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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  Typical GM experience. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kanchou - June 22 - 11:36 pm

  While the interior stuff is nicely located, the seats arent good for entering and leaving the vehicle. Trunk space is cramped compared to others. Engine response is good when traction control is off. When turned on, there is a noticeable help with rain/ice slippage. Several components around the engine required awkward maintenance; Various sensors, valves, a lead pipe from the AC. . . but the engine itself, as well as transmission were strong. This Ive come to find typical in GM engines.

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JRALS1 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I own this piece of junk. I bought it in 9/2000 with only 47000 miles on it. It now has 65000 two years later and I have put well over 2 grand into it. The tranny went out, the shifter cable snapped, replaced the clutch(since the tranny was out), brakes twice, alternator, and all of the basic stuff. I dont beat on my cars too badly, it just has major problems, I wouldnt recoommend this car to anyone!!

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  Decent - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Im Awesome - May 21 - 1:23 pm

  The car hasnt given too many problems. Weve put 100,000 miles on in just 7 years, and for an American car, Id say its pretty decent. Weve had had some electrical problems and fuel problems.

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  Pontiac Grand Am V6 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mat - April 26 - 7:49 am

  This was my first newish car, bought in 2005 with 8k miles and kept until 2016 at 175k miles. Had the lower intake manifold problem, fixed. Had the "tick-tick" turn signal problem on and off for years then fixed. Ran well, other than those issues (all regular maintenance done) for 10 years then... Had the radiator fill tank fail, led to overheat. Lasted another year, then blown head gasket--possibly related to that one overheat. Car was fun to drive and good commuter, but mediocre quality.

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  Dont Buy a Grand Am - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Gary Harris - April 22 - 9:50 pm

  I bought a 2002 Grand Am GT a couple of months ago and the passlock system started acting up. I have read a lot about this subject on message boards so I took my radio out to look at the yellow wire. Someone had soldered it to the black wire. I disconnected it from the black wire but left the yellow wire cut. Now the car wont even turn over let alone start. I wish I had never bought this car.

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  Hate it - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Unhappy - April 15 - 2:53 pm

  I hate this car! Horrible gas mileage (19-20 in town and 24 at best highway), uncomfortable on any trip longer than 15 minutes, and poor turning radius. My full size pickup gets better gas mileage! The cup holders are annoyingly small- I cant even fit a small size drink because the lid hits the heater controls. There may be a leak in the duct work because my feet always freeze in the winter as not enough warm air is blown out. Rear defroster just quit working. It has a lot of road noise and the front drivers side window leaks air. Looks sporty and cool, (especially the GT edition), but looks arent enough! I will never buy a Pontiac again.

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  2000 SE1 Electrical Problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By FED-UP - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Never again! Ive had this car in the shop 9 times in almost 3 years. Mostly electrical problems. Many times the dealerships were very difficult to work with and wouldnt fix it on the first try. When the car is running, it is a great vehicle. I drive easy highway miles and hope to get at least 150,000 miles out of this car, but Im not holding my breath. Be warned!

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  Its okay - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By nene - March 31 - 5:53 pm

  I have had my G.A. for almost a year. Not too crazy about it. Every time a hit a bump or tracks, I think it is going to fall apart (rough ride). The seals around the windshield, and the back window are peeling off. I have had my radio replaced twice, for excessive skipping. It still skips. There is a leak somewhere on the driver side, so, I am forever thinking the door is not closed all of the way. The front seat is really cramped when theres a rear facing car seat behind it. I dont recommend the G.A. as a family car. I do, however, like all of the cup holders and the storage space. I was also looking into buying the Taurus. The Taurus was really generic, compared to the G.A.

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  fun ride but poor quality - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By structengineer - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My car may or may not be typical, but it was in the shop four times for repairs (wheel speed sensor, fuel level sending unit, fan speed control unit, head gasket, rusty rotors, loud pinging engine when cold). Once it left me stranded on the highway. The trim was loose in places, it got horrible radio reception, winshield trim rattled in the wind, radio station tuning knob turned station #s the wrong way half the time. Other than the poor quality, it was a good car to drive. The car has good acceleration and cornering and is fun to drive.

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  A Disapointment ... - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dnpstr - March 22 - 8:00 pm

  Bought with just under 90,000 miles on it. My Grand Am is no doubt a very sharp looking car and the performance is great. But before you purchase this car DO YOUR RESEARCH! I have owned this car for almost 2 years and it has been nothing of a problem. I have had to replace the AC unit and on my last road-trip I had the wonderful experience of a blown head-gasket. After fixing that for about $2,000 it turns out the bearings in my engine have been warped or contaminated by the anti-freeze,likely a result of the blown head-gasket so now its going to die. The cars interior is nothing to brag about.This car had a lot of potential but due to poor reliability I will be looking for a new ride.