Overview & Reviews

For much of its modern history, Pontiac has been home to legendary cars like the Firebird and GTO. With such dedication to raciness, it might seem a bit odd that when it came time for Americans to buy a Pontiac for much of the 1980s and '90s, they overwhelmingly chose the Grand Am, a car that wouldn't know a smoky burnout from a backyard barbecue.

Although the Pontiac Grand Am blipped into existence during the 1970s, it's the unassuming and over-styled family sedan from more recent decades that most people are probably familiar with. Within Pontiac's lineup, the Grand Am slotted one or two rungs up from entry-level. It featured an attractive price, just enough space for four average-sized adults, and four-cylinder or V6 power.

This was a good enough combination for many people, and Pontiac further expanded the Grand Am's visibility by selling heavily to rental car fleets. However, we were never particularly impressed by the car. Our first hands-on experiences were with the mid-'90s models, and we found them to be uncomfortable, unrefined and lacking in handling ability. More recent models didn't fare much better. Looking to ditch the car's "Bland Am" image, Pontiac eventually replaced the Grand Am with the superior G6 in 2005.

Widely available and convincingly inexpensive, used Grand Ams are adequate enough in most respects to be worth considering for a small family car. Just know that there have always been plenty of offerings in this segment, and many of them will likely prove to be more rewarding to own.

Most Recent Pontiac Grand Am

The last-generation Pontiac Grand Am was produced from 1999 through 2005. It was larger than the previous model, and a more rigid platform combined with a new multilink rear suspension provided better ride and handling characteristics. Sedan and coupe body styles were offered, and both initially came with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 150 horsepower or a 3.4-liter V6 with 170 hp. All early models had a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

The Grand Am's basic trim lines were SE and GT, though both contained submodels (SE, SE1, SE2, GT, GT1) with slight variations. The basic SE came with 15-inch wheels, antilock brakes, air-conditioning, radio and power door locks. The SE1 added power windows, a power seat, cruise control and folding rear seat, while the SE2 added the V6 engine, 16-inch wheels, speed-sensitive power steering, an upgraded stereo, steering-wheel audio controls and keyless entry.

The V6-powered GT added "Ram Air" hood scoops for 5 extra hp (175 total), more aggressive gearing, four-wheel disc brakes, a stiffer suspension and exterior styling add-ons like a spoiler and ribbed body cladding. The GT lost some of the items added by the SE2, but Pontiac reinserted them for the top-of-the-line GT1 and then topped it off with a sunroof.

The Pontiac Grand Am came closest to its sport sedan aspirations when equipped with the V6. The tires, brakes and steering upgrades that came with this engine helped as well, and the stiffer-sprung GT cured the SE's excessive body roll. On the downside, both engines were rough and unrefined, and the steering and brakes were rather uncommunicative. Finally, overall mileage with the V6 was below average.

Admittedly, the greater point of contention was the Grand Am's overwrought and unappealing styling. Much of the garishness could be avoided by selecting one of the SE models, but all Grand Ams shared the same interior that was marred by deeply recessed instruments and bulging components. In addition, the seats were mounted a bit too low and thus not all that comfortable, and overall interior materials quality was lacking. A marginal frontal-offset crash test score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was a further point of concern.

Overall, competitors like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima were better cars at the time thanks to their superiority in terms of refinement, interior design and V6 power. But if you are set on a Grand Am, there are a few changes to look out for. A year after the car's debut, Pontiac made a five-speed manual transmission available with the four-cylinder engine. In 2002, the old 2.4-liter engine was replaced with new 2.2-liter "Ecotec" that traded 10 horsepower (down to 140) for better fuel economy. And in 2005, the only Grand Ams on sale were GT coupes; sedans had already been supplanted by the Pontiac G6.

Past Pontiac Grand Am Models

The previous-generation Grand Am was sold from 1992-'98. Both the sedan and coupe came in SE and GT trim lines. The SE started with little besides power steering, a radio and antilock brakes. The GT added a firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and some aero cosmetics. Air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, upgraded stereos and cruise control were optional on both trim levels. Quicker variable-assist power steering was available on GT models.

The greater differences were in powertrain availability. Grand Am SEs started with a 115-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. GTs were equipped with a high-powered version of that engine that cranked out 170 hp. A medium-powered, 155-horse version of the four-cylinder and a 160-hp 3.3-liter V6 (with considerably more torque) were optional across the board.

The Pontiac Grand Am got many substantial changes over the coming years. For 1994, Pontiac added a driver's airbag and a new 155-hp, 3.1-liter V6 paired to a four-speed automatic. The following year, all three four-cylinders were dropped in favor of one heavily revised one with 150 hp and far smoother operation (thanks to balance shafts). A styling revision came for 1996, as did dual airbags and further powertrain updates.

