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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  Not my top choice - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By keith - May 15 - 6:53 am

  I liked this car when I bought it in 2005 with 70000 miles, thats where the fun stopped. Now has 92000. My biggest peeve is the bad gas mileage. You can hear your money thrown away in the guzzle sound the motor makes. The window motors are crap. They make weird noises and seem like they will break, already replaced one. The interior is just plain ugly. Sound system is great though. Single CD with equalizer. Amazing bass as stock. And I cant go anywhere without the front end bottoming out. Steep driveways, curbs, you name it. But the car gets me where I need to go. Just not very high quality of a car. I like the new g6 coupe, but my car makes me think twice about another Pontiac.

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  I like it - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dinky - May 15 - 2:00 am

  We just bought a used 95 Grand Am, weve owned it for about a month and I have already taken it on two trips (over 5k miles) and the car has ran wonderfully. Only minor problems i.e. blown fuses and short in blinkers - went out in Atlanta so that was a pain, but lived through it. Overall a great car, with wonderful seats!

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  The Things We Would Do Differently - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KDidles - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since January of 1997. The car has had chronic electrical problems for the past eight years. The power windows stopped working in March of 1998 and rather than fixing the problem, the dealership let the problem remain until after the car was out of warranty then stated "oh, your windows dont work." We have gone through 4 factory radios all of which were replaced for free because they were defective. The car has also had chronic water pump problems. What would I have done differently? Never bought this car. This vehicle invokes a love/hate relationship but it seems as if the hate part is a lot stronger

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  worst car by GM - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By import-4-ever - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my grandam at the same time my mom bought her masda protoge and since then i can see difference in the two .My grandam has had a head gasket job ($1000),stuck shifter ($70),several electronic sensors averaging $600 dollars excluding labour charges, failed ABS system($400), overheating ($200),no heater (Something is wrong with the heater core)....the list is endless.My advise ..DO NOT GET A USED GRANDAM..andif you have a trouble free one get rid of it before 100K besause thet is where the trouble begins

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  Wouldnt Buy Another One - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cgaspard100 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan brand-new from the dealer and had nothing but trouble from the start. First the entire break system went out, not once but multiple times within the first year. In the second year, the head gasket had to be replaced (and yes, I mainted my car religiously). The radiator had problems for the first couple of years and had to be replaced. The Alternator went out 4 times in year 3 of ownership. The wind noise in this vehicle is TERRIBLE. This car performs very poorly on wet roads. This is a beautiful car; I love its style and look. Its fun to drive. But if youre looking for dependability, look elsewhere.

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  2001 Tan Grand Am SE - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By aeguy202 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in late January and havent had any problems since. The only drawback is that the gas mileage isnt as great as I would have hoped. But other than that, the car gets me where I want to go and is very relaxing. Im hoping the car will get me through driving back and forth with college.

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  GRAND AM - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cjfarquhar - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my third black Grand Am GT. All three have been extremely reliable up to as much as 110K miles on my first - with an alternator and faulty gas gauge being the biggest issues among them - both covered by warranty. I had each of them for four years and always have to give it a front break job about 2 years in. More detailed comments and suggestions are below.

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  My Favorite Car! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By calmann - April 18 - 10:20 am

  Tough car! I have always taken care of it and it has done the same for me! Bought it with 57k on it and it now has 135k. For the money, the best car Ive owned! Ive spent 400 bucks on it besides reg maintenance. Been back and forth between coasts and would still trust it to go right now! Windows are slow, has a water leak in the interior. Has never been in a garage since I have owned it. I still beatrun it to work and dont ever have a problem! I would buy another in a minute. I have had people ask me to sell it more than a few times!IE. A note on my window after being in a store! Not selling! Gonna keep her till she drops!

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  Something to Think About - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kasi - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I thought of 3 good things to say about the 99 that I own. It is a reliable car. It starts right up in the winter. It still turns heads (even for all the wrong reasons!). It has some good speed. However, I have had to bring it into the dealer 3 times for the same problem. The windows keep falling off track. Working windows are important. I have found that the apoxied plastic clips on the windows seem to come "unglued" or brittle in extreme temps. I have also had to change the brakes, rotors, and belts that should last. I am not completely dissatisfied, but I will think twice before I purchase another one. My only advise with this car is if you use your windows a lot, pass on this car.

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  Great car, horrible service from Pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By K. Janz - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 99 GT as a "GM Certified Used Vehicle". While it was still under warranty the paint started to peel badly on the trim moldings behind both windows. I took it to the local Pontiac dealership & they suggested calling Pontiac because they wouldnt do anything for me. Ponitac refused to do anything about it as well. They gave me every excuse they could think of including that this was normal wear and tear. (the car was only 2 yrs old) Pontiac completly rejected the idea of taking care of this small paint job & taking care of me as their (former) loyal customer. This is a great car, one of the best Ive owened, but I will not buy another Pontiac after the treament I recieved!