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:

• 

  Quality slips QUICKLY as car ages - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dood - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Well, brakes replaces... now intake manifold gasket is bad... at 37000 miles. This is becoming a very weak point in these cars. As the cars get older, their weak quality shows through -- typical for GM I guess.

• 

  Waste of money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jmarc - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I had bought this car just shortly after it was released (as a new redesigned model) after reading all these reviews that Pontiac pulled it together and produced a quality vehicle. Boy was I wrong!! Had to replace the brakes twice in the first two years (28k miles after 2years). Power drivers seat broke after 5 months. Outside of that the car was great.....until the 3 year 36k warranty expired. Transmission started slipping, alternator had to be replaced, power steering started leaking. I spent over 3 grand in repairs within 3 months of the warranty expiring.

• 

  Less than I hoped for - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tim - September 22 - 3:36 am

  I bought a used 97 SE with V6 and low miles (only 44K). Maybe I picked a lemon, but I ended up disappointed. There were a series of expensive failures - power window rollers, starter, alternator. The shocks had too little travel, and bumps were bone-jarring. Then engine ran frighteningly hot in summer, and no cause was ever found. Gas mileage was so-so (24 city, 26 hwy). In fairness, there were some good things. The V6 engine is very smooth, if a bit underpowered for its size. And the car had surprisingly excellent handling on icky, icy Dallas freeways in February. Ultimately, lack of reliability became too much of a factor, so 2 years and 40K miles later, I went back to my old brand.

• 

  I have NEVER been so disappointed! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Valerie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This was my very first brand new car. I started having problems within the first year and and it has been one thing after another. Thank God I bought the extended warranty. As of right now I have been waiting three weeks for the dealership that I have been using to get my car in to have the power steering pump replaced and to fix a hub problem on the right front. The Pontiac dealership is not the same one that I bought the car from,although I was assured that would not be a problem. Because of all the problems with this vehicle, I will probably never buy another GM product.

• 

  Looks nice, not so reliable...... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By California - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Luved the car at first, very first new fast car... Have always done regular maintance,used only fully synthetic oil,treated this car like my baby, Have brought this car in more times than I want to admit, luckily the dealership talked me into the full warranty or I would have been hosed, the power sterring pump went out, alternator at 60,000, abs light has come on twice to be fixed,anything that was electrical went out!!! signals, daytime running lights,fuel gage, and of course the most expensive the tranny... I luv the looks of it and it got me lots of looks, fast, but just really dissapointing with everything that has gone wrong with it.

• 

  Not happy - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Okay - July 22 - 1:46 am

  I have had my G.A. for 2.5 years and have had many problems. I have had them replace the radio 2 times for skipping, still skips. The suspension went out in the front a couple of months ago, and it is starting to rattle around AGAIN! When I hit a bump or RR tracks...it jumps around. I have to take it in again because my power steering fluid is leaking and the wheel is making a grinding noise. I have taken it back 3 times for GM to fix the back door, it rattles. GM had to replace the windshield molding bacuse it came off! I took it in FIVE xs because the seat belt light wouldnt turn off (even when buckled). They finally found a short under the seat! I have 35k and looking to trade it in!!

• 

  Enigma - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PONT98 - May 24 - 11:20 pm

  This car has only stranded me once and that was 6 mos after buying it for a shift interlock problem that cost 350 bucks. Aside from that I personally fixed the intake manifold leak the v6s are prone to that would have cost 550. The clear coat is coming off on the spoiler and one window frame. The seats are pretty rotten. Power is good and so is the tranny. Brakes need frequent replacement due to small size. The seat and paint might be my fault, but crappy plastic and intake manifold problems as well as the common front suspension creak are all normal issues with this car. By the way my car has 11200 miles on it and I have owned it for 5 years. I would not recommend this car. I am stuck w/it.

• 

  pontiac is poor quality - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Steve Be - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My 97 grand am as cost me over 3000 dollars in repairs alone. If you are a smart buyer you should stay away from the quad four engien. I would like to say also, that in my experience pontiacs are more trouble than they are worth. I have had three of them and every one self destructs undernieth me. Little things that cost you $100 and big things that cost you $500. In my opinion a smarter buyer will go over seas or to ford for a quality car.

• 

  Good Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rume75 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  i just bought my car a couple of days ago so i only have a few coplaimants or wishes, I think they should have given the seats more cushion, i wish my car had cruise control

• 

  Grand AM GT 6cyl - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By amanton74 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Good for 4 years, then fuel injectors started breaking left and right. Constant electrical problems. AC compressor failed. Now having constant misfires.