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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  A Troubled Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By John623 - March 28 - 1:30 pm

  This was a "GM certified" car, with @ 27,000 miles on it. The "change oil" light was on, 1 headlight had condensation in it, the tires all had different pressure, and the intermittent wipers didnt work - so much for "certified". This was all fixed with a smile by the dealer. At 30,300 miles, the lower intake manifold gasket and water pump were leaking. Again - all fixed with a smile. At 32,900 miles, the lower intake manifold gasket was again replaced, and due to a "hot start" problem diagnosed as low fuel pressure the fuel pump was replaced. Again - all fixed with a smile. Overall. It drives well, smooth relatively quiet and comfy, and good stereo. Extended warranty a must!

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  Finally Rid of It!!!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Former Owner - March 18 - 12:46 am

  I just traded my Grand AM in this week. I had to replace the brakes within a month of the warranty expiring. The drivers power window conked out at 20,000 miles, luckily was covered by the warranty. At 40,000 miles the AC quit. This would have been a $1,400 repair bill, so I just suffered the heat in the summer. ( I live in the Northeast where its cold most of the year, so I was able to live with that). More recently, the radiator needed a $500 repair and 2 weeks ago the catalytic converter went out. Other minor things like leaks of fluid started. Including the AC, I had about $3,000 worth of repairs to make. with only 65,000 miles on it. Never again General Motors!!!

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  Not a bad car, but... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By daxx - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pontiac for 7 years, and put over 120,000 miles on it. Its fairly comfortable, quick enough for daily driving and fun to drive. Reliability is... okay. Its had intake gaskets, power steering pump, fuel pump, water pump, power seat motors, front power windows replaced twice each, rear power windows replaced and a new BCM computer. It looks like junk with peeling clearcoat and disintegrating dashboard, but it starts first try and gets me to my destination with no fuss. Gas mileage averages mid-20s, but thats mostly my fault as I like making the V6 work hard.

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  Nothing but headaches from day one! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Barb - February 8 - 12:06 am

  Purchased this car for my daughter. Have had to do 3 major things that ran over $1,000 to it and now it wont pass emissions. Plastic inside is cheap and cracks easily, headlights are always foggy not matter what we do. Even purchased extra 2 year warrenty, not worth the paper written on. See tons of them on the road always in red. Must of been a popular color that year. I think we got the lemon, should have painted it yellow. Will stick with Chevy or Buicks from now on. Also will have the next one researched. Owning this car is like having a piggy bank you just keep putting money in but never get anything back. It is hopless. 2 more years to pay on, thats the sad part.

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  Whats up with the radiator - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pat - January 31 - 10:30 am

  When we got this car it had 300,000 miles on it. It had set under a tarp in a garage for the past 3 years. Within a month I had to replace two tires. Within two months I had to put in the shop for almost two weeks for radiator problems. Major overheating especially in slow traffic and while idling. Shop changed three or four things and cleaned out radiator. Its still overeheating. Also we have water coming into the car from under the dash especially when raining. Windshield was replaced; didnt help. Now we;ve lost two window motors. It gets me from A to B and gas mileage is great but Ill never have another. Its not worth the $2200.00 I have to pay.

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  Great first car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kim2013 - January 26 - 3:26 pm

  I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE, 4 door, 4 cylinder automatic. This is/was my first car that I bought back in april 2009 I believe. This has been a reliable car for me. Mostly daily driving - school, work, etc. Mostly a town driver, then drove about 25 miles away daily for college. The only serious problem I had was a misfire and a new coil pack fixed that. Routine oil changes, brake pads and tires have been all this car has needed. I drove this car from Wisconsin to Tennesee and back at about 130,000 miles and it did wonderful. I get 24-26 mpg city and probably 30-32 highway. All in all, no big complaints. I do think the car is kind of ugly on the outside but oh well :)

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  Never will buy again! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cheerjill23 - December 5 - 6:50 am

  I got this car as a gift and have had nothing but problems with it. Replaced brakes too many to count, alternator 2X, front shakes all the time, coolant constantly low and over heats. Never sure if I would make it to where I needed to go. Didnt even make it to 115,000 miles. Coolant would leak and have to refill every 7- 10 days.

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  Look it over - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lilbulah - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I got my Grand AM as a graduations gift for graduating high school. Ive had to replace the brakes 3 times in 6 months, ive had to replace the alternator. Also i wrecked this car doing 40 mph into the back of a minivan and my airbags did not deploy, even though it was totalled the insurance company still fixed it, luckly i had on my seatbelt that did enough damage. My transmission is slipping, and all my parking lights keep going out, also so are my brake lights.. I think that these are awesome looking cars but the mechanical errors need to be fixed!!!

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  Grand Am 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fldeb - November 14 - 5:37 am

  I purchased my Grand Am in Oct. 2004. Carfax report said it was a rental car. It currently has 79,000 miles. The door panels developed bubbles. Had them replace since it was under warrant. Didnt last long. All 4 door panels has bubbles in them. A/c knob broke. Inside light only works 10% of the time. A plastic nut in the widowshield wippers broke, I couldnt just buy the nut I had to buy the whole motor system. trunk leaks. Biggest problem is the dashboard lifting up. Dealership says it will cost over $1200 to fix and they will need my car 3 or 4 days. The lifting dashboard crumbled my defrosters. I cant use them. Blinkers keep blinking. 3 windows need new window regulator cost $390 each.

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  Dont buy it - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bob - October 22 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had this car 6 years, and Ive had ALL 4 power windows stop working (wont go down or up), I had 2 repaired and gave up on other 2. I got it with 32k miles, it has 84k now, at about 60k miles, the transmission failed. Had to have it rebuilt for about 2 grand. Ignition switch failed. Power steering pump failed 2 times. Power steering rod failed. Brakes had issues at about 75k miles, and again are grinding and just dont sound/feel right. Air conditioning still works, but speed settings 1 & 2 dont work, only 3-5 work. Rear view mirror fell off (didnt even touch it), had to re- adhere it. Its still fast, still fun, but I dont know whats gonna happen next. Im selling it soon, finally.