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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  Amaing first car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TJ - January 11 - 12:36 pm

  When i first got this car it had some small fixs that were all not hard to fix. the Body was in perfect shape. it runs great and i have had no problems with it. the only think that mite bug some is the suspention kinda gets rough.

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  Love this car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kenda - January 10 - 10:00 pm

  Overall i love this car. I bought a 96 grand am in 1999 and i loved it so much when i traded it in, it was for another grand am gt.I do have to say the first GA was built better, never had any noise, but with my 04GA there was a rattle noise...come to find out it was the rear bumper (a screw was loose). I just hope that when i get ready to trade this one in, Pontiac will still be making the Grand Am Gt Coupe.

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  Great second car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jtemple5 - January 8 - 10:38 pm

  Bought this car used back in 2008 with around 55k miles on it... just hit 140k and am looking to replace it, but not for anything specific, Im just anticipating a problem since Ive never had one yet. Even winding up nose first in a snow bank on the side of the highway didnt stop it. Aside from minor wear and tear work, weve never had to replace anything major, even with it being our only car for 4+ years, surviving all those New England winters. Excellent car, excellent style, and roomy inside even with its smaller exterior.

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  2001 Grand Am SE - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rocky - December 29 - 12:20 pm

  I would never buy another car like this. I have had problems with the fuel pump ( 2 times) and the security light 2 time too. I havent even had the car for two years. Dont ever buy this car

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  Hate this freakin car SOOOOOOOOO Much - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By P.O.S. car - December 25 - 11:50 pm

  Had this car for 6 years and have nothing but problems with this car. Initially, the car was fun to drive and fulfilled its purpose. After about a year and a half, everything started going south. This piece of crap has front rotor, rear drum brakes. As such, the brakes wear down pretty quick. Have replaced brakes/pads/rotors 5 times so far. Have also replaced entire ignition system, fuel tank, fuel pump, and various other things. Bought car new for $14k and, so farm have spent about $7- $8k in repairs over the life of ownership. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS CAR.

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  LOVED this car!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By t_zayas51 - December 19 - 10:05 pm

  I bought my 1997 Grand Am SE v6 used in 2008 with 136,000 Miles on it. I loved this car, I spent two winters in wisconsin with -10 degree weather and it started right up every single time. Got pretty good mileage, 26+ as long as I drove properly. Sadly, I rolled it at 85 MPH with 172,000 miles on it, but walked away from that, so I guess it has pretty good safety as well! Only minor upkeep- oil changes, changed brakes and tires one time. Great pick-up for a v6 and never had an issue with it! I miss my Grand Am.

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  Grand AM, this is a great car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chris - December 15 - 2:11 am

  If you are looking for something sporty looking with hood scoops that rides like you are floating on a couch cushion, look no further than the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a Ram-air V6. This car has excellent traction in the winter time. The engine performs astonishingly well when floored. The Monsoon sound system is of very good quality and if youre not a fan of traction control (as I am not), you can turn it off with the push of a button. Although my car is now 13 years old and barely has 81,000 miles, it is the best I could ever expect in a used sports coupe.

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  Problems All Over - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Really? - December 13 - 10:10 pm

  Where do I start. I purchased this car in 2000 and was initially happy with it. Then after 8000 miles the front brake pads were worn and badly warped. With brand new ones installed, I lasted another 22000 miles,while the rear shoes and drums never wore. The dealers response was dont ride the brakes. I downshifted every opportunity and with 90% highway miles, that never really was a problem. So after about 6 adjustments and rotors I purchased slotted rotors. 48000 miles and no problem. Brake bias problem some engineer overlooked I assume. 2 water pumps, starter, intake manifold gasket,etc. With all the preventative maint. done one can wonder what would happen if you slipped on one service.

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  I enjoyed it but..... - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By formergrandamowner - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The car handled great, and the responsiveness was great. I was not very satisfied with the quality though. Had a leak from day one that the dealer could not find, finally turned out to be sun roof drains. The brakes wore out quickly under normal conditions, as did the struts and related parts. At trade in time, I got less than half the cost of the car, (my fault) but feel the car should have held its value a little better.

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  Great buy for performance - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Daniel Goosen - December 10 - 5:33 pm

  Awesome car for the money, solid and fun to drive. I have owned three Grand Prixs 97 to 2000. This is the first Grand Am GT1, great little car with great get up and go!