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 41 through 50 of 1,106.00-
falling apart - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By reycor1842 - November 15 - 3:39 ami bought this pontiac grand am with 25,000 miles on it in 2004.was a good car until 2010. i started having electrical shorts-cruise control,horn,fog light window switch,dome light. at 90,000 miles the intake manifold gasket went out,while the mechanic was replacing the gasket he also discovered a censor that was not properly clipped down anywhere.the censor wiring was about shredded and in a place not visible unless the intake manifolds and other various parts are off the engine. had the brakes redone multiple times,in heavy rain the brakes make a grinding noise and seem as though the barely function at all when wet.I HATE THIS CAR...DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE!!!
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This Car is Junk - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By DoNotBuy - September 3 - 10:00 amI bought this car and it only had 12,000 miles on it. At 19,000 miles the automatic transmission went out and had to be replaced at MY COST ($3,000)! Then the alternater was replaced (Twice), both window motors had to be replaced, two front hub assembiles, the left CV joint twice, the right CV joint once, and it eats brakes like crazy (replaced 4 times just this year). I do not drive my car hard nor do I neglect it. I loved this car at first and now it is nothing but a headache. DO NOT BUY GRAND AMs they will live you in ruins!
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P.O.S. - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By cromag - July 19 - 2:00 amPaint came off the 2 side panels between windows. The same noisy brakes that everyone talks about. The battery leaked and died. The rear view mirror fell off. The rubber stripping on both doors is severly warped. The Cd player rarely works. The volume control on the steering wheel no longer works. Headlamp assembly had to be replaced from taking in too much moisture. It shorted out the bulb. $375 (out of warranty)If Im parked and my front end is higher then the rear, the car takes in water. Drivers side window regulator replaced.$575 (o.o.w.) The car only has 37,400 miles on it and Im currently shopping for something else.
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Grand Am Cup Holders - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Pamela - June 25 - 11:16 amI absolutely hate the cup holders...the design makes no sense at all (in front of the gear shift). When the car is in park you cannot have a cup in the cup holder. In addition the cup holders are so shallow that everything tumbles out and spills on the carpet. I also hate the sun visor...they are so small, they are of no use! I went to edmuds.com to book out my car and the resale is very poor. I also have a 2002 Honda CRV with 100k+ miles and the value is 6 times higher than my pontiac. We have had continuous problems with the tail lights. and the..we keep replacing bulbs ..there was a bulletin on this also....The radio volume no longer works...
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It was the worst I ever owned - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
By wayne - May 23 - 8:20 amI now drive a ford zx2, I had a 1998 grand am for bout a month, it had a 3.1 v-6 it was a 2dr. gt. When I test drove it, it was great, it was powerful and handled nicely. After buying it I was impressed with the fuel mileage, but within a month I had to replace the radiator, heater core, alternator, head and intake gaskets, battery and a power window motor. Last Pontiac Ill ever buy.
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Dont waste your money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Heather - December 18 - 2:53 amThings were always going wrong and needed to be replaced with expensive special parts. The window motor died & supposedly each window has a different specific motor... $750. The stereo LCD went in and out randomly as well as the ABS sensor light. This car also takes special tires... went to wal-mart & got the cheapest of that kind... $500+ for 3 tires. My air/heat duct came undone and i could only faintly feel air if it was set to level 5 (high). I was rear-ended the other day in Christmas traffic; it totaled it (because its plastic), while the bmw that hit me was able to drive away afterward. Kelly Blue book says Ill only get 1k after all that money I put into it.
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A HORRIBLE CAR - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
By Sandra Poppell - July 12 - 10:00 amI bought this car, a demo, from a dealer with less than 3000 miles on it. This car is on its THIRD totally new, transmission at 62,000 miles. All of the window motors and door locks, the coil housing unit (twice), the catalytic converter (twice), power steering unit, water pump and both oxygen sensors were replaced within three years. There have been numerous repairs to gauges, fans, and pressure lines. Ive had the car towed twice this year because it starts and then chokes off immediately. They cant find the problem. I got a recall notice today from GM stating a "starting" problem that could cause fire. Great!! I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone.
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Got money? Youll need it... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By MelF - May 26 - 2:00 amUp until last week I swore I would always stick w/ Pontiac. Then my water pump went and because the Quad4 engine is so insane it would cost me $800+ to have a $44 water pump replaced. As it is my husband has to completely disassemble the engine, jack it up, remove the timing chain, etc. just to get to the water pump. My landlord owns an auto repair shop and refuses to even touch my Quad4 setup. Im getting rid of it within a month before I end up spending $1500 for a used head plus labor...
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Lemon, stay away, far, far away! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Languish - February 10 - 10:30 am7 years I have owned this car I have had to replace the following: 2 alternators 2 batteries 3 driver side power window motors 2 abs sensors 1 heating & a/c fan 1 head gasket and 1 intake manifold gasket 2 times rotors replaced 2 times rotors reground STAY AWAY FROM PONTIAC!
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Bad Decision - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By mrsp1 - January 21 - 8:13 amAfter purchasing 5 other gm vehicles, i purchased this car used and thought that i was getting a quality product. Now 2 years 4 months later i sit having to trade the car with a bad engine. My car is not overdriven in 4 years it has 59,000 miles on it. The dealership i took it to in Escondido states that its just a valve failure and cannot tell me what caused it or why. While i was sitting in a dealership looking at another vehicle another 02 Pontiac owner came in and said that her vehicle was falling apart. Needless to say after 6500 in repair (much more than i can get on trade) i will not be going with another Pontiac ever.
