2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 146k miles

Engine: 2.4L DOHC 4-banger pushing out a tire burning 150 HP.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic. Shifts smoothly. What else needs said?

Interior: THIS is why I love this car. Grey cloth interior. Round air vents. White gauge lights during the day that illuminate red at night. Control/radio switches all angled toward the driver. I read somewhere the cockpit of a F16 was the inspiration for the layout of this car's interior. I've sat in the cockpit of an F16 before, and I'd believe it. Power windows, power locks, cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD radio, AC/heater, etc. Front passenger window will not roll down (or up), not planning on getting it fixed until the glass slips out of it's current state of "rolled all the way up". Driver's seat has molded perfectly to my ass, so I can sit comfortably for hours. Wheel is shaped perfectly, shifter fits my hand perfectly. Other than some cigarette burns in the seats/headliner, cracked dash near the front defogger, and a dingy look in certain areas (probably related to the previous owner being a smoker), the interior is nearly flawless. Trunk is big enough for my purposes. Wish the interior had a bit more "pop". Maybe some chrome trim, but can't think of how to pull it off tastefully.

Exterior: It's dark red. With lots of scratches. Headlights are clear. Due to an electrical gremlin, one of the two bulbs that are part of the right turn signal doesn't work. It looks like it would be a fast car, but...it's anything but. I do enjoy the styling regardless.

Misc: Bought this car off e-bay with 88k miles on the clock for $3000 in 2007. Flew into Philly and drove it home. It's been a GREAT car so far. No major mechanical issues yet. I try my best to maintain it. Worst thing that's gone wrong so far is an issue with GM's anti-theft system (PASSLOCK). Occasionally the car thinks it's being stolen so it won't start. Takes 10-15 mins to reset the PASSLOCK system. After that, it'll start nicely for months before derping again.

I only wish it was faster with a better engine/transmission. If I had the money, I'd drop a LS1 with a 5 or 6 speed automatic in. Talk about a sleeper!

All in all, considering it's a Ponticrap and should probably be dead by now, I feel quite fortunate whoever built this particular car seemed to be paying attention to the line that day.

N-body... a cold shiver just went down my spine.

Hahahah yes. That was a pretty enthusiastic review for one of the most appalling interiors of the past 15 years.

Posted by Samurai N-body... a cold shiver just went down my spine.

AND it has a quad 4!

Posted by bandi AND it has a quad 4!

no no no, you silly goose... its the 2.4L TWIN CAM... the engine that was supposed to make us forget ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL about the Quad 4 and it's oh so swell issues.

LOL....well I like it. I do wish the interior didn't feel so cheap. I bet if it were redone using real leather and not melted legos dyed grey it'd come together nicely.

As for the motor, it's going strong after all these years. MUCH better track record than the 3.4L V6 that also came in these cars...plus the gas mileage isn't all that bad for a pretty heavy car.

But let's be real. It's a Pontiac, not a Bentley.

Posted by WarBird69 LOL....well I like it. I do wish the interior didn't feel so cheap. I bet if it were redone using real leather and not melted legos dyed grey it'd come together nicely. As for the motor, it's going strong after all these years. MUCH better track record than the 3.4L V6 that also came in these cars...plus the gas mileage isn't all that bad for a pretty heavy car. But let's be real. It's a Pontiac, not a Bentley.

actually, it was the 3100 THEN the 3400... and besides they're the same engine family, 60-degree V6. Biggest issue with those was the gaskets. Lowest bidder= lowest quality and sucketh they did.

I know. I have a 96 Beretta with the 3100 in it.

Posted by Samurai actually, it was the 3100 THEN the 3400... and besides they're the same engine family, 60-degree V6. Biggest issue with those was the gaskets. Lowest bidder= lowest quality and sucketh they did. I know. I have a 96 Beretta with the 3100 in it.

When I decided I wanted a GrandAm, I made 100% sure to steer clear of a V6. I didn't feel like dealing with a LIM blowout. I know the LIM issue was supposedly fixed in...02 or 03, but I HAD to have a 2001 for some reason.

I had those intake manifold gasket replacements down to a science when I worked at GM.

2004 Ford Crown Victoria LX

67,xxx Miles

Color: Vibrant White w/Deep Wedgewood Blue pinstripes down the belt line.

Engine: Smooth and torque-y but otherwise kinda lame Ford 4.6L V8 (2 valve) factory rated at 224hp 265lb-ft torque. However, it sounds like 04+ were usually about 245ish hp and closer to 300lb-ft torque.

Transmission: Ford 4AOD (with Auto Over Drive, clearly)

Interior: Light gray leather, power everything front seats, giant queen-sized rear bench. Needs a good cleaning soon. Best part of the car, though.

Factory premium wheels (could use a good buffing/polishing).

Average fuel economy: 18-21.5mpg on the tank, depending on how heavy my foot is. 26ish mpg on highway trips.

