Originally posted by Cliff Cherry:
the Comp G felt like a Sedan DeVille by comparison.
I had a 2000 GP GT before this, so I did notice it being 'firmer' but had no issues or dislikes about it. I haven't had the opportunity to *really* punch it up yet, but at 165 km/hr (~95 mph) I was sitting at about 3200 rpm in 3rd gear, no shimmy, rattles or shakes and the overall suspension ride felt like I was on a cloud...was really impressed.
I only "pushed" it once, merging onto a freeway coming back from lunch today, and my two passengers were impressed
and that was with two more people in the car. I've noticed a big difference between solo and having one person in the car.
For the same reason, I haven't used the TAPshift yet..
I used my TAPShift right from the get go, just didn't abuse it with real high-power starts/shifts. I figured I'd need to get used to it for awhile...and I was right. It's like old hat now...and unless I'm cruising on a hwyway...I've always got it in TAPShift mode...it's just SOOO much fun.
I also haven't had a chance to work with the OnStar system yet; I hope to by the weekend.
You should activate it right away, best to do it just before you're leaving home and going somewhere. You have to hit the blue onstar button and they'll come online and ask if you wish to activate now. It takes like 5-10 minutes, they confirm some info with you and then sync up with the GPS in the car for a few minutes while you're out driving or parked out in the open. Also, don't know if this is standard or not on all sales but I got 30 free minutes on the built-in cell phone and it takes 3 business days to activate the cell functionality itself and requires about 30 minutes of car on/driving to get the activation and minute allotment downloaded to the car.
The cell function is pretty sweet. The voice activation rocks. I've had several people try it and never had a problem understanding, which I was quite impressed with. I work in IT and I've played with voice recognition systems a bit and know how finicky they can be, so kudos to GM on this one...works real well.
I have a personal cell phone, so I wasn't thinking of using the car cell past the free time provided. However, after talking with the Onstar reps...it costs nothing monthly! As long you subscribe to at least the base Onstar package (Roadside assistance), the cell is included. All you need to do is buy time packages for it. A little on the pricey side, $50 CDN for 100 minutes (~$37 US). But I'd like to just use it for emergencies or when you really need to make a call while driving...not just casual use. So that works for me...
You got me on that one, as XM is not available in the Canadian market...so I couldn't get it, wasn't listed as an option.
Could probably get it aftermarket as I'm sure it's like the DirectTV thing...only legal for sale in the US but the signals probably reach up here too...
The steering wheel volume control is a little lower on the 04.
Never had those controls on my GT, so this wasn't an issue for me...
However, speaking of controls...the key fob is identical in appearance to the one I had on my GT...but I am thinking the 'red alarm' button on the FOB sits higher than previously (not as recessed in the FOB) because in the past month I've hit the god damn thing 3 times accidentally either stuffing it in my pocket or while grasping it to unlock the doors. I *never* accidentally set off the alarm even once on my previous one.
It's either that or my fingers are getting fatter...
...hard to image though since I'm on a diet right now and have lost 30 lbs in the last 4 months...
I've already turned on the wipers 3 times because the new stalk is so close to the wheel it's easy to bump.
I don't have a problem with the wiper control at the 3 o'clock position...other than it taking a little while to get used to it being on the right side. I thought the cruise control lever would be the problem sitting at 4/5 o'clock and close to my knee. But in the past month, I haven't seemed to hit it or anything...
the HUD seems to fade and brighten fairly constantly, especially at night.
I haven't done a lot of night time driving yet and haven't used the HUD much at all. Being that I've mostly driven the car during the daytime lately and the HUD doesn't show up well when wearing polarized shades...
Is that with the HUD setting on highest intensity?
The other issue is my wife's - when we made a sharp turn that we were familiar with, she automatically reached up for the grab handle.
Hehe...can't comment on that one either, as I currently don't have a significant other to worry about...
One thing I found tonight that makes a much bigger difference than I thought it would is the trunk opening.
Yeah and the size of it, I haven't hauled anything other than groceries with it yet...but everyone that I show the car to loves the trunk access/space.