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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  Endless repairs... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sarah - February 11 - 5:06 am

  We got this car for next to nothing and that was good because we have spent, on average, $380 a month in repairs over the past 2 years. brake pads, fuel leaks, wires going, brakes going, converter going, start plugs, you name it. Side mirrors fall off (Ive learned to order them online and glue them on) Fuel gauge inaccurate. Am buying new (used) car and not an American make.

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  the best lemon - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pmt - December 11 - 8:23 pm

  I bought the car in the beginnig of 2003 @ 101k. For the last year I had to repalce the starter, alternator, clutch, windshield and water pump (that killed me, over $500 for a simple water pump, problems with A/C. At 104k the transmission died and I junked the car. The worst reliability ever.

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  Horrible GrandAm - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lexie837 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car we have ever bought. We will not only not ever buy another pontiac but we will tell all of our friends how bad this car really is.

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  not a good car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Karen - November 27 - 7:50 pm

  do 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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  Not a good car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tam - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive 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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  LEMON, LEMON, LEMON - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kelly - November 11 - 4:10 pm

  Ive 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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  Wheres the driving excitement? - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lcs - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My car was a lemon painted to resemble a lime. It was a problem from day 1 and it never stopped until I dumped it last month. Everything from the trunk latch popping while I was moving to the radio that wouldnt go down to the struts that failed at 5000 miles to the grinding noise that no one could fix etc etc. The list goes on and on. I have finally found the advertised driving excitement in my new Acura and will never again own a GM product!

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  Poorly made car to say the least - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By joshchevy4 - October 1 - 7:53 pm

  I had bought this car used in 05 and am the first real owner as it was a rental car prior to my purchase. For a kid I put quite a few miles on it, came with 28,000 and now it has 93,000. Brakes were a huge problem, replaced them and front rotors a couple times. Caliper went out, wheel bearing went out, and now Ive been facing these electrical problems which eventually led to the passing of this car. No dash lights, smoking from the dash area, no brake lights, and now the fuel pump is shot. Interior falls apart each time i sneeze, and Ive had nothing but the worst experiences with it (excluding the time I topped out at 120). Do yourselves a favor and buy a Honda, Toyota, or Mitsubishi.

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  in the shop moe then - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By larryscott - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My car has been in the shop more then I have driven it. One of tires has come apart in pieces, the window on the drivers side did not roll up after 10,000 miles, they had to replace the guide the switch and the relay, I had to have the intake gasket replaced 2 times with only 20,000 miles on the car, then the blinker stayed on and when I took it to the dealer they said there was going to be a recall on the Grand AM. Over all this car is helping me make my mind on another car because all the rental cars that I have gotten while my car was getting fixed.

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  Poor Reliability - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MiaW. - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This car had a wonderful appearance and great reviews. However, I could not count on it to get me from point A to point B. I put as much money into fixing it over the 3 years I had it as I did buying it at 3 years old. Id recommend to any one thinking about purchasing this car (unless you are a mechanic with nothing to do), be careful.