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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  Looks R deceiving! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RnR Joe - May 16 - 6:00 am

  Bought based on VERY clean looks and quick test ride. Turns out passenger window motor is shot, brakes and struts needed immed replacement, drivers seat support fell through and radio display doesnt work! Not a great deal...

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  Not worth your money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fla2000 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Save your money, do not bother with a Grand Am. I have had numerous problems with mine, some within the first year. Original battery cracked open and acid leaked out (within first year), blinker went out after a few minutes of driving each time (1st year), oil leak, coolant leak, replaced factory radio, etc. Need I say more? Also, beware that youll need the "ultra high performance" type of tires, so when you go to replace them it costs a fortune.

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  Something EVERYONE should read b4 buying - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BridgetJ - February 14 - 10:00 am

  To make a salty story saltier, I bought the car on 07/02/03 it is now 09/20/03 and I have spent over $1500 in repairs. The car had one owner, so I paid cash thinking I was getting a deal. WRONG. I had to have my freon replaced, and it holds 2.5 lbs so that was the least of my worries. The blower resistor failed, coolant leaks, all kinds of noises caused by front and rear suspension, gas tank reading isnt totally correct. Ive also had to have the spark plug wires and spark plugs replaced, normal maint... yeah, BUT found out the wires were bad to begin with.

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  Not a top choice - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 95Light - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am still looking for the excitement that Pontiac talks so much about. The seats are awful and with the SE you are surrounded by hard plastic which doesnt aid in comfort. The engine (4 cyl type) does well and so do the brakes but the chassis lets these down. The transmission broke at 75K miles and the altenator died 1K miles after. All in all I should have bought the Honda or Toyota for a little more money. Very plain car.

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  GM - NEVER AGAIN! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Patio - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is not designed for longevity. At 37,000 miles the transmission need to be replace. It consistently experienced electric problem with interior swutches and exterior lighting. The water pump failed and finally the head gasket went resulting w/ water in the oil.

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  Unreliable - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By luminitam - December 15 - 10:00 am

  New car was bought in 1998. Despite being very well maintained and with less than 26,000 on board, the car has experienced ongoing problems with the radio/cassette player, wiring and more recently, serious problems with defective ABS system and rear end motor, all which need replacing, costs exceeding $2,000.

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  wehatesit - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sickofit - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first sight we loved it, after a year we hate it! The alternator went out twice, along with the battery. This will cause the motor to shut down sei zing your gaershift and ability to retrieve your keys.Fuel pump, fuel injector, abs sensors, four rotors with pads,swing arm all replaced. Trans mission also runs noisy in lower gears.Radio is going bad now and my side view mirror even fell of while washing the car one day! Overall pontiac made a loser when they put this hunk of metal together.

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  Not So Grand AM - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bill Mitchell - September 28 - 7:33 am

  This has got to be the poorest car investment I have ever made. My Grand Am 4 dr. SE as soon as I passed the 60,000 km Warranty the car has been biodegrading on the road. Paint has literally been flying off the bumpers and the doors as i drive At 70,000 Km my air conditioning quit and some type of relay switch in the blinker has gone when I turn the clicking noise of the blinker keeps going for 45-60 seconds after the turn is completed. The fog lamps in the front tend to come loose and point in strange directions I have used Duct tape to hold them in place When called the dealer and told them of my concerns she said Oh they are prone to those problems but bring it in Pay for an Inspection

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  Lo kwality - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Laith - August 29 - 2:00 pm

  Too many intermittent issues: cruise control doesnt work sometimes, chimes for no apparent reason, pillars blind spot, transmission problems after 50k (trans oil pump). Power mirror motors died, seat sagged too early (I only weigh 140 LB), suspension issues, poor design of doors - opens half-way and closes on my leg when exiting. Poor door seals, air leak, power mirrors motor does not work sometimes, gear issues. I have kept 100% of manufactoring maintenance schedule. I was hoping to drive this car like my predecessor (same type) but I have to get rid of it after 67k. I will not recommend or consider buying again. Im an engineer and work for automotive suppliers, I know what quality is.

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  This is a real piece.... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zorba - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. It is a horrible machine. I think weve replaced everything on the car back the windshield. I would never suggest it to anyone.