So, the Vic... aka Sex Panther aka My Big White Cock aka Two-and-a-Half-Tons of Fun. Seriously, it has a running curb weight of about 5000lbs with a full tank and me.

I love this car. It's a blast. The limits are so stupendously low that you can really enjoy this car on a daily basis. I usually roll with the traction control and the OD off, so then I can kick the back end out a little more easily. It's so easy to drive, and tracks light a freight train even with a slight alignment issue... I actually drove for about 10 miles on the highway without touching the wheel once. Not kidding.

Wife loves sleeping in the passenger's seat, since it's basically a la-z-boy. We can fit 4 adults and tons of crap, or 6 people in a pinch. 6 people and luggage. oh, and Bandi and Julie could convert the trunk into an apartment. And I would still have room for luggage. Yes, it's that big. Over 21 cubic feet of trunk space... like a huge standalone freezer.

Super smooth ride, nice and quiet overall... if you get your foot into it, it'll roar some, but with about 6000 rpm rev limiter, nothing too crazy. It's set up more for torque than top-end, so it kinda burbles and the transmission whines when it's under minimal load. It's how you know you're at super low RPMs because it just drones a little.

I got it for a song from my grandfather, who had it sitting for a year. He used to race Fords at the dirt track, and always had a full-size otherwise.

I love it. I'd like it to be faster and more stylish, so maybe after the 4.6 turns over 100k miles, i'll look into a heart transplant. I'm thinking a Boss 302 for a gorgeous Boss Victor. Yeah.

i now have your name and address...
bwahahahahahaha

Posted by Samurai i now have your name and address... bwahahahahahaha

That's cool, Scott. Come visit! We'll have a couple beers.

Love it. I absolutely adore full size v8 rwd sedans, one of my favorite cars I've ever owned was a 96 Grand Marquis named Marge.

Posted by CDSbigsby Love it. I absolutely adore full size v8 rwd sedans, one of my favorite cars I've ever owned was a 96 Grand Marquis named Marge.

My Vic is decidedly a boy... why else would the 98-11 whale generation of the panther platform look so much like a dick if they didn't want it to be a boy?

Have any of the rest of you driven an 03-newer Vic with the revised suspension and the power rack and pinion instead of can & ball steering?

I know Sam was ribbing me when I got it since nothing can beat his beloved Caprice/Impala (or any Chevy in general ) but I've had the former head of GM Rochester Powertrains take my car for a ride and he was amazed with the overall ride quality and (hahaha) handling for a 17 foot long 5000lb ride.

I know when my mom had a Mercury Marquis, she had the air suspension package and it was 02 or earlier, so it still had the sloppy old steering with the sneeze zone, the older frame, and the older suspension setup.

I've driven a few late CVPIs... freaking awesome car.

Posted by bandi I've driven a few late CVPIs... freaking awesome car.

it wasn't the handling that left me cold on the Police Interceptors. It was that fucking boat anchor 4.6L. As hard as Ford tried to make that a good engine, it always felt to me (regardless of what it was bolted to), that the engine would rather be somewhere else, doing other things rather than moving the car around.

i think the GM's still had the right combo of factors that made them a better car. But of course, 1996 came along and POOF no more RWD GM. (FACEPALM...no fuck that...SELF ABUSE!!!!0

Posted by Samurai it wasn't the handling that left me cold on the Police Interceptors. It was that fucking boat anchor 4.6L.

Yeah... I've noticed the lack of piss and vinegar. It's such and easy drive and there's plenty of torque for just taking it easy and cruising, but it could use a bump in power and less hoggish fuel consumption.

BMW X5 4.6IS - not modified

4.6L V8 350HP
loaded with every option available except heated steering wheel.
Silver on Black leather, heated/million way power sport option seats, sunroof, navigation, 20" rim package, cold weather package, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, premium sound incl. 6 disc changer/sub/amp, rear adjustable air ride. Also has 18" rim/tire package for winter (Michelin X-Ice XI2 & Touren TR3 rims)


This German beast has been the ultimate in love hate relationships.

The Good
It is easily the most fun auto to drive that i've ever owned. It seems like there is no end to the power, and it handles like a sports car, yet still has room for my golf clubs and hockey goalie gear with room to spare. Ditto for my mountain bike and camping gear for the trek into Banff. The seats are insanely comfortable on long road trips. The AWD system coupled with winter rubber is seriously kick ass in winter (as good or better then my Hummer and Audi's)
BMW has some pretty neat features baked in that are worth mentioning. A first aid kit built in, a flashlight in the glove box that charges with the vehicle, window and sunroof opening via key remote, self charging key, split screen nav (music and nav displayed at once), sun shades built into rear doors and probably a bunch more i'm not thinking of.

