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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Best purchase I made. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
By Doe - October 4 - 11:13 amI happened to walk onto a car lot just browsing and laid eyes on this car and had to have it immediately. It was used with 80k miles for 7000 dollars at the time. I grabbed the car up, since then I added a K&N air filter and new 17 rims and low profile tires and omg yes 2 12 subs in the trunk. Awesome Car. I love the way the car handles and feels while driving it. Working on dual exhaust and a new paint job because white isnt my style, but over all that car is hot. No mechanical problems and I keep maintenance up on the car.
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Excellent Car!!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By Pontiac Grand Am GT - September 6 - 2:00 amJust bought our first Grand Am GT. Its an excellent car, thats fun to drive. Other Grand Am owners say its reliable and maintance is minimal. I highly recommend this car!
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No problems - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By heavenbndt - August 26 - 6:00 amIve had my 2001 grand am for two years now and have had no problems with it. It has power I didnt expect it to have and moves good in traffic. The gas mileage is good compared to my ford truck and it is a comfortable ride. I love my car and felt it was a good deal.
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Pontiac is the Best - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
By Jeanne - August 24 - 4:06 amI am a 54 year old woman who has had nothing but Pontiacs. I wanted the 2005 Grand Am because it was the last year they were making it. I bought it new. I loved my 89 and love this one even more!! You cannot go wrong with a Pontiac!
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se are just as good - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By country city boy - August 4 - 6:26 pmThis is my primary vehicle to drive and I am geet great gas mileage that exceds the mileage listed on the sheet. 20-25 city and 33-36 on the interstate. People complain about the 2.4 but when it drops 2 gears on the interstate it does not seem so wimpy.
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What a car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By m - July 31 - 10:00 amThis is the second pontiac Grand Am I have owned and they are great. The first Grand Am-a 94-made it to 199K miles with minimal repairs. I will only buy Grand Ams from now on.
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Awesome GT1 - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
By Harley_Devil - July 20 - 7:36 pmAwesome car!! Fun to drive, love the look and feel. Ive owned my GT1 for 2 years and have never had any issues or regrets about purchasing it. I love the large trunk and rear folding seats, but have found the trunk opening to be a little on the small side. The sound system is great and I love to open the sunroof on warm days. The Ram-Air hood and engine are a great addition to the car and the hood scoops give it such a sporty and fast look.
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Sporty Looking! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By CLEOPATRA - June 25 - 10:00 amMy 1999 Grand AM GT 4-Door, Black, Leather Interior Fully Loaded, was purchased ...after looking at various GM vehicles I found this one very much applealing to the eye, as well to performance. This is the best vehicle I have owned..roomy, sporty looking, great handling features. Good performance vehicle, has guts..when needed....Excellent Purchase
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Great Car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
By LovePontiacs! - June 15 - 6:03 amThis was my first car. I drove it for three years before I decided to get an SUV. There were never any problems other than something with the ABS. Tires wore great after all the miles. Held up great. Every time I cleaned it, it looked NEW! Motor was extremely quiet and dependable. Got tons of looks back then!
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My Baby Blue Grand AM! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By Mason420 - June 10 - 10:00 amI love my pontiac Grand Am....my only complaint would be that the window regulators in these cars have got to be recalled....other than that ITA ALL GOOD!!
