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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  SUCKS - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pontiacbad - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The first week I had this car the alternator and the battery went bad. Know with many more miles, The car wont shift correctly, it sits in first gear (this is a automatic) and I dont even have to step on the gas to go, it is idealed to high. The worst car I have had looking for a Honda.

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  Problems from day one...literally! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By From Atlanta - October 24 - 9:23 pm

  I loved the look of this car when I first bought it May 2004. Outside and inside had great looks, but found out how cheaply made it is over time. The dashboard is pealing up by the window, the bumpers are very flimsy...able to move when washing car! About a week after purchased i moved the seat higher and would not go back down. Car overheated 2 times within first 3 mths! Thank goodness for warranty! My blinker has been blinking for over 6 mths now non stop. The light isnt on, just the sound, the mileage display and clock/radio are messed up. The display shows distorted numbers. The gas mileage is horrible...about 220 miles per tank! My AC broke 3mths ago $1,000 to repair, not even worth it

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  Another Repair - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By A. Motorist - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Car purchased new from dealer. Have replaced every power window motor at least once and two, twice, @ 2-400 each. Transmission is loud when shifting. Continued problems with gear shift and not being able to remove the key when vehicle is placed in park. Another $600 repair. Interior doesnt wear well. Air conditioner is unreliable at best. Every dealer gives a different story as to what it would take to repair. UNRELIABLE CAR. NEVER AGAIN

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  Grand Am - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dtott - June 8 - 10:40 am

  Bought this car for our daughter. Dont make the same mistake. Replaced water pump 4 times ($400+ each), alternator ($200), power steering pump (150), and engine ($1300). We kept thinking that would be the end, it never is. Panels inside falling apart. passenger window quit working ($350) (shop told us the arms inside are too weak and bend), moon roof quit working ($??? not fixing any more!).We will never buy a Grand am again, as we have heard from others about their repairs. Too bad it was after we bought the car that we heard all of this. This car was built for the mechanics to stay busy.

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  55 mph Headache! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pugmamma - May 20 - 11:36 am

  I traded my amazing volkswagen that ended up needing a radiator for this pontiac or pile of junk. I have had so many problems with it sparkplugs, headlights, trunk latch, windows, and now I need a flex pipe and I cannot figure out which one it needs the car is so loud because the flex pipe fell off somehow!!!

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  Falling apart - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By WhyMe - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car brand new and three years later I cant wait to get rid of it. The fuel pump went out at 26000 miles. Seals around passenger windows leaked so flooded my interior at 29000. The front bearings had to be repacked at 32000. Windshield plastic moldings flew off while driving down the road. Window falls in door and costs $600 to fix!! Rearview mirror falls off repeatedly despite getting fixed everytime. The list continues, I will NEVER buy another Pontiac . . .or Domestic for that matter.

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  Worst Car I EVER HAD! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mayhem2013 - May 16 - 8:25 am

  I purchased this car from a Pontiac dealership in 2006 with 57k miles on it. I was in love! However within the first WEEK of having it, the Security system failed. Since Ive had this P.O.S., everything imaginable has gone wrong, Security/Passlock failure, Intake Manifold Head Gasket, Power seating failure, Side mirror falling off, failing brakes, interior knobs falling off, AC failure...and the list DOES go on! I was horrified but the recalls and complaints online!.... Would NEVER buy anything from Pontiac ever again!

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  dont buy this junk - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bobs - March 4 - 10:00 am

  doors will rust under door jams like mine already are.Also many outher problems.

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  POS - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bob carlson - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a big ripoff of the public,the car for its size gets terrible gas mileage.It is ranked #10 of 10 in crash tests and retains 24% of value to rank it in worst ten cars in the USA.Overall the car is just a throwawy car.Parts are constantly breaking,door handles, mirrors dont fold back to resist breaking if you hit one .The door window motors are always breaking.

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By neverbuypontiac - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car was always at the garage. The car left my wife stranded two times due to the alternator dying and the automatic transmission needing rebuild at 45,000 miles. We also experienced the same problems as the other owners. (Warped brake rotors, Fan would not work on 1,2 or 3, Fuel injectors needed replaced after 2 years, and cracked interior molding) Better get the extended warranty, you are going to need it with this car!!!