The Bad
Premium gas, which seemingly disappears in town driving but not so bad on highway. $120 fill up takes me 575km on the highway. about 400km city driving. A few oddities like having to scroll through too many menus' on the nav system for what should be basic functions, lack of compass, useless cargo net hooks in rear cargo area. As good as the AWD and traction control is, it's probably TOO good. Atleast my Audi's allowed for some fun sideways driving, while in complete control - thank you Quattro. The BMW allows for ZERO fun. One hint of away from straight center driving and it slaps my wrist, grounds me for a week and puts me back on the straight and narrow. Also is expensive to insure.

The Ugly
Maintenance $$$$$
BMW = Bring My Wallet
No such thing as a cheap or even reasonably priced fix on this bastard child.

The End Result
Whatever I own next will surely be a driving disappointment compared to this animal.
I will likely own another X5 a few years down the road, when I can afford to shell out $100 grand and get a new one under warranty (hello X5-M)

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2000 Dodge Ram
179k miles
2 wheel drive, regular cab, long bed, "base" model




Engine: 3.9 L Magnum v6. Not the peppiest of engines. Rather unbalanced, as (or so research has told me) the geniuses at Dodge designed this engine by knocking 2 cylinders off a v8. (Correct me if I am wrong on this... but I wouldn't put it past them). Gas mileage is around 17-18 hacking around town. Bone stock.

Trans: 4 speed auto. Due to some serious neglect, it slips in cold weather. (Explain that later) Not a fan, but I'm biased. Trans cooler installed, mostly out of necessity.

Interior: As basic as basic gets. Manual locks, manual windows, tape player, basic bench seat. Fairly boring and very uncomfortable on any trip longer than a half hour. However, I will give this truck two things: The AC and heat will both blast you out of the cab, and the sound system is actually not terrible for being stock. It was bought as a work truck, and it serves that purpose.

Exterior: Rhino Liner was done by previous owner. Color is two-tone, white with gray cladding. Rusting in the wheel wells BADLY. Driver's side rocker panel about completely ate away. Truck used to belong to my dad, and has taken a few hits from coworkers at his old job's cramped parking lot. Front passenger turn signal housing cracked from my brother learning to drive. Tailgate still functions. Basic wheels. However, this is my favorite generation of the Ram/Dakota. I think the lines on this truck give it a real aggressive look.


General: For what I paid for the truck (nothing), I can't complain. It serves it's purpose: Gets me around locally. It's made a few long-haul trips (Detroit-Cleveland) with no issues other than numb butts. My dad seriously neglected this thing. A band on the trans came loose and he never adjusted it, so that's about shot. When we got it, it was almost dead. Oil hadn't been changed in 50k miles, suspension was shot, coolant was brown, heater core was dead, and spark plugs and wires hadn't been done ... probably ever. Somehow this thing is still alive and kicking. My dad got rid of it because he no longer trusted it on his 80-mile round-trip commute to work. He gave it to us to see if we could do anything with it and said "No hard feelings if you scrap it after the summer is over". 8 months later, we still have it, it still runs, and is actually doing much better. Still has trans issues, especially in colder weather. I wouldn't trust it cross-country without some heavy maintenance, but locally, it's just fine. Not my first choice of vehicles, but again, it was free.

Future plans are to relegate it to camping and hauling stuff only.


And just for funzies, here's (part) of the rest of our fleet:


Back to front:

1983 Trans Am -- 305 V8, auto trans, Pepto Bismal pink. Not ours, working on it for a friend. Engine is blown (starts very reluctantly and knocks and smokes)

1998 Volvo V70 Wagon -- Either the 2.0 or 2.4 I5 turbo engine, auto trans, leather interior. Bought it after it had been t-boned. Only thing needed fixing was the driver's side front control arm, driver's side front rim was cracked, and driver's side front fender. Soon to be bf's daily driver/road tripper. White now, he plans to Storm Trooper it.

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 --- Blue, 5 speed with short throw shifter, 215k miles. BF's current daily driver.

2000 Audi A6 Quattro -- 150,xxx miles Green, 6-speed manual, twin-turbo (upgraded turbos), leather interior. Bought with body damage. Currently down for the count with a problem typical to that year: Shift collar for 1st and 2nd freezes. Tried to fix it the cheap way, but that only lasted for a month. Plans for this are fix it correctly ($1000 for the part or $1500 for a whole new trans), put it back together, and sell it off. Fun fucking car when running right. Gonna miss it

2002 Mustang GT -- 120k miles, Sonic Blue, 5 speed manual, v8. Tons and tons and tons of go-fast and look-good mods on this. BF's track/fun car. Some of the mods I know off the top of my head: racing cams, Detroit locker, short-throw racing shifter, racing clutch, lowered, custom exhaust, deep dish rear wheels. Fun as hell on a straightaway in warm, dry conditions. A bitch any other time.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee -- dunno much about it, it's a friend's he was working on that day.

Not pictured: 98 black ZX2 (roomie's... 149k, 5 speed, CAI and custom exhaust) and my Ram.