Pontiac Grand Am vs Mitsubishi Galant

[berndawg84]

Hah, I realize this is a pretty unglamorous comparison unlike looking at some sports cars, but I was wondering what people though about this..

I was wondering what people thought about these two cars...after looking at different makes and models for awhile, I've decided on one of the two, probably a 2001 or 2002 model for either of them. So, which do people think is better? I don't really need a car with a lot of frills or anything, just something that's reliable, will last me awhile, and has at least some power and is a decent ride. As of now, I'm leaning more towards getting the Grand Am over the Galant, but I'm open to any suggestions or comments...

My max spending for the car would be around $11,000 or $12,000.

I figured that, for around that price, these would be 2 of my best options...I didn't want to get anything slower than these 2 like a Civic or something, those are too boring

Or, does someone else have any other idea for a fairly newer model that's a good car for around that price? Like I said, it doesn't really have to have all the frills, I just want something with at least around 140-150 horsepower, and simple amenities that come standard with most cars...thoughts?

Thanks in advance

[genjy]

The recent Grand Ams are good cars. The v6 Grand Am pulls hard and it is pretty sporty and solid in its own right. Its recent styling has been toned down a bit for the better, but it is still very bulky and quirky in that Pontiac way. I think the Oldsmobile Alero is a better choice in terms of styling... it is basically a Grand Am with different interior and sheet metal.

The 4-cylinder Galant is very fun to drive. The i4 motor is very revvy and the car feels very light. I don't feel it is as comfortable as the Grand Am, but the Galant's interior design and material seem to be better. I haven't had a chance to drive a v6 Galant one, though.

If I had to choose between a v6 Grand Am or an i4 Galant, I would choose the Galant because it FEELS better built and the interior isn't as funky as the Grand Am's. They are both fun cars, though.

[BP2K2Max]

a girl i know has a galant. it's nice i guess but it's slow as hell. i would say look into honda's, nissans(my fav), or toyota's, but of the cars listed i'd get the pontiac i guess.

[blackshine007]

I would say get the Galant. If you ever decided to supe it up, there's a lot more stuff available for it. I hope that you're aware that they still make the VR4 but this time around it has a twin turbo'd V6 out of the 3000GT VR4 making 276 hp Even though you can't get the V6 in 5 speed form, you can swap trannies with the Eclipse GT and be no problem. keep in mind that the 3000GT VR4 that used to me here made 320 hp.

The Grand Am don't have as many aftermarket parts as the Galant but you can buy the cars fairly cheap. The model to get would be the G/A GT for the better gear ratio and Ram Air induction.

[TorinoGT69]

Both of those cars are poorly built and do not hold up well. I would suggest picking something else.

[jayman12_23]

mitsubishi's wear out fast if that matters.

[berndawg84]

Thanks for the opinions everyone...

Yea, I have heard bad things about how long Galants last, but heard that Grand Ams last a little longer.

I mean my max spending would be around 11,000 or 12,000, and I'd rather get something with a little more power, like one of these 2. I'd also rather have something that isn't older than a 2001 model, with maybe 30,000 miles on it max. I just want it to last me for awhile.

It seems like everyone's suggesting to not get either of these 2 models, so I guess any other recommendations for 2001 or 2002 models of any brand, that at least drive nicely, decent horsepower, and will last awhile, would be cool

I know I could end up going with a civic or corolla or nissan sentra that will last me awhile, but then again those are pretty boring cars haha...and pretty small too. I'd just rather have something with a little more horsepower...Maybe I could look into the Mazda 626 too, dunno, I'll keep thinking about it. Thanks for the suggestions though, keep them coming

[prospeeder]

Hey, i have a 1999 Grand Am GT and its realitivly fast, it hits 60 in about 6 or so second so id say its fast, they last much longer than some mitsubishi, and i wouldnt suggest getting a 2000 or higher, the 99 GT is much faster than the 2000 or up GT so its just a matter of choice for you and i got mine for 12,000.

[freakonaleash1187]

a nissan sentra would be a lot more better choice imo. i have heard they are a sleeper at the stoplight.

[HandofDoom]

Where I live,theres a Simmons Rockwell dealership that has tons of Grand Ams on their lot.I looked at a 2001 that had 24,000 miles and they wanted $8,000.00.Not bad if you ask me.Their sharp too,I love the styleing inside and out.If I was 6'4" I would probably buy one,but there too small for me.

[HandofDoom]

You could probably get yourself a GT for $2-3K more.

[Jimster]

Galant is what I would take and pray that the transmission (A charectaristic Mitsi weak spot) holds up, they are awesome cars to drive and the V6 is an inspiring motor. Of course the USM market model does look a little goofy and the quality I'm not sure about, the only Galants I have driven were built CKD in New Zealand.

[Lamborsari_Merbini]

if i had a choice i'd take the grand am. my tv is a mitsubishi (0-60 channels in about 5 seconds) but i'd still say the grand am has more kick to it and has all the benefits that you'd expect from an American car

[tmjok231]

I own a '99 Grand AM. Nice car. Not only will it get you where you want to be, it will get you there quick. The 3.4 liter V6 SE model has 170 horses stock. That's more than what you even asked for at a more affordable price. And as far as comfort, the SE model Grand AM is comfortable. Regardless of what other's say, no.. it is not a luxury vehicle, so it is not going to satisfy the stubborn. I drive my car several times a day, and the other comfort problem I have had is with an overly tight seatbelt. There is plenty of trunk space, and leg room. Also, I noticed that someone stated there are not many aftermarket parts for the Grand AM. All you have to do is look for them. It's not that hard. There are two sites that I most commonly visit for aftermarkets.. those are... www.customgrandam.com .. and ... www.andysautosport.com .. both are great sites for parts. You can also find things on JC-Whitney's site. As far as lining the two cars up on a street and letting them have at each other, the Grand AM would take the Galant, if both had stock parts. I would recommend going to ebay-motors and searching or bidding on a car.. you'd find one a lot cheaper. That or a local used car dealership with good reports. I would suggest looking up on the internet facts about both vehicles and errors. They both contain long lists, just like every other vehicle. One thing is... I would recommend staying with an older modle, maybe a '99.. newer ones seem to have problems that are not figured out yet, and the '99 has more aftermarket... GOOD-LUCK!

[azn3000GTRacer]

If your not looking for a manual u can always got for the 1999-2001 Accord. They pack alot of power in that v6 that they have. That's if you want an auto. You can get the 4 cylinder v-tec if you wanted a manual. Thier faster than the Grand Am GT's dont know about the Galant. And you can find a 1999-2001 with about 40,000-65000 for about that price range maybe even lower. And it's a Honda so u know it's gonna last u well into the 100k mile range