There were glaring flaws endemic to this generation. The standard steering setup was heavy, numb and slow, and SE models had subpar grip around corners. Ride quality managed to be both soggy and harsh, and the Grand Am's body structure flexed over common bumps.

The interior was similarly miserable. The overly low seats created the impression of sitting on the floor. Further, their thin padding offered minimal back and thigh support, while the backseat was a squeeze even for two.

We see little reason to look at this older-generation Pontiac Grand Am as a used car purchase, especially when other mid-1990s cars like the Ford Contour and Nissan Altima proved more entertaining, comfortable and well-designed in nearly every way. For those determined to buy a Grand Am from this era, models built from 1996 onward are the best picks. Only by then did all engines run acceptably smoothly and come with more efficient four-speed automatic transmissions. Try to find a sample with the more responsive variable-effort power steering -- it was a package option typically bundled with power accessories and cruise control.

User Reviews:

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  no more american made cars - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By curlydoo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have 120,000 miles on this car and just had to replace the motor mounts,which in turn necessitated intake manifold and transmission service. It is now blowing blue smoke. Dont buy one of these.

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  GREAT Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Shaei - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Am and I enjoy it so much more than the 1999 Grand Am SE. The power is exceptional! I wish that this car had better gas mileage but other than that Ive truly had fun with this car.

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  Great car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lawdog470 - March 23 - 8:36 pm

  I have had this car for over 6 years, and I have put over 125,000 miles on it. The car is a great buy. we are looking to buy something bigger with our 3rd child on the way. I did go through a lot of brake pads, and replaced the drivers window regulator 1 time. The dealer did tell me about the aggressive braking system before I bought the car. All other repairs were normal (oilchanges, battery 1 time, tires). Easy to work on for the do it yourself person.

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  Total Poor Quality - Beware! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JennyinOhio - March 15 - 12:16 am

  This car has given us nothing but trouble. It is poorly made in every regard. Parts have fallen off the car such as the interior door panel reflector and the wing type material above the window. The front hub bearing had an issue, the fuel pump went out, the electrical is very messed up and lights fill the dash at any given time whether or not there is an issue. The repairs it would take to make this car drivable far exceed its worth. Mechanics will tell you how many issues GMs motors are having. Just DONT DO IT.

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  Sad to say bye - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Robert Nolan - March 8 - 9:56 pm

  this silver 4d gt ram air, all leather,monsoon sound, sun roof, power everywhere, really made a statement,especially after I installed Altezza tail lamps and added some pinstriping. Now this is my wifes car, she is a middle aged teenager,and loved the power,and auto daylight headlights, purchased it at 23,000 miles certified, (just traded it off on a 2005 Chrysler pacifica touring) at 57,000 miles,absolutely a problem free car!!!! added brakes in front and protenza tires, thats it! great gas mileage, Id have kept it a lot longer, but my wife has been diagnosed with MS and it is a strain to get in and out now, as a sports car are low to the ground. Fun car..but had to go #&^%*@!

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  Silver Bullet - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dredee - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Hey. This car is great. Bought used and wondering how they messed up the cruise, but it gets great gas mileage for a six, like 345 miles to a 12 gallon tank, plus is just all out comfortable. I will get an 04 next year before they change it to the G6.

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  Lemon Lemon Lemon - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jakeybo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is junk.I would not recommend it to anyone.Problems all the time.Everything electrical going wrong.Signal light switch,emergency switch,power window motor,blower motor,bad breaks,intake gasket,and alot of check engin lights.All after warrenty ran out within 6 months.LEMON.

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  One big headache - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mmabry - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The car started out great, fun to drive and handled well. I put a lot of miles on it but it looks great and Ive taken care of it. But the brakes shake, even after being replaced. The Intake gasket leaks and may cause engine damage. The drivers window no longer rolls up the whole way. People have made comments that it doesnt sound good and that it makes a lot of noises. Not being able to check the transmission fluid caused a problem when the dealership failed to put enough in and I couldnt tell without taking it back to them. It just seems to be a constant headache.

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  excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zexerking - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had a wonderful time driving my grand am gt.Very reliable,i admit i have a heavy foot, i put my my car thru hell and back every week pbut it never fails me.I am extremely happy with my grand am.

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  2000 SE (Automatic Transmission option) - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By teravain - March 2 - 1:11 pm

  Over all the 2000 Grand Am has been an excellent car. Mine has over 200k miles on it with 185k of them put on by me. The car lasted up until about 189k then one of the cylinders dropped to 60% pressure and I cant use the AC when I am stopped at a stop sign or the engine will stall. Paint started peeling at the bottom of the front doors after 8 years of driving on a dirt road at 45 miles per hour for 2 miles per day. The front dash has started to lift a little from the sun light hitting it the last 11 years, and driver side window button is finally starting to act up. At 13k this car has lived up to all my expectations.