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:

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By blackgagt1 - May 31 - 5:30 am

  This is a great car no problems what so ever.

• 

  Pontiac Praise - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ken M - May 31 - 4:26 am

  Responsive for a 4 cyl, gas milage around 32.5 highway with some city driving. Purchased as used, and have had zero problems in 6 months. Ive always owned GM vehicles and will continue to do so, because of the reliability and styling they provide.

• 

  Bad Almost All Around - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By native - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is sooo much fun to drive - when it wants to drive. I had it for five years and spent at least half of what I paid for it (bought it used)in repairs. Tons of electrical problems: windows dont go down, doors dont lock, lights just shut off on dark highways...Then it had this problem where it needed to rest after being driven. Wed have to pop open the hood and let the car cool off for an hour before it would feel like starting again. Oh, then the power steering went. Repaired it. Went again. Repaired it. Went again. It ate alternators... But because I loved the drive so much, Id still buy a 2004 and chance it.

• 

  Its been a champ - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PstarD - May 23 - 11:56 pm

  So let me begin this by saying that I love this car. This car has been in my family for 12 years. This is my first car which my father gave to me when I turned 16. He bought it used and the person before him beat on this car. Over the years my father has put a lot of miles over it due to traveling a lot for work and also going through the long Chicago winters doesnt help the car, but let me tell you this car was always reliable. Its had minor breakdowns like belts breaking but nothing major. The car has over 200,000 miles on it and it has had a lot of parts replaced due to maintenance. But after everything the car still runs like its always ran.

• 

  Not bad 4 the price - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Prairie Bob - May 18 - 11:43 pm

  had 119,000 when I bought it. Has minor issues with window clips, weather lights wont shut off. Minor coolant leak that doesnt worsen. Had overheating probs and check engine issues all eventually traced to clogged caty convertor. Runs like new now. Nice to drive, easy on gas, plenty of zip. Until the caty went berserk was fairly trouble free. Makes a nice first car for a student. Im 511 265 and can easily get in and out. tight fit for 3 in the back and trunk holds a three bowling ball bag plus set of golf clubs and a couple gym bags. On fishing trips my rear seat stows extra gear. Will pull my 17 boat w/ trans cooler and still gets decent mileage but struggles a little up steep hills.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jigga9JayZ - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car...only 64K miles and no problems so far...everything is in perfect condition...5-speed manual with the 4 cyl is fast and fun...great handling and performance

• 

  Lovin every minute of it - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Titanlmn - May 5 - 6:56 am

  After owning a Grand Am GT for a year that I never wanted to buy in the first place. I have to say I am very pleased, aside from the cheap plastic clips used to hold the windows to the track that continue to break (JB Weld makes a good permanent fix) this car has been nothing but great. It has survived a year of my "all or nothing" "hey wanna race" driving without a sputter. I drive a lot and i drive hard and the Grand Am continues to deliver. It has the styling and performance I want in a car and the comfort and economy me wife wants. I never wanted to own a Grand am before this one. Now we plan to sell our Grand Prix and get another Grand Am GT preferably the SCT.

• 

  Fair Experience - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Glein - May 2 - 5:16 pm

  Fun car to drive, but several flaws in make. Brakes went out at 20K, tires at 25K, lost two driver side mirrors in cold weather (just fell off). Other GM problems were fixed by dealerhsip so Ive give those a pass. If you can only keep it on the road, itd be a great car.

• 

  Great Grand Am - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By thestig - May 1 - 11:20 pm

  Bought the V6, automatic coupe as a lease-return in 1996. Has been very reliable, never left me stranded, no major issues. IMO, still one of the best looking cars out there! Good straight line performance. Door panels starting to crack around screws (hard plastic and -40C do not mix!), some rust starting around wheel wells. Starts in -40C weather without being plugged in (do not recommend!) Will hate to see it go, but the family is expanding so its days are numbered!

• 

  3 Month Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By AmyP17551 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my secong reviewing of this car which ive had for 3 months and i havent had a single problem with it. It runs so smooth and its very quiet as well as very responsive, but it does have blind spots