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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  The Worst Car Ever! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GrandAmSux! - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but problems since I have owned this car. Nothing too major but some quality issues. Drivers windows will roll down but not up, sunroof motor went bad, the brakes on this car are terrible! I will be driving down the road and it will just quit, like it is out of gas. Cannot find the problem. This will be the last domestic manufactured car I will buy. Also own a 97 Honda CRV and at 75,000 miles it drives and runs like a new car. The pontiac was worn out before 50,000!!

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  Looks dont count - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By shannon - November 11 - 5:46 am

  I bought this car without doing a lot of research first, mistake ! I wanted it because of the sporty look. It has been one headache after another.I have had to replace the water pump, the brakes multiple times, the traction system is junk. Little things like heater knobs have broken off, heat only works on high, both rearview mirrors have broken off for no reason and the turn signal switch went bad. My moms full size truck gets better gas mileage! I am doing a lot of research for my next car!

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  No wonder Pontiac is struggling - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kannuc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In the last year weve had 3 brake failures, plus many other mechanical problems

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  RIPPED OFF!!!! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By raecheal - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I love the body style of the car well pretty much everything about the car would have been great but unfourtantly I am a female and they figured that they could pretty much scew me over. But I have also learned that Pontiac vehicles not just Grand Am vechicles are notorious for engine problems if they are the 3400 series engines so my suggestion would be not to by a car with a 3400 series engine make sure you have a 3800. They are nice cars but you just have to get a good one I guess. Or maybe the manufactures just make them look nice. But that is my opinion.

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  BIG MISTAKE FROM UNHAPPY CUSTOMER - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jessica Scott - July 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering this car but having doubts Do Not Buy this vehicle. I made the mistake of buying a Grand Am brand new. I have had nothing but trouble. This car isnt even 3 years old yet and has been in the shop at least 5 times. It doesnt handle well at all in curves and the brakes and tires wear quickly.I urge you to Learn from my mistake.

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  01 Grand Am GT Worst Car Ever - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Matt - June 28 - 3:23 am

  In my opinion the Pontiac Grand Am GT1 is the worst car to ever roll off of an assembly line. While it only had 18,000 miles when I acquired it from a private party known very well to me who kept it very well maintained and garaged, both window regulators broke, the heater knob busted, constant "Check Engine" lights, terrible grinding from the front end (no it wasnt the brakes). Tried to change a headlight bulb yesterday, after an hour and half of trying to get to it ( I finally did) the headlight retainer ring broke. I will never ever buy another gm car as long as i live, especially not a pontiac, i wouldnt even buy one with someone elses money

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  NOT Reliable - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JJ from NJ - May 9 - 9:50 am

  This is probably the Worst car Ive owned. Only have 27,000 miles and so many things wrong from the back window popping out, body side molding coming off, overheating, transmission problem and the front bearings shot. Not to mention the service is horrible and the car doesnt hold value. It wouldnt be so bad if pontiac cared and stood behind their product. cant wait to trade it in and get a toyota

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  GET EXTENDED WARRANTY - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Never again - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Motor 3.1 has intake manifold problems, rebuilt engine at 46,000. altenator 50,000 replaced all window motors. Trans went out at 68,000 and now timing chain just broke at 85,000 and the radiator leaks. Also changing the back 3 plugs is a pain in the a$$.

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  Hate this freakin car SOOOOOOOOO Much - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By P.O.S. car - December 25 - 11:50 pm

  Had this car for 6 years and have nothing but problems with this car. Initially, the car was fun to drive and fulfilled its purpose. After about a year and a half, everything started going south. This piece of crap has front rotor, rear drum brakes. As such, the brakes wear down pretty quick. Have replaced brakes/pads/rotors 5 times so far. Have also replaced entire ignition system, fuel tank, fuel pump, and various other things. Bought car new for $14k and, so farm have spent about $7- $8k in repairs over the life of ownership. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS CAR.

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  Problems All Over - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Really? - December 13 - 10:10 pm

  Where do I start. I purchased this car in 2000 and was initially happy with it. Then after 8000 miles the front brake pads were worn and badly warped. With brand new ones installed, I lasted another 22000 miles,while the rear shoes and drums never wore. The dealers response was dont ride the brakes. I downshifted every opportunity and with 90% highway miles, that never really was a problem. So after about 6 adjustments and rotors I purchased slotted rotors. 48000 miles and no problem. Brake bias problem some engineer overlooked I assume. 2 water pumps, starter, intake manifold gasket,etc. With all the preventative maint. done one can wonder what would happen if you slipped on one service.