(Updated August 10, 2004, near the bottom)
[May 14, 2004]
Donating my decent-running 182,259 mile
1995 Grand Am gave me plenty of confidence in my purchase of a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT last week.
I was looking for quality, reliable vehicle that was stylish and reasonably priced -- I didn't want to pay for depreciation that I would never get back.
Its only been a week, but I am in love with my Grand Prix. For those people skeptical on a 1 week review -- I promise, as I did with my 1995 Grand Am review, to update my review periodically (adding to the bottom of it).
The first thing -- the styling. WOW! Sharp silver, a black pin stripe, combined with nicely (but not overly) tinted windows and black, leather seats. It's a beautiful vehicle, and it turns heads.
The ride is extremely smooth and quiet. The V6, 200 hp engine is powerful -- but not TOO powerful. Going up hills and passing people on the left has become a bit easier than before. The steering is tight (my purchase had just 24,712 miles on it). It is a low car with a sportier suspension, meaning you do feel the bumps. But the shocks absorb them well. Working for a rental car company, the bumps do not hurt as bad as those in any Ford Mustang!
The interior quality is awesome. The dashboard lights up with a bright orange at night -- I think people either love it or hate it! There is a lot of plastic on the inside, and some fanatics may not find this appealing.
The car features dual climate control, AM/FM radio with CD player, with an equalizer to control the speakers. On the steering wheel are radio controls. The cruise control, wipers, and blinkers are on one super stick on the left. The lights are located to the left of the steering wheel, on the dashboard.
The leather seats are comfortable. I have always found GM vehicles to be very comfortable, and this is no exception. The car seats four people comfortably. The back seat is not extremely roomy, but it could seat two average teenagers with moderate comforts.
The trunk is very big, so if you do any traveling, do not fear! The middle of the back seat pops down with cupholders ... and folds down once more if you are carrying long items, such as skis.
I would've like to have the GTP edition, with the supercharged 240 HP engine. However, the price difference is a bit too much, and the GT does get better gas mileage. And 200 HP is nothing to complain about, as I am not a professional racer (but a frequenter of the Mass Turnpike!).
I am happy with this purchase. With under 25,000 miles, the vehicle is still a baby in many people's eyes. I'll keep you all posted as my journey continues with this vehicle.
[May 14, 2004 above]
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[August 10, 2004 below]
Today is my 25th birthday. And I celebrated it a little early in a road trip to Atlantic City. Having not been to AC since I was 8 years old, I was exciting to be returning to reminisce a little, as well as to showcase my Foxwoods-honed gambling ability. I would also be picking up a friend along the way; in three days, I drove more than 700 miles. This truly was a good test of my vehicle.
My 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Coupe now has about 30,950 miles on it -- about 7,000 miles since I purchased it in May. It has been great for my short daily commute to work, as well as my weekend trips to Foxwoods, Boston, and the local beaches in New Hampshire. But those trips are never more than 1 1/2 hours; my trip to NJ and back totaled more than 13 hours.
The results: my car is very comfortable. Driving will never feel spectacular after 4 or 5 hours, and driving over 13 hours in less than three days won't make anyone jump for joy. But seriously; there were no moments that I was truly discomforted.
The key is the roomy front seats (my friend was in the car for about 6 hours as he lived 2 1/2 hours from AC, which was a good breaking point for me). They are wide and roomy. I'm not a big guy either, but hey -- I'm adult sized I think!
I drove for four hours straight from near Worcester, MA and picked my friend up outside of Morristown, NJ. After an hour break, we continued down the Garden State Parkway to Atlantic City. This was BY FAR the most challenging part. What was supposed to be a 2 1/2 hour drive turned out to be over 3 1/2. We were stuck in stop and go traffic for three rest stops and over 40 miles.
Yet the air conditioning, leater seats, and steering wheel radio controls were great for keeping my calm and relaxed, as well as someone to talk to (my friend, not the steering wheel). By the way -- the radio controls on the steering wheel is a great idea when you are outside of your local area. Since you don't know any of the radio stations, it actually serves its purpose -- changing the stations without the need to take your eyes off of the road. I notice when I am home and my presets are available, I still look down -- I don't know why, but that's what I do!
We stopped and easily parked in the skinny Tropicana Casino garage. After 13 hours straight of boardwalking and gambling throughout Atlantic City, we made our trek back to Morristown. My car drove just a great on the way back, and with no traffic, I enjoyed long periods of 80 M.P.H. driving.
Last night I made my trek home, and again I got caught up in traffic going to the Tappin Z Bridge. But after that, it was smooth sailing, and my car handled well. Its breaks worked well since everyone in New York feels the need to hit their breaks every 10 minutes on I-684. Curvey Hartford, CT was no problem either, even with speeds varying from 50 to 70 M.P.H. And my 15 minute power nap at a rest stop was comfortable in the reclined leather seats of my Pontiac. I finally got back about 5 1/2 hours later from my departure in New Jersey to my destination in Massachusetts.
So for long road trips -- its a great vehicle. Plenty of trunk space for my luggage, and great front seats for adults. I can't tell you how the back seats are because I haven't sat in it.
Stay tuned for another update in September.
JTN
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