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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  Another Reliable Pontiac! :) - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ggaring2012 - April 2 - 2:51 pm

  Before buying my 2000 Grand Am, I owned a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, and even though it was old and a little rough around the edges, it never failed me... even with having 250,000 miles on it! For that reason, I felt secure with purchasing another Pontiac, the Grand Am. Ive had this car for 6 months without any major problems. I purchased it from a friend with 170,000 miles. It now has almost 180,000 miles on it, and I have only had to replace a wheel bearing, blower motor for the a/c, and the drive belt, which is expected from a car with that many miles. None of which were expensive at all! They are neat little cars and I plan to keep mine until it dies! Too bad they stopped making Pontiacs...

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  Nice Ride - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Andy - April 2 - 2:50 am

  I have owned the car for 5 years and have put on nearly 150,000 miles. There have been no negative surprises, unexpected maintenance or mechanical problems. The car runs great, remains tight and has more power than it needs.

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  great - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lilmoe - April 1 - 7:03 pm

  never had a problem bought it with 50,000 miles never had a problems it loves to be on the road

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Michelle - April 1 - 4:00 am

  Never failed me. Few repairs and fewer problems. Car is amazing. Reliable and sound. Great engine, great acceleration, wonderful handling, beautiful body, powerful engine, great fuel usage, sleek design, great red dash, dashboard ignition, and many extras. Overall the best car I have ever driven.

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  Fun to drive, but noisy - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By john - March 21 - 8:50 pm

  Great Car for fun and curvy roads!! Not too great for road noise, you hear every change in the road surface.

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  Time to trade it in! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jennifer S. - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Grand Am GT1 new. This car is all about small things breaking all the time. I got a lot of things fixed under warranty. Unfortunately, a lot of things broke when it went out of warranty. The brakes continue to be a problem. I need new pads every year and am on my 3rd set of rotors.On the brighter side, I have close to 100,000 miles and she still runs like a champ. This car is so much fun to drive.I dont think any car is worth what you pay for it, but I am happy I bought this car. If you are thinking of buying this car, please make sure you like to work on cars and do lots of brake jobs!

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  Love to drive! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lain - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car I actually loved. I bought mine used with 46,000 miles on it. She now has 77,000 and still purrs like a kitten. Front brakes done twice but no serious mechanical problems. Only real complaint is the notorious GM clearcoat, peeling around the trunk.

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  Nice, but not really a sports car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grandamgt33 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I had a 4 cylinder Grand Am SE. The upgrade was well worth the expense. Nice acceleration, great sound system. Firm ride. Comfortable front seats. Had only three problems in 3 years. Battery, fan speed control and cruise control. After driving my SUV all week, I get in my GT on the weekend and feel like I am almost driving a sports car. The car is louder than it is fast. Considering market value now is aroung 9 grand, I cant even consider trading it in. Looks like I am sticking with this one for the duration.

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  Nice - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Charlie - February 26 - 12:56 am

  This car is awesome. It exceeded my expections. It has good power and great traction. The car inside and out look great. The Ram Air system is great with this car. A bigger engine like a small V8 would be nicer addition with the Ram Air system.

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  Good reliable car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By DArcy - February 16 - 5:13 pm

  Almost 10 years old and going strong. Two engine gasket replacements, one on warranty were the only items out of ordinary wear and tear. Good reliable car.