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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  Windows, Brakes, Steering, now what? - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Deb - October 10 - 1:36 pm

  My 2002 40,800 miles, Im the original owner. I commute to work via train so my mileage stays low & I only use it on weekends around town. It has gone to neighboring states for family visits & a trip from IL to AK once, hence most of the mileage. Ive been through window clip replacements, brakes, battery, tires/wheels, and thought I had the steering shakes corrected while under warranty but never could get to the bottom of it. The car shakes at 55 mph so we take my husbands car for trips that require high speed. Just this week I noticed a squeaking/rattle coming from what might be suspension/under carriage? I should have stayed with Honda. Again, only 40,800 miles!!!!!

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  Need to fix that security light issue! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By thatsudduthgirl - October 9 - 5:13 pm

  I love my car, but lately, if I turn off the car to run into the store (example), I have to leave the key turned on for 10 MINUTES to get that stupid light to go out so I wont be late for work!! This is ridiculous! I have already planned to start leaving earlier for work, as I have kids to drop off and errands to run. Too costly to have it fixed and the gas mileage SUX!!!

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  Not Happy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Never another pontia - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a problem of overheating will idling. Nothing fixes this problem, flushing the system or new therostat hasnt work. Both power window have snapped, one at 8000 and the other at 38000.

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  Everything Brakes - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Sosa MKD - September 20 - 10:00 am

  In 6 months I had a power window control regulator brake and brake the window, then a coolant leak ( a whole load in 24 hours, Air Conditioner compressor died and a lot of other small things like that.

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  This car........ - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dvp560d - September 7 - 2:00 am

  ....is a piece of GM junk! The door handles feel shoddy and the same for the unsensitive steering. The seats are thoroughly unsupportive and become uncomfortable after only an hour. Literally, everything about this car feels like it wasnt worth my wasted $12,000. The engine is harsh and sounds terrible. Ive driven Hondas, and their engines sound much sweeter. The sound system is good until you turn it up over the third bar. Then, the bass gets floppy and the treble is harsh on the ears. If considering this car, please, for your own good, change your mind! The only good thing about this car is the exterior design, which is fair at best.

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  Grand Am is TO EXPENSIVE TO OWN!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Angnwy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my car it had 16,000 miles on it by 30,000 I had to replace the ignition switch then few months later I had to replace the driver side window motor. Everything was fine for awhile then I had to replace the water pump due to leaking coolant. By 50,000 I had to replace the window motor once again. I replaced my rotors 2 times and the break pads on the front 3 times the drums in the back were replaced 1 time. My final straw was when the air compressor for the ait conditioner went out it was 360$ just for the part so I got rid of the peice of junk and I WILL NEVER BUY PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!

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  Okay for the price its worth - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ohio - August 19 - 11:56 am

  My expectation for the Grand Am was "fuel for the soul", sporty and something that can satisfy your needs. However, It didnt quite do that for me after awhile, it was short-term. I became unimpress with the overall quality and performance. The center console along with everything else in the interior feels extremely cheap. The exterior is okay, the only thing that bothers me is the emptiness and gaps of the plastic moldings, it can really make the engine very dirty during the winter with salt and dirt which I notice when driving during this season. Engine performance is acceptable, a lot of low end torque but it disappears at higher revs (no top end). After awhile, the car feels old =(

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  car was free would never buy this after ownership experience - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cannedbobs - June 10 - 11:37 pm

  so i got the car when it was 8 years old with 5,000 miles on it, previously owned by my grandmother as an extra car. havent had to do anything major on it since owning it, biggest annoyance is that every time i have something break and i cant figure out what is broken to cause my problem i find the answer online telling me that this crap happens all the time on this model. lots of interior pieces broke or warped due to gm using plastics that deteriorate after 5 years, as i was told by a gm employee. lots of little quirks, but car has never left me stranded. would be a solid first car for some teen, as fun to drive as a honda, which is saying something.

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  Age equals money pit - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mrtgman - May 12 - 7:40 am

  I am a GM fan. I purchased this car with 95,000 well maintained miles. On the positive, engine started every time in sub-zero weather. Otherwise, I never owned a car that has cost me so much in repairs. I have replaced, A/C compressor due to bad clutch, but now evaporator leaks. Steering rack blew a seal, intake maniford gasket replaced, heater core replaced, 2 motor mounts replaced, exhaust system, power window motor and recently, replacement of belt tensioner of which pulley froze. All these repairs within 15,000 miles and a year and a half. Ive owned many GM vehicles and expect maintainence repairs, but will never buy or recommend another Grand Am.

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  My 8-Month Nightmare - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sinaskafitch - May 11 - 4:13 pm

  8 months ago, I bought a Grand Am off my friend at 140,000 miles. Turned out to be the worst decision Ive made since. If I wasnt friends with a mechanic, this car would already be in the scrap pile. Ive had to give it new wiring, a new starter, 2 new engine belts, a new mechanism that turns the engine belt, a new rear arm bar, and I had to remove the horn because it was faulty. The car also has a fuel pressure problem so now I pay out the nose for gas. I hate everything in this car down to the cup holders! Its cars like these that ruined Pontiac. This car is breaking my bank and my patience level. Hopefully getting a new car this week to get rid of this nightmare