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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 1,106.00-
Good inexpensive car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By rockyb - September 9 - 10:00 amI only paid $13,000 for this car. The only problem was the alternator at 50,000 miles. otherwise problem free. Good on gas and plenty of power with only a 4 cylinder!? Nearly 7 years old and it looks and drives as good as new
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I am very pleased with this car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By ferfer - September 8 - 2:20 amI just bought this car as my first "newer" car even though it is 3 years old, and I have yet to be dissapointed.....
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great college/college grad car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
By midwesterner - August 27 - 12:13 amI love this car. I use to drive a hyundai tiburon which looked great but drove awful. After test driving 8 cars I had to have the grand am. It drives so smoothly and sometimes i dont even realize i just went around curves. My gas mileage is 24 mpg (both city and highway miles) while my old car (a 4cyl.) was only getting 27. I also love how the radio stays on after you take the keys out. Before I get out of the car I leave the cd playing my favorite song and eight hours later I turn on my car to find my favorite song. I just got a chance to drive it in the snow and it handled really well. I was worried because i hate antilock brakes in snowy weather.
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I LOVE THIS CAR! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By coolmama - August 15 - 10:00 amI love this car! Its fun to drive, feels like you are driving a race car or you are in a cockpit. Looks great and I constantly have people telling me its a cool car. I have had no problems whatsoever with this car and it has 78000 miles and still going.
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Love my Car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By MarieW - July 9 - 10:00 amI had to replace my alternator at 58,000 that is the ONLY problem Ive ever had. Bought it brand new and I LOVE it. My next car will be the same!
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Great Car, but not Perfect - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By Grand Am Driver - July 9 - 10:00 amThis car is a joy to drive everyday. The ram air V6 that I have preforms beyond my expectations for an american car, as does the sporty suspension. In black, my car has earned the nickname of "Batmobile" among most of my friends. The feeling of driving this car on winding country roads can only be paralleled by the likes of small sports cars and expensive import sport sedans. All in all, a bargain at only $22,000.
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Very Pleased - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By nitebird - June 21 - 2:00 amPerfect.....Not too big, not too small, stylish, not expensive upkeep
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Very good car for the money - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
By Just me - June 21 - 2:00 amI bought this car used with 28,000 miles on it. In the 2+ years since I have had it, I only had to change the oil and put on brakes around 60,000 miles. it has very good pickup for a 4 cylinder and Ive gotten better mileage than advertised (30-34 mpg).
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Pinch me, am I dreaming - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By jshaf - May 18 - 10:00 amgot a 03 GT1 with only 20 miles on it for 17113(w/ext warrenty), life is good. Had a 99 GT and it was a good car, expect much the same.
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I like it - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
By Dinky - May 15 - 2:00 amWe just bought a used 95 Grand Am, weve owned it for about a month and I have already taken it on two trips (over 5k miles) and the car has ran wonderfully. Only minor problems i.e. blown fuses and short in blinkers - went out in Atlanta so that was a pain, but lived through it. Overall a great car, with wonderful seats!
