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:

• 

  Not Half Bad - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GM man - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I was forced to buy this car as the result of a divorce. Other than that bad taste fact the car has performed very well. Purchased new in 2004 and now has 97K on it. Have replaced battery, brakes, tires, front wheel bearing and the turn signal switch. Not to shabby if you ask me. Have had a couple of interior pieces break in the last year but its cosmetic and easy to replace. My son has inherited the car now and loves it. Do your scheduled maintenance and most cars will serve you well. I wont buy new again because I hate taking the hit when I want to change cars. Buying used you have to be careful and have a mechanic you trust check it before you buy it. Maintenance records great.

• 

  97 Pontiac Grand Am GT Sedan - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 97 GT - October 22 - 10:16 pm

  Bought this car in 2005 for my wife. The first 2 years it was in the shop 3 times for the water pump, brake fluid leak, and complete tune-up. Since 2008 i have been driving the car and my wife got the upgrade. Since i have been driving it the a/c compressor went out, the driver side mirror fell off (thank heaven for super glue 2 years and still holding), mirror control switch fell into the door, and the exhaust is leaking. My wife biggest complaint is the lack of braking power, meaning you have to push really hard not a big deal for me though. My only complaint is the lack luster V-6, very sluggish under acceleration unless hard on throttle. Overall we are pleased with the car 19 city 28 hwy

• 

  problems problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bstrang84 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4 door in July of 2001. It was great until New Years Eve 2001. The next time we stopped, thank God it was in a parking lot, the car stalled and would not start anymore. We had to replace the alternator. Since then we have had to replace it two more times. I am afraid we will probably have to replace it again. With this car you never know. Also we have a leak somewhere in the radiator. The antifreeze keeps leaking out within 10 hours of filling it. Living in Michigan in the middle of winter with no heat is not a good thing. I always dreamed of owning this car. I never thought it would be a nightmare.

• 

  Well worth my money - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PoNtIaCHeart - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Was a great car that I enjoyed owning for 12 years. I bought it many years back and it was only my 3rd car I have ever owned. $8000 was the selling price with 81000 miles on it. I hung up the keys finally (but regrettably) last week. I had not payed attention to the coolant level, and with an aluminum block in a quad 4, you never want to overheat it. unfortunately I blew a head gasket. This car has been the best thing I have owned and, if treated right, would be an excellent car for a daily driver.

• 

  Worst Mistake Ever - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By theman6945750 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as I was graduating high school, and now I wish I never bought the car. I have had the EGR valve replace, Transmission clamp, fuel injectors, axle, and many other things at an inflated price. It has cost me more to keep it working then I wish I would of ever thaught. I will never buy a GM again.

• 

  An average car... - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hawkeye1978 - August 30 - 10:26 am

  I bought mine used in 2000 with around 30,000 miles on it. Until about 2 years ago it was a solid car. Then the first rear window motor broke, followed shortly by the other back window. Ive replaced the brakes twice in 5 years and the rotors only once. The alternator I had to change in 2004. The only REAL complaint I have with it would be the dashboard trim where it meets the windshield...its started peeling up. Oh, and its been said before, but the cup holders in the front? Yeah, right...unless you have a CAN of pop, youre gonna have to shift into Reverse or Neutral to remove them when getting out. Good car, but too many issues to recommend it to others.

• 

  on my new car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By midniteman24 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy happy with my new car the se1 model has many options i like and some i probley have yet to figure out it is very nice to drive and looks even better i would suggest anyone atleast test driving one if not buying.

• 

  2.2-L4 ENGINE and MANUAL TRANNY!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bill 731 - July 15 - 7:26 pm

  Great car so far,only 600 miles on it so I can give no opinion on reliability.This Ecotec 2.2-L4 engine is so smooth you would think it was a six Cly.And the 5 speed manual Trans.is a perfect mate,we got 35 MPG on only the 2nd fill up.

• 

  pontiac grand am 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By father owns 2 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  rough ride - noisy cloth seats of poor quality we also own a 2001 gt1 grand am. seems to be built better and rides better

• 

  2004 GRAND AM GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JESSICA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my 2004 Grand Am GT. Its fast for a vehicle in its class, and most importantly fun to drive. It sucks its share of gas, though, not that efficient in fuel economy, and the only other con is the doors. They are pretty hefty and often swing back too easily to hit my body as Im getting "up and out" of my car.