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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  GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Canadiangirl - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Car is comfortable, sporty, great gas mileage, and fun to drive. BUT, there is always a but... 45000 miles and I had to replace the fuel pump module, an expensive job, thank God for extended warranties. Also had a bunch of wierd little electronic glitches, radio listens to what it feels like when I turn it on, dome light wont dim after I reset the change oil light.

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  My Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jenifer - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. My husband and I love it. Its loaded with features and rides great.

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  1999 Grand Am SE Review - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By paramedic423 - March 23 - 4:53 am

  I have owned my 1999 Grand Am since 2000. It now has 72,000 miles on it. Having problem with rust along the side by the rear wheel wells. At about 50,000 miles the intake gasket went out and needed replacement. Mechanic said that is a typical problem for this car about every 50,000 miles. Radiator also started to leak around 55,000 mile. The front and rear spring rusted thru and broke around 65,000 mile also another typical problem for this car. Have had to replace 2 fuel injectors also. Radio control knob does not work very well any more. My car likes to go thru brakes also. Dont know why. Will be getting rid of this car soon. Other than that not to bad of a car.

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  This vehicle is a dog! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Catherine - March 16 - 2:00 pm

  My engine threw a rod through the engine block at only 107K miles. My driver side power window doesnt work, there is a recall on the signals (that only work when they feel like it), and my heater knob broke in half. This is my second Pontiac (the first was an 87 Fiero) and it will also be my last. Im replacing my brakes every 3- 4 months.

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  I LOVE my Grand Am!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rebelgirl423 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I intentionally went looking for this car. I rented several Grand Ams in the year prior to purchase and just loved them. When I found the one I wanted I grabbed it! I drive ALOT! And have put a lot of miles on this car without ANY problems. I have now managed to put over 97,000 miles on it and have had NO major maintenance to do. I honestly believe that the traction control has saved our lives more than once on winter ice, snow, and rain.

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  Pontiac GRAND AM - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ethan Atkinson - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Have had no problems relating to the engine, anything else under the hood. The only complaint-the AC, especially important where in Georgia, does not blow very cold when you turn it on high, just harder air. I have taken the car on two long trips and the car was great, and comfortable. The back seats arent the best but they do their job. The only bad thing about this car is its resale value. I regret buying it from a dealership and not a private party. I am now stuck with a car that I owe 10000 on and can only get $5-6000 for trade. I will probably keep it as long as possible though.

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  Great - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jstar - February 27 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car a little over a year ago and I love it. I have 150000 miles on it now and have never had a problem except replacing the alternator. I hope the newer Grand Prix is just as reliable because I think Im hooked on Pontiac.

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  Birthday Gift - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Clark - February 15 - 4:03 am

  So I got this car for my 16 birthday and with 150,000 miles on it. It now has 185,000 miles on it. I love this car because its kinda fast and has great styling. However, it is not practical for me because I commute 40+ miles a day and there for it uses way to much gas I find this to be a very durable car due to the three wrecks in a month span and its still going strong however I cant wait to get a different car hopefully with better gas millage to bad Pontiac didnt work on that

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  my second pontiac - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bevrobs - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my 19987 Grand Am SE. It still has get-up-and- go after 112,000 miles! I did have issues with the power windows - had to replace both power window motors. Otherwise, shes been great! I plan to buy another Grand Am, 2004 SE1. Happy driving!

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  My Granny Ammy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pauly - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is just simply awesome words cant do my baby justice.!!!!!!!!!!!! The engine is great good trans very good performer and reliable too!!!! My 1999 Grand AM went 92,000 Miles with no problem and pured like a tiger at the time or trade in