The driver never has to think about it. And yet, on the left steering column stalk, there is a headlight switch. Even more intelligent is the Enhanced Traction Control system that comes standard on Grand Ams with automatic transmissions. It works well enough, but the little button that allows the driver to switch the system off is located on the left side of the gear shifter, right where your thumb falls as you shift, and where your right hand always seems to rub or bump against the shifter. The ECS system is inadvertently shut off on a regular basis.
Traction control is a good idea.
Putting the button where the driver will accidentally shut the system off is not. The Grand Am is loaded with good ideas that fall short due to poor engineering or execution. The existence of a headlight switch on a car equipped with both automatic headlamps and daytime running lights, and the location of a traction control shut-off switch right where the driver will always unwittingly press it, characterize this functional sedan that is hampered by a lack of attention to details. For example, the Grand Am is loaded with headroom. However, the headroom comes at the expense of comfortable, supportive seating.