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:

• 

  2000 SE (Automatic Transmission option) - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By teravain - March 2 - 1:11 pm

  Over all the 2000 Grand Am has been an excellent car. Mine has over 200k miles on it with 185k of them put on by me. The car lasted up until about 189k then one of the cylinders dropped to 60% pressure and I cant use the AC when I am stopped at a stop sign or the engine will stall. Paint started peeling at the bottom of the front doors after 8 years of driving on a dirt road at 45 miles per hour for 2 miles per day. The front dash has started to lift a little from the sun light hitting it the last 11 years, and driver side window button is finally starting to act up. At 13k this car has lived up to all my expectations.

• 

  used to love this car! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By disppointed - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was a great car until it turned over 75,000 miles. Have had some very expensive repairs in the past few months (EGR, fuel injection system) and at 80,000 miles it just doesnt drive so well anymore. I am going to sell it ASAP before it costs me anymore money!

• 

  GT Grand Am 1999 - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GTGrandam - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought when they first changed body style. Unibody construction is much better than the older type so much more solid built. Problem areas front brake rotars need turning if vibration. Have 43,000 miles and almost 5 years. Chg one battery, alternator, window washer pump and window regulator for elect windows Still Warranty. Owned various other Grand Ams this best except no V-8 like early 70s Most problems occured after mfg warranty so always purchase ext. warranty if plan to keep car longer than 3 years and 36,000 miles recomended.

• 

  Pleased Overall - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chasing Hazel - February 21 - 9:30 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year now, bought it used with 38,000 miles on it. I easily put 1500 miles a month on my car driving to work and back, and Wisconsin winters are harsh -- and as of yet I have no major problems to report. Now, at 56,000 miles, the only work Ive had done so far was a front wheel bearing, but I hit a pothole so Im pretty sure that was my fault, not Pontiacs fault. I love my car, and wish Id be able to buy a newer Grand Am when Im done with this one, but sadly they dont make em anymore. It has a nice, smooth ride, and I love the way it looks. So happy that the 2004 doesnt have those ugly "ribbed" side panels!

• 

  Grandy review - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By girl47723 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  its a good car

• 

  2001Grand Am SE 2.4L - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rhino61466 - February 17 - 3:50 am

  I have never had any serious mechanical problems with this vehicle. I bought it pre-owned certified with 56,000. It is now up to 98,000 miles and I have only spent 700 in total for repairs, spanning five years. The only problems I had was the ignition at 98,000 miles and my power windows broke. The key to this vehicle being very reliable is preventive maintenance. If you know nothing about cars and run it into the ground like a Honda you will have problems; however, if you do the normal maintenance such as tune ups/oil changes every 5k miles, fluid flushes, and belt change you should have no problems. If you buy this vehicle and no nothing about how well it was taken care of beware.

• 

  Minor problems.. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bond7 - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  i bought this car after i flipped my Saturn. Right after we bought it (from a private seller mind you) the passenger seat stopped sliding forward/backwards (no big deal though), then the drivers side power window motor went out (no big deal), replaced brakes and December of 06 replaced all four tires.. now (04/08) replaced 3 wheel bearings, front brakes, rotor, and belt in the motor.. also, the exhaust was starting to fall off so got that welded back on.. I know it sounds like Im complaining, but Im actually satisfied that the car is 12 years old and hasnt had Major motor problems.. Im only the second owner of the car but I like to drive fast/hard so that could account for some wear/tear!

• 

  Get the extended warranty! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By vsnow - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Two years after purchasing, the altenator needed to be replaced. The brakes have been replaced several times and even with heavy duty brake pads, it still makes noise. This year, the steering rack and pump needed to be replaced and the springs have broken off the struts. The rubber molding around the windows leaks when it rains hard. Get the extended warranty, youre going to need it.

• 

  pleasant todrive, smooth - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Taylor - February 1 - 3:46 pm

  I have had an enjoyable travels and no problems that were major and is very stylish and kept fairly clean,car is a one owner seller,has given me great service and still has a while to go will be a pleasure to a new driver has been on many long smooth sailing and as of today I am still cruising it along.

• 

  Fun to drive with minor problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bus ODoyle - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Grand Am GT1 with 40,000 miles. Its the nicest car I have ever owned so far even better then my 95 Camaro. Lots of power through out the power curve. But around 50,000 miles I started experiencing the typ. rubbing brake noise, tire pressure light comes on(tires are fully inflated),CD player display doesnt work, fan setting 1-3 dont work, new battery, leaks water if parked at a angle (3 inched of water by my gas peddle),paint is pealing between my door window and back window, Other then that it has been a good car.