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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  Lovin it! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tatooedlady - December 6 - 10:00 am

  2004 SE1 with the V-6 engine. Ive driven most of whats on the road, and I am in LOVE! Of course, it doesnt hurt that I got a great deal on it...Using premium gas Ive gotten almost 30mpg with the 3.4L engine. Drives smoothly, gets up and GOES when I need to, reasonable gas mileage, doesnt shake, squeak, rattle or do other nasty tricks AND it turns heads. What more can I ask for?

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  2001 Grand Am GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Corey - December 5 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this car in August for $7500.00. By the month of October the pwr window regulator went out. The Tranny went out at 114,000 miles in febuary. $2800 to repair. other than these fixes its a fun car but buyer beware.

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  GREAT CAR, POOR ENGINE COMPONENTS - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Scott Loney - December 2 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned my Grand Am for over two years and have had no mechanical issues until now (car has 34,750 miles on it).The problem is the intact manifold is poorly constructed. The bolts that hold the system together work loose over time, causing the intake manifold gasket to come apart and engine coolant to leak out. This is a known problem with GM 3.1 and 3.4 liter engines, yet GM refuses to design a new intact system to correct this issue. It is a somewhat expensive repair ($700 to $800). Fortunately, mine was covered under warranty. So owners beware!!! If you see or smell engine coolant, you have an idea of what your repair most likely will be. Aside from this problem, car is great!

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  Good 1st car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brad - November 24 - 7:46 am

  I bought the car new in 02 and have put 54000 miles on it with few problems. Windshield leaked, which warranty covered. Since then I have had to replace 2 wheel bearings and the brakes squeak since theyve been changed. My mechanic says there is nothing they can do to fix that but theyve had that problem with most of the Grand Ams they fixed. Overall it has been a very good car for my 1st car out of college. It runs good and looks good for the money.

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  Buy the extended warranty - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By IndianaDC305 - November 22 - 2:46 am

  This car was purchased used (1 year old, 20500 miles). It was mostly trouble free until 60000 miles. (Except for front brakes only last about 25000 before needing replacement). At approx. 60000 miles the ignition module needed replaced ($200) then about 50 miles later it required a front hub assembly and an O2 sensor ($550). Approx. 100 miles later the timing chain failed (while idling at a stop light) which caused valve damage ($1900). About 75 miles after that problem the SES light is once again on and Im sure that will result in once again many $$$ being spent on this car. It is not abused and it is maintained properly. Service is done by Pontiac dealership. Unreliable Lemon!

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  BEWARE! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joro - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Car seemed to be a good deal for the money and the reviews were positive. Actually later found out that is sucks on the Crash test peformed by experts. Also at 20,000 miles needed a new oxygen sensor, and Now I am having front end problems. Feels and sounds like the front end of my car is going to fall off and that the whole front suspension is giving out! All this at the turn of 20,000 miles. What a YUGO deal!

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  Good Lil Pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PontiacGM - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I change my oil whenever the light goes on and have rotate my tires a few times. I have put on new front brake pads once around 30K miles and a new set at 60K miles. The battery is now giving me a problem at 60k miles. The lil 4 cyl still gets me the speeding tickets I have been looking for in a vehicle. Although this is a commuting car, the stereo with the CD player still sounds great. This has been one of the best lil cars I have ever owned. I just do not like the miles that the odometer says I have. Other than that, I do recommend highly this car.

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  nightmare on wheels - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phil - November 6 - 10:13 am

  If i were to be able to go back in time I would never have looked at this car. My experience has been horrible. The car has been in the shop more times than I can count. I believe it is in the shop more than it is in my driveway. One instance was that the trunk lid would not close properly. Their answer was "all the 02 trunk lids close that way". So they bring another car in and sure enough! This car was poorly engineered from the ground up. In fact I am on my way to get a new one. Save yourself the trouble and buy a honda or a toyota!

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  SellingPriceRMartin - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By R. Martin - November 5 - 12:10 am

  Dependable, sleek looking, easy- handling coupe with no body rust or damage. Has been regularly maintained by authorized automotive servicer. Tires in good shape. It has been used for commuting. Good mileage, good for thousands and thousands of miles.

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  My first car, and not a bad one - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By liqnitrous - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Its my first car, and being 17 years old, its not that bad of a car. It really does give off the teenager sporty look to it. Fun to drive and nice sound system.