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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  Joes smokin GT - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JOE LEMING - July 24 - 4:40 pm

  Its nice to be back in a pontiac! I just love everything about this car. Its style, its power, its price!!! I got a 2005 leftover cheap!!!!!!!!!!! And it is a smokin thing of beauty. We should start a pontiac gt club! Mines white-w/tan interior real sharp. Love to all owners... Big joe

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  Great Low cost car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Esteban - July 22 - 10:03 am

  I have been driving a 2D SE pontiac for a couple of years and havent had any problem its a very good car for the price

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  Best Car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lakhota - July 21 - 8:30 pm

  Ive got the 2.2 Ecotec & Im extremely pleased with it, get almost 40mpg hywy! Very easy to modify ie; added factory spoiler and upgraded to factory monsoon sound system (took some time), fold down seats were a breeze to add, even keyless entry was easy to install. Comfortable, quiet, looks awesome love all the features & most of all, Solid Form Design!

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  A Cheap Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hannah - July 21 - 2:26 pm

  I bought my Grand Am when I was strapped for cash. It was affordable.In the first 30 days of owning it the alternator and the battery went out. I have since replaced the alternator 3 times.The brakes have also been replaced 3 times. Major overhaul on them each time, costing me several hundred dollars. My transmission leaks badly, the water pump has been replaced, as has the serpentine belt. I also expeience severe vibrations when driving on the highway. I wouldnt by another grand am. I cannot afford to get it fixed every few months.

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  This car is a step behind the rest - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Courtney - July 18 - 7:26 am

  This is my 1st Pontiac that I traded my Nissan Altima for, big mistake! My Altima drove like a luxory vehicle, this thing is so loud and rough riding. You can hear everything that is going on outside of the car, especially freeway traffic. The inside is pretty basic compared to other sedans in its class (honda, nissan, toyota...) Its getting left in the dust by other competitors styles.

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  There is a reason GM killed this heap - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joshua Riopiedra - July 15 - 4:50 am

  GM used to build solid cars What the hell happened? Save your money and purchase a quality vehicle. A wealthy friend of mine put it best..."You need not be rich to afford a BMW, but the opposite is true about owning a domestic". -Buy something well built and you wont break yourself in repairs. Im sorry but we did it to ourselves, America. We lost the zero defect mentality and embraced the quick buck slap it together and send it out the door philosophy.

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  Its been a good ride w/minor irks! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cliff - July 14 - 4:36 am

  Purchased in 2002 with 44K on the 2.4L DOHC 150hp, 150lbs ft motor. I drive approx. 150+ miles daily, it now has 163K and still runs strong at highway speeds. Problems w/ the car: alternator and starter replaced; seems to run through brakes and rotors; both power window motors failed; left stranded after clutch cable broke, a $300 repair; the cd player quit; I had to replace water pump (Who designed this motor? Dealers wanted $700-800. Why? It is run by timing chain and you have to disconnect the exhaust, the ex manifold, timing cover and chain to replace. This is not a lexus guys.) has been reliable car. If this motor is this good, the ecotec which replaces the 2.4 should be better!!!

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  A family car but sporty - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TheKid - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The grand am GT is a fun family car. It is very reliable and comfortable. It is fast for a sedan and can beat most car(civics, integras) off the line.

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  grand am - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By starfire78 - July 4 - 5:26 pm

  Bought this car from a dealer it had one owner w/17,900 miles on it in 2006 and its unbelievable it was a 2002 so I purchased it it was a great car and very reliable up till last year 2009 when I had to have the head gasket replaced and 6 months later the fuel pump and now with only little over 50,000 miles on it there is something seriously wrong dont know what and no mechanic seems to either went from a reliable car to not so much reliable now I am scared to drive it with my two children not knowing if I am going to be stranded or not

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  Love this car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pam - July 1 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car brand new with 2 miles on it, it now has 115,000. I had a fuel pump go at 105,000 but other than that it hasnt had any problems. It is wonderful to drive and I absolutely love the way that it handles. I have been looking to get a new car, but I just cant bring myself to trade it in. There is nothing else that I like as much. I would definitely recommend.