So, my car search for the spring is kicking off and I'm in major research mode--I'll probably buy a car in springtime as soon as the snow clears (I hate waiting, but bah, oh well). I was looking at getting a '00-'03 Olds Alero or a '01-'04 Dodge Stratus (V6, only). Now, since I do love my Bonne so much, I was considering staying in the Pontiac family. SO....what are everyone'* thoughts on the '99-'03 Grand Ams? I think during these years some were made as four-bangers, those I would definatly avoid. I think after a couple of years driving a V6, I'm not going to be happy without one. Ideally I'd get a GT but, I might go with the SE trim. Any thoughts, feelings, or opinions either way?

Sol is yer man on that one, his mom has a NICE GT....the Alero is nice too, a bit higher up on the trim level quality then the GA, but its essentially the same car. Has a peppy 3.4L with a lot of potential.

GA has a nice aggressive look to, just not a fan of the circular dash fitted to the gages. Othewise, its a sweet car.

Good luck!

Yeah, I like the look of the grand am'* in those years. For some reason that body style looks really good in silver which is my first choice in colors (I'm just really really tired of up keeping a black car). About the gauges I would have to agree, but I would be willing to overlook that.

My aunt has a 97 GA SE and my sister has a 99 Alero. I would take the Alero over the GA. The 3.4L V6 is strong inthe Alero (no Bonne of oarse ) Both cars ain't bad.

there are about 10 of those in my small *** town here. And they are ALL silver. They all suck too, they are all the base $12,000 ones. I have ridden in a few, and driven one [a 4 cyl.], and it felt more gutless then my mom'* 100hp beetle. It is a basic car, that'* really the only way to sum it up. Its no bonne, by any means.


-justin

I'd lean Alero, for fit and finish reasons. But if you want that sportier look, GA/

Once we had a stripped down model of a GA for a loaner...and HATED it. So I understand that if it is the base model then it'* a very basic car, but what I'm looking for is a fully optioned, V6 GA SE or GT.

We bought Kendra a 2002 GT1 brand new....she loved it. Small, good power, good on gas, great little around town car, not so great on long trips. Only reason we got rid of it was for her SSEi.

I love the new Grand Am GTs! I learned how to drive in what is now my brother'* 97 GT, and I have driven around my mom'* 2003 GT a lot. Contrary to popular belief, they are very excellent cars. They handle well, they are comfortable, they have a lot of features if you get the GT, and the engines are solid. The new ones have the 3400 V6, which makes plenty of power to move around the car. Even if you get the SE model, still try to find the ones with the 3400. The 4-banger doesn't cut it.

I highly recommend a GA if that is what you are after.

I'm in the same boat too. We're thinking about selling our 93. I'm actually looking for Cavaliers (just like them and know them rather well).

However, I've been researching the Malibu'* (with the 3100). I haven't been finding the best information on the 3100. I even talked to the service manager at a VERY large dealership and he said that the 3100s and 3400s are plagued with coolant issues (more severe than the 3800s). The primary issue is with the lower gaskets leaking with no forwarnings (no seepage, just completely rupture) and can cause engine damage, obviously. The worst part is that he sees it starting as early as 15,000 miles. In my enviornment of high mileage, I'd had to see those issues starting after only 40,000 miles (or when the vehicle is only a year old).

Not that this website is the bible, but read some of these testimonies:

www.gm-v6lemons.com

You have to take each story with a grain of salt, but none-the-less, you need to be an informed consumer.

Just my $.02, but do your research.