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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 1,106.00-
not a good car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By Karen - November 27 - 7:50 pmdo not buy! we have replaced the starter, battery, alternator, etc. in less than 3 months time. resell value stinks and youll be top heavy!! but they are good on gas mileage.
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One great Ride - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By Dave Sarasota FL - November 27 - 10:00 amLooks great and runs even better... own since new... Normal wear and tear turn 70,000 never a major repair. great car...
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Grand Crap - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By EMC - November 27 - 10:00 amThis car started off good and turned into a lemon. The GM dealer wanted $400 to replace breaks and rotors. I had to replace a rim on the car and that was $180. This was the worst car I have ever owned. The car was made very poorly.
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So-So - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Chicago Pam - November 20 - 2:00 amThe Grand Am SE is a beautiful car and it handles great on dry roads. It doesnt perform the greatest when the roads, or especially RR tracks, are wet. Ive had a lot of little things wrong that have cost about $400 to fix with 30,000 miles on it, which I think is too much.
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Not a good car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By tam - November 14 - 2:00 amIve had my 97 GA for 5 years, and Ive had only problems with it. I bought it used, and luckily I bought the extended warrantly with it -- the warranty paid for itself and them some. Just off the top of my head, I can think of several major problems Ive had with it -- the rack and pinion had to be replaced (big $-- happened after my warranty expired!), the brake rotors and pads have been replaced twice, two water pumps, an oxygen sensor, and several other repairs that I cant even remember had added up to big $ on this car! I will not be purchasing a GA again!
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2002 pontiac grand am se1 - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By yaddagirl - November 14 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehicle, I absolutely love it. The only thing I do not like is the fact that it comes in a 4- cyclinder. This vehicle is too big to be offered in a 4-cylinder engine. It seems as if the engine is working too hard to pull the weight and it will pass everything but a gas station. It should only be offered in a 6-cylinder, like the GT. It is definately more cost effective in the longrun.
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LEMON, LEMON, LEMON - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
By Kelly - November 11 - 4:10 pmIve had nothing but problems with this heap, and dont know many people who havent (if you havent, you will). Brake rotors need replaced every 10k mi, power windows replaced 2 times each, sunroof motor replaced, turn signal replaced twice, leak in fuel line, I could go on for days. Im only stuck with this car because I went back to school, but you can bet the minute I graduate that piece of junk is outta here. DO NOT BUY A PONTIAC...EVER!
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Nice car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By NB - November 9 - 5:20 pmI think this car has been very good. The only thing I have to complain about is replacing the brakes...it seems like at least once a year. Other than that I have not had any problems with it. I have the SE V6 which has nice pick up.
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hate my pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Kristen Wade - November 3 - 10:00 amMy 99 pontiac grand am is garbage...it has been in the shop more times than I can count...I have spent about 5,000 in repairs..and now it has a 4,000 dollar repair waiting to be fixed...I dont think so..I am hoping to trade it in...I still owe more than the car is worth...my advice dont buy
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Great for My First Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By HarborMatt - October 28 - 2:00 amThis is a great car to have. It has the power where it needs it. Its only a 2.4L I4. It can go quick when i need it. Burning out is easy. Just turn off the ETS and you can have some fun. The Stock System in the Pontiac....just great. I only have a tape deck so I use a Tape Adapter with my CD Player and it pumps out even more bass then just the radio. The gauges are sweet at night...the red background. The only problem that I have had is the Heater didnt work but thats no big....just went to the dealer and got it replaced in like 10-15 minutes. The Gas Mileage stinks (15-17 m.p.g. City) but you can get some aftermarket parts to help with that.
