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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  Good first car, lots of problems. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By whiteside1013 - August 23 - 7:36 am

  This car is a good first car, but not much more than that. I purchased it from my older brother, who owned it for about 2 years. Before him, it was owned by a family friend and before that a car rental service, so my car has seen its fair share of abuse. When my brother bought the car, it had a leak in the cooling system to where it had to be filled every week or so. It was too expensive to fix, so Ive been living with it. The driver side windows have been broken twice. The oil switch broke, which almost totaled the car. The starter went out. The washer pump is broken. The horn is broken. The dashboard is warping up. The keyless entry system is broke

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  Compared with my old 96 GAGT - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mlinde - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Noticeable performance increase over my 96 GAGT (which had a 3.1). Holds a straight line considerably better at cruising speed with crosswind. Better braking due to all around disk brakes. Hugs corners with less leaning than my 96. Monsoon sound definately better than my 96.

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  in the shop moe then - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By larryscott - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My car has been in the shop more then I have driven it. One of tires has come apart in pieces, the window on the drivers side did not roll up after 10,000 miles, they had to replace the guide the switch and the relay, I had to have the intake gasket replaced 2 times with only 20,000 miles on the car, then the blinker stayed on and when I took it to the dealer they said there was going to be a recall on the Grand AM. Over all this car is helping me make my mind on another car because all the rental cars that I have gotten while my car was getting fixed.

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  Great Car After New Parts - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Caboosey - July 18 - 4:03 am

  I bought the car for $10,000 back in Oct. 2004. It had around 69,000 miles, I gave up car at 89,000 miles. Gave up car back to father. Overall its performance was very good. However the brakes were replaced a 2nd time within a month of 1st replacement. When it was replaced 2nd time, both front calipers, front rotars, new brake fluid, & new brake fluid lines. (About $600 between both repairs. Brake pads were under warrentry from first repair). After all that was taken car of, It was very reliable and safe. My mechanic found the cars calipers & tie rods to be defective original parts. Hard to believe the car has great quality sound for a stock sound system.

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  Never again!! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tallwen - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I started to have problems with this car from the very begining. We have replaced the altranator 3 times, water pump twice, had a new head gasket put in, and several other small items. Every year it is something else. They look great but they have many problems. (like coolant mysterously leaking) I will never buy a pontiac again.

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  GRAND-AM REVIEW - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ITSME - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR.

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  2.2-L4 ENGINE and MANUAL TRANNY!! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bill 731 - July 15 - 7:26 pm

  Great car so far,only 600 miles on it so I can give no opinion on reliability.This Ecotec 2.2-L4 engine is so smooth you would think it was a six Cly.And the 5 speed manual Trans.is a perfect mate,we got 35 MPG on only the 2nd fill up.

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  This is why Pontiac has died. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MDM in MD - July 13 - 2:16 pm

  Im the original owner of my Grand Am GT. Bought it, and am still paying for it since October 2003. Was a great ride and reliable for the better of 4 years. Now six years out, the car is falling apart. Pads and rotors seem to be replaced often.Surprising since I dont race the car, and it is used as a daily commuter with 114,000 miles on it. Replaced ignition switch, emergency brake (broke after replacement by dealer, they had never seen that before), head gasket, and now putting off drivetrain and suspension repair. Tell myself everyday, "Why did I ever buy this car?" GM vehicles seem to have become the money pit of car ownership in my experience. I say buy foreign for better quality!

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  pontiac grand am 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By father owns 2 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  rough ride - noisy cloth seats of poor quality we also own a 2001 gt1 grand am. seems to be built better and rides better

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  2004 GRAND AM GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JESSICA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my 2004 Grand Am GT. Its fast for a vehicle in its class, and most importantly fun to drive. It sucks its share of gas, though, not that efficient in fuel economy, and the only other con is the doors. They are pretty hefty and often swing back too easily to hit my body as Im getting "up and out" of my car.