsheild, ours had the seal broken and made horrible wind noise and whistling, so check that. And im no car expert, but is 0-60 in 8.4 seconds (stock for 1999+) good. And im considering street racing my stock 1999 GAGT (3.4L) against my friends 1997 Ford Mustang Coupe, could i win?!

[car_haulin_dude]

All in all, not a bad vehicle(i have owned worse) but along with all the usual suspect problems...ie power windows, brakes, power mirror stick, poor wiring my latest endeavor has been with the motor(why they used an olds motor for one year i'll never know). Coming home from work a few months ago on the interstate the number 1 piston decided it didnt like being captive in the cylinder anymore.....imagine my surprise when it came out from under the car doing 75mph.....it did manage to get me to the side of the road(still running)

Now, its just sitting in the drive way collecting pollen and dust. Trying to find a good used motor close to K-Town. please email if you can point me int the right direction.

Bill

[beckybun]

I love my car to death. It has the perfect amount of power for my daily driving situations.

What I don't like? I don't know about yours, but my GA has terrible blind spots. The black paint is a pain in the butt for maintenance because everyone seems to think it's ok to scratch my paint (but black was my choice so I can't complain too much.)
My boyfriend and I both have complaints about the air vent controls...no way to close the vents & not "foot only" setting for the air.

Other than that I am so happy w/ my GA!!

[navybluese00]

ya know - i never thought of that - there is no way to close the air vents. they borrowed the style of the air vents from older pontiac models, but you could close those - wonder why these don't.
Anyway, likes:
just about everything, except the God-damn brakes!!!!!

[Prospeeder]

whats wrong with the brakes, that stop fast enough, they dont lock up, and hare good for winter!

[Trevlya006]

like - looks, feel, handling with the strut bar, rims, headlights,

hate - the fact that GM took no time to make the SE feel nice at all, i had to drive a GT as a rental and i fell in love imediatly, just the amount of time and thought that went into the GT is amazing, from the leather wraped wheel, the holes in the headrests, the lumbar support on the seats, to the oval shaped mirror.. the SE just lacks those little things that made the ride just a little bit better

but anyway, i do love my SE! we have gone through lots!

[Bouchie11982]

ima add MORE:

what i dislike:
the car has puddles, the new paint on teh bumper is kinda fragile (its starting to chip off a bit), and there is still a damn grinding/rubbin noise coming from the engine/under the hood area

[digital-d]

I don't remember if I replied or not, but I'll just type it up anyway:

Like:
styling
leather seats
it's a GM

dislike:
slow
no power
electrical problems
automatic
sits too high off ground
sloppy handling
too much stuff breaking/needing replacement
btw, did I mention that it's slow?

[BleakGT]

Dislikes so far - gas mileage

In my Sunfire GT I was averaging 26 mpg. Big step down to 19 mpg. Tis okay - she is still worlds sexier than the Sunny!

[Corey96SE]

I wish it were manual and wasn't goverened.

Good style.

[Requiem]

Love:
The handling
The fact that it's a GA
The color
The engine (little v-4 with a kick)
The milage per gallon

Hate:
The age of the car
The little electronic problems (my power locks don't work, the left turn signal light in the front doesn't come on unless I'm using it)
He's always leaking fluid from one part or another
I can't see my RPMs... I don't have a gauge for it
The engine will poop out in another 30K

Overall, my car is in great shape, but the little problems add up to a lot of annoyances.

[Prospeeder]

I ask again, whats wrong with the brakes?

[Colin]

Originally posted by Requiem
The engine (little v-4 with a kick)
It's an inline four I-4 :D

[zos]

Originally posted by Themeneea
:offtopic:


i woundering what pushing a car is? i mostly take off at around 2000RPM, and when im on the hiway i do about 140KM/h at about 2500 for 30-40 mins. plus i punch it to 5000 once and a while. is this driving to hard and giving excessive wear?

thanks

Going 87mph (140KM/h), especially for 30 to 40 minutes, would be considered putting considerable stress on many engines, IMO. But many people do that and more on American highways, so it's not uncommon.

As for my likes and dislikes with my '93 Grand Am SE, which I have had for just a week, here they are.

The Likes:

- Much smoother ride than my old '88 Accord LXi.
- Far quieter than the old car.
- More pep than my former car.
- Considerably larger than my former car, giving the illusion that it would be safer in an accident, which it probably is, but only by the smallest margin.
- Being a larger domestic model, most things are easier to get to under the hood.
- Attractive, modern appearance over my prior car, even though it's still over 10 years old.
- Nice options included in my car.
- Far more comfortable seats than what I'm used to.

The Dislikes:

- I'm not sure, yet, whether I prefer ABS brakes or regular. I'm leaning toward regular.
- Does not handle as tightly as my Accord did around town, which probably has a lot to do with the increased size.
- Things like the hood latch and other levers and latches are not up to the standards of my previous car. I bent the hood latch with minimal pressure when I had something caught under the hood and was trying to open the hood back up, for instance.
- I have an intense dislike for the fact that the lowest end engine, which is in my car, is a known lemon from GM. This has me dreading what may happen in the future.
- The squealing under the hood when I crank my steering wheel.

I think a lot of the nit-picking on things has to do with everyones' prior experience. I myself am so far very grateful to have the car, and it beats every car I've had in the past, overall. This is coming from someone who really disliked the exterior look of all Grand Ams and vowed not to buy one. Well, I didn't buy it, but the opportunity came up where someone was willing to give me one that was in disrepair (currently $1000 of repairs, with more needed in the future), and I have now fallen in love with the look of the Grand Am.

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by zos
Going 87mph (140KM/h), especially for 30 to 40 minutes, would be considered putting considerable stress on many engines,
Can't honestly say that driving a given speed in general is being hard on said vehicle.

A safer judgement would be to say beating a car would be at whatever rpm. Especially since each vehicle goes **mph at different rpms. Even a '99 GA SE with a 3.4 V6 has a different RPM at 87 mph than a '99 GA GT with a V6. My '92 Z28 would cruise down the highway at 85mph and just edging out 2500rpms. IMO, the reciprocating mass of the piston at 2500rpms (less than half of what redline is) wouldn't be considered being hard on it. And setting a ideal rpms wouldn't even be correct since each piston and reciprocating mass in each motor differs, which is one factor in a motor's 'redline'.

[mthegodfather]

Small aftermarket support is my main complaint with the car.

[tgussie666]

Hmmmm......likes:

Styling....slow people tend to move outta way by seeing me in the mirror. Has a certain "take no prisoners" look to it.
Handling....I haven't really had problems with the new one so far.....but I will be adding stuff to fix that.
Interior....I like it, but the seats could use a little more for the fanny perpendicular.

Dislikes........

Anything that has AC Delco on it.....i.e.alternator, battery (except plugs)
Leaky sunroof....my '98 had a bad leak, and before I steam cleaned the interior, it smelled like death in there.
Substandard speakers.....after 1 month I replaced the rears with Pioneer 4 way 6x9's.....much better. :pontiac:

[AznGA]

I just like the distintive styling that I never get sick of. They could have got more HP out of our V6, but 3400 is a nice big torquey engine.

But I hate cheap brakes, lower intake gasket leak, scratches front windows.

I wanted a new 4 door car back in 2001, so it was between this car and 02 GP GT 4 door. GTP's are fast, but they are $$$ new. I just liked the looks of GA more, so I went with it. Plus both of my parents' cars I drove for long time were full size GM cars with 3800 engine, so I thought I would own a different engine and a smaller car.
:)