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:

• 

  brakes brakes - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jrr2002 - September 3 - 3:13 am

  its a nice car but therotars warp every 10,000 miles and the monsoon speakers quit! The chrome wheels are just wheel covers over the rim!!!!!!!! WHAT A JOKE

• 

  Great First Car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lindsay03 - August 28 - 3:53 am

  This is my very first car, and Im still loving every bit of it. Though weve had to change the front brakes once at about 84000 miles and just replace the signal flasher (?), which was only about $150 (But that was doing the labor from my dad). Even though it has only about a 12 gallon tank, it still gets fairly good gas mileage. I figure I got about 19 to the gallon...could be worse.

• 

  Stay far away from GM cars! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Simply FAB - August 23 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and I had fixed the intake gasket 3 times. I have to do brakes like twice a year. Both side mirrors broke easily. Service vehicle and engine light always on!Signals and power seat broke and there is a cracking noise when I turn the wheel. This car is a nightmare!

• 

  Best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ScottJ - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I love grand ams, this is the best yet

• 

  Very Surprised - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ricko - August 17 - 2:10 am

  I was very surprised with this car. I have always had a full-sized vehicle and this is the first car Ive owned in the mid-sized class. The comfort is good, the power is amazing (almost 2 much for the size!) and it is a lot of fun to drive. Ive had it over 6 months and Im still not tired of it. I paid $11,500 for it and feel like I made out like a bandit!! ~~to the gentleman who said the ignition sticks- I was told by my Pontiac Dealer that if the car doesnt start immediately, the ignition will hold for a few seconds to try to start it and then release.~~

• 

  5 Speed, 4 Cyl, 4 Dr GT - Water pump! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GMUser - August 11 - 2:00 am

  OK, overall I have enjoyed this car which I bought new, but the mechanical reliability is questionable. The worst design flaw is the water pump it is driven from the cam chain and requires a MAJOR stripdown of one side of the engine to replace. For a water pump!!! They cost over $500 to replace and last about 40000 miles - Pontiac this was not a smart idea.

• 

  Great car but a impossible to fix proble - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gtowner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Baught the grand am gt used with 60000. I think that the car has superb handeling the 3100 is a powerfull engine, but there is a problem where I will lose all power while excellerating only happens once or twice a day but it drives me crazy.

• 

  Nice car but... - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GTowner - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my GT about a year and half. I was very happy with it for the first year, but lately Ive become a little disappointed. The brakes have a terrible feel (which the dealer tells me is normal), Ive had gas guage sending unit and turn signal switch replaced, and had the computer updated for a problem with the starter. All this as I inch closer to the end of the warranty. In spite of these issues, the car has plenty of power (especially in the 3000 RPM range), handles well and is comfortable to drive. If only they would add the supercharger they keep teasing us with...

• 

  Fun - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rickity - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive

• 

  Danger!!!!! walk away from the looks! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Sissymlb - July 31 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this car because it looked so good on the lot.(big mistake) 1 week after i bought it the window motor went out then the alternator went i have replace it 4 times about once a year average the ignition switch has broke 3 times ? (over 400.00 a time ) the water pump, the power steering pump, i have replaced the brakes 3 times i have to replace tires twice the whole front end, the straps on the muffler have broke 5 times my cd player quit 6 months after i bought it if you have seen the movie the money pit. im living it with my car like i said when i seen it i had to have it because the looks ....for your own sake keep looking....