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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  1999 grand am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rob foley - February 15 - 6:23 am

  i drive 50000kms/30000miles a year, front brakes need to be changed every year, pads and rotors, car is nice to look at fun to drive but gets very expensive to keep up with, head gaskets, engine service light that can come on for one of a thousand reasons, (i got to ignore it) would be a great car if just a little more quality parts were used. try to change the spark plugs yourself haha. remove engine and change. but after 6 years and 302 thousand kms (180,000miles) the car finally became to costly and unreliable, traded for a jetta

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  Just traded mine in!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Doll - February 10 - 4:53 pm

  After 5 years of having constant problems with this car, I finally got rid of it. Dont get me wrong Looks great,fun to drive, hauls butt when you need it to get up & go. But I hope you have alot of $$ to keep up the constant little things that go wrong with this car. The radio was bad from the get go & I puchased the upgrade. They replaced twice still went bad I gave up. My power seat I paid extra for didnt work after the first year. Brakes constant & They rub really bad. Intake manifold $700.00 bucks atlike 50,000 miles,allternator,temperature gauge, one of my fuel injectors went bad & started mis firing $1200.00. I finally got rid of it. It only had 87,000 miles on it. Beware of This Car!

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  Skip it - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CS400 - February 7 - 4:36 am

  Overall I had a bunch of problems with this car. The car is very electrical and I had two major electrical problems in the two years that I owned this car. The first time an engine lock fuse shorted and my car wouldnt start. Luckily I was still covered by my warranty or else I would have had to pay over 400 not including towing. The second time I paid about 400 again to have the thing fixed. This car isnt so great on gas (but then again I did have a V6) Also I received a notice from the manufacturer that there was a malfunction with the hazard lights. I noticed this also with the signal lights every time I used the turning signal it would still click even after being put back

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  Good for commuting - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By willie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Put 150K miles on it. The Transmission had to be rebuilt at 102K, after that it never shifted smoothly. Replaced Power Steering Booster Hose at 140K. Rides better with Gabriel Struts and 94T Speed Rated tires. Overall reliable, not the best ride or most comfortable but very good gas mileage and the Quad 4 (16 valves) engine never missed a beat and has good power for passing on the freeway, however is a bit noisy.

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  Very Unreliable - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Sandy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car I ever owned.This car has lived at the dealership since week one.In the first 30000 miles I had replace the power steering pump,the coolant bottle due to a leak,the intake manifold seal due to a leak,rotors replaced once & resurfaced once,very rough idle that the service dept cant find,noise from front end that I am told the tires are walking on the rims. The check engine light has come on & off but they can find no stored codes.I could go on forever.I work on the road & this is very inconvenient.

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  Good Car for a Good Price - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ND_OLE - January 20 - 6:46 am

  After owning a 97 GASE coupe for 3 years I was thrilled to get my 03 GAGT SC/T coupe in December as a Christmas present to myself. I love the exterior design especially with the SC/T package. Mine is one of the few bright red SC/T coupes and it always gets attention whenever I take it out. Since this is my daily driver (I have a 100 mile/day commute to work) interior comfort was a must, and my GAGT doesnt disappoint. So far with 41k miles (bought it with 17.5K) the only thing to go wrong was the blower motor resistor, a typical problem for the 99+ GAs. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sporty car on a budget.

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  Great Car But...... - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TNuss915 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Brake noise! This is my 2nd GT. My first was a 2000. I love the car but wont buy another one, because the brake noise. It sounds like the pads are dragging but there not. Ive had it to the dealership several times and they say its because of what the rotors are made of. I have talked to other Grand Am driver and they have the same problem. It is annoying to the point that it ruins the car.

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  Driving Excitement - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Judith Chesnick - January 12 - 5:03 pm

  I enjoy having and driving it very much. It handles excellent and the ride is very smooth. I havent had any complaints from people who have rode in it with me. I actually underestimated it when I looked at it but when I drove it, man it drove like a soaring eagle. The color of this car is nice, it is greystone metallic. It is a subtle color for the power that this car possesses. But I am not complaining.

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  Its a sweet car! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Marie w - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I got my car 8 months ago, its been a pretty awesome car. Its got great pick up, and is pretty solid. Ive had to put a new condenser cord in. but thats with any older car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By solitaryberry - January 11 - 3:53 pm

  I love my Grand Am. I am a young mom of two so I didnt really want to be relegated to driving a minivan. This is a great alternative for me. I get great gas mileage, which is important these days. I only spend about $40 a month in gas. Its a really comfortable car to drive and has quite a bit of get up and go. The only problem I have found is that it bottoms out fairly easily if I am not careful.