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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  i love my car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bethne - April 1 - 4:20 pm

  Had this car since 1999. Original owner. Replaced alternator once, brakes twice and had some work done on catalytic converter. Also passenger side mirror fell off pretty easily. Enough bad though. I love this car. Im very hard on vehicles and this one has held up really well. 120,000 miles, most are in town. Pretty good gas mileage, about 33 mpg. Handles great in snow and ice. Very comfortable on long trips. Heating and cooling system is wonderful. Lots of storage. Drives really well on back/country/mountainous roads, including dirt, gravel, and mud.

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  Its okay - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By nene - March 31 - 5:53 pm

  I have had my G.A. for almost a year. Not too crazy about it. Every time a hit a bump or tracks, I think it is going to fall apart (rough ride). The seals around the windshield, and the back window are peeling off. I have had my radio replaced twice, for excessive skipping. It still skips. There is a leak somewhere on the driver side, so, I am forever thinking the door is not closed all of the way. The front seat is really cramped when theres a rear facing car seat behind it. I dont recommend the G.A. as a family car. I do, however, like all of the cup holders and the storage space. I was also looking into buying the Taurus. The Taurus was really generic, compared to the G.A.

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  better than expected - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tmister - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been surprisingly reliable. Maintenance has been non existant with the exception of routine upkeep. With about 160000 miles, it is still running strong. the v-6 has plenty of power to spare. She always starts with ease. I bought the car as economy transportation, but it turned out to be much better than expected. I have passed the car on to my kids. I would recommend this car to any friend.

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  fun ride but poor quality - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By structengineer - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My car may or may not be typical, but it was in the shop four times for repairs (wheel speed sensor, fuel level sending unit, fan speed control unit, head gasket, rusty rotors, loud pinging engine when cold). Once it left me stranded on the highway. The trim was loose in places, it got horrible radio reception, winshield trim rattled in the wind, radio station tuning knob turned station #s the wrong way half the time. Other than the poor quality, it was a good car to drive. The car has good acceleration and cornering and is fun to drive.

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  Satisfied owner - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By philly j - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the GT sedan in 03and have no regrets! GT looks great and performed well on the road, which is a must for my lead foot. No major repairs until this year (2010) at 160k miles-so the car is unexpectedly reliable.

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  A Disapointment ... - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dnpstr - March 22 - 8:00 pm

  Bought with just under 90,000 miles on it. My Grand Am is no doubt a very sharp looking car and the performance is great. But before you purchase this car DO YOUR RESEARCH! I have owned this car for almost 2 years and it has been nothing of a problem. I have had to replace the AC unit and on my last road-trip I had the wonderful experience of a blown head-gasket. After fixing that for about $2,000 it turns out the bearings in my engine have been warped or contaminated by the anti-freeze,likely a result of the blown head-gasket so now its going to die. The cars interior is nothing to brag about.This car had a lot of potential but due to poor reliability I will be looking for a new ride.

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  wasnt perfect ...... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By InfernoDan98 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought the car it had a bad pull to the left at speeds over 50 mph. Pontiac said it was torque steer. Took to local chevy dealer where a buddy works and found the left strut was not installed correctly. And Pontiac just blew me off.

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  Love This Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LOVE IT - March 19 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car with 75K miles a year ago, and I travel to work 40 miles round trip daily and often across the state. Its always been very reliable and comfortable to drive. Very powerful! The only part I really didnt like was that the turning signals didnt always work, but they were covered under a recall, and were fixed free of charge. Corners and handles very well, and hasnt let me down in the snow yet. Heat, A/C, Cruise, Power Locks and Windows.. all work great. The gas mileage isnt too bad considering the get-up-and-go it has. Most costly fix was the headgasket after I first got it, which was $600, and the hubs ($400).

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  I love my GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tina - March 19 - 10:43 am

  The driving is very smooth. The 150 dash is tempting but I havent driven it over 95.

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  What a piece of junk - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By oy vey - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive but now I just want to drive it off a cliff. Rear bumper molding replaced. Turn signal switch replaced. A/C blower motor replaced. Fuel level sensor replaced. Ignition lock cylinder replaced. Drivers side window regulator and glass attachment replaced twice. Power steering hydraulic return hose replaced. Thats quite a list for a 3 year old car. The worst part is after the window went for the 2nd time and complaining about the power steering for the 3rd time I asked for the service manager to complain. His response to me was "everything breaks". Of course my response was "thats what Im complaining about".