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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  2001 Tan Grand Am SE - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By aeguy202 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in late January and havent had any problems since. The only drawback is that the gas mileage isnt as great as I would have hoped. But other than that, the car gets me where I want to go and is very relaxing. Im hoping the car will get me through driving back and forth with college.

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  GRAND AM - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cjfarquhar - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my third black Grand Am GT. All three have been extremely reliable up to as much as 110K miles on my first - with an alternator and faulty gas gauge being the biggest issues among them - both covered by warranty. I had each of them for four years and always have to give it a front break job about 2 years in. More detailed comments and suggestions are below.

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  GREAT Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Shaei - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Am and I enjoy it so much more than the 1999 Grand Am SE. The power is exceptional! I wish that this car had better gas mileage but other than that Ive truly had fun with this car.

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  Sad to say bye - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Robert Nolan - March 8 - 9:56 pm

  this silver 4d gt ram air, all leather,monsoon sound, sun roof, power everywhere, really made a statement,especially after I installed Altezza tail lamps and added some pinstriping. Now this is my wifes car, she is a middle aged teenager,and loved the power,and auto daylight headlights, purchased it at 23,000 miles certified, (just traded it off on a 2005 Chrysler pacifica touring) at 57,000 miles,absolutely a problem free car!!!! added brakes in front and protenza tires, thats it! great gas mileage, Id have kept it a lot longer, but my wife has been diagnosed with MS and it is a strain to get in and out now, as a sports car are low to the ground. Fun car..but had to go #&^%*@!

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  Silver Bullet - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dredee - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Hey. This car is great. Bought used and wondering how they messed up the cruise, but it gets great gas mileage for a six, like 345 miles to a 12 gallon tank, plus is just all out comfortable. I will get an 04 next year before they change it to the G6.

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  Too bad its an automatic - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Firefighter Scott - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great "family" vehicle that doesnt look it! My wife and I are very happy with it. There is plenty of room in it for a car seat and all the items that go along with a baby. Great handling, acceleration, and feel. There is one downside to the vehicle. A car this sporty should have a 5 or 6 speed manual tranny as an option on the V6 motor.

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  matts review - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By matt - January 31 - 8:16 am

  For being an SE, not the sportier GT, it handles quite nicely, and has a smooth ride too. The v6 makes enough power to smoke the tires if youre interested to know. Mine happens to have 130,000 miles on it and I get throttle happy with it sometimes anyway. It makes Tauruses look lethargic, and Honda Civic, hah, is that a sedated hamster under the hood of those things? In all seriousness, for being rated at a rather low 170HP, the 207c.i. v6 has more than enough torque to compensate. Theres also performance parts if stock just isnt good enough. If you think American cars are crap, youre wrong. Ive had no problems since Ive had it. Pros- its quick, girls like it Cons- still FWD

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  Surprisingly reliable...except... - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BWM - January 28 - 8:30 pm

  I have a 2002 Grand Am SE1, with the special tropical teal color. I bought it used from Enterprise at 20k miles. I thought for sure Id have some problems, since it was a rental.... nope none... It went up to 60k miles before the blower motor resistor went, then at 80k miles the head and upper manifold gaskets went, due to DEXCOOL turning into acid and eating the gaskets and clogging my radiator. Fortunately, the car is easy to work on and I actually replaced the gaskets myself and the car runs great again. Now at 90k miles, nothing else major has broke... Only needed brakes twice, though now the shocks are starting to squeek and the A/C clutch is worn. But everything else is great.

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  Love my car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Wendy - January 28 - 1:40 pm

  I bought my car used with 32,000 miles on it. I have put on a little over 40,000 in the past four years and have had NO problems with my car. It has been perfect in the snow, perfect in wet weather, nice and cool in the summer. I have only had to replace a few things, but I have a wonderful mechanic who takes good care of the car; I havent needed any expensive work done. I love this car and were it not for an expanding family, I would never sell it. Two-doors arent very car-seat friendly!

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  Very good vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dan C - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 yrs and drive the heck out of it with over 80k now. Its been through every state from east coast to TX and all kinds of weather with never a problem. Im out with all the SUVs in the snow. I tow a 3,000lb boat, and the car performs like its towing very little. The extent of my maintenance is that Ive replaced tires once and brakes twice, a window and heat blower motor, some antifreeze wiper blades, lamps and of course many oil changes.