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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  Would never had believed the all around - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pontiac grand am ,04 - November 29 - 10:53 pm

  Not even a quarter of a tank fountain to va hosp/. Denver, smooth shift, smooth ride, and an all around rugged car..

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  Watch Out! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Disgruntled - November 28 - 9:23 pm

  I purchased this car used with 28,000 kms on it. I have since put roughly 50,000 on. I was very satisfied with the car in the first year of running it having run into only minor problems. Things got a lot worse as the car began to fall apart on me. I have had the following serviced: heater fan/resistor(3x), front calipers (2x), power mirror switch (fell into the doorframe: 3x), ventvalve seal, front power window regualator, hazard warning switch(recall), front brake pads, replaced the driver seat belt, and I dont know how or why but the rear seat came loose. I have kept up with the maintenance schedule to a tee and I have had countless problems. I will never buy a GM car again.

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  The POS that refuses to die - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By matthew32 - November 17 - 2:18 am

  Have has my Grand AM since 2007. Was given to me by my parents who bought the car in 1999 with 12,000 mi. The car has always had regularly scheduled maintenance and now has almost 130k mi. I overhauled the engine at around 120k due to a spun #2 rod bearing. The 2.4l has marginal oil supply and this is fairly common. As far as doing major repairs, the car is relatively easy to work on. The interior in this car was the absolute worst of any I have ever owned - it started to fall apart when the car was only a few years old. Power windows all broke. Central locking and climate control switches broke. Vinyl peeling off the door panels. Dash warped. Seat padding breaking down.

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  easy on the eyes hard on the wallet - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Muss1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  While it was still under warranty it was fine a few minor problems but nothing major. At about 40,000 we had to replace the intake manifold, then the driver side widow motor went out (riveted in not screwed like most other electric motors), water pump went out at about 50,000 alternator went out at 37,000, 60000 and 850000. We were unable to remove the key from the ignition; we found a solenoid under steering column was sticking (the dealership told us this model didn’t have this solenoid). The car is fun to drive and comfortable I’m just tired of having to fix it more then my 1987 Ford Bronco.

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  Great Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joe mussey - November 1 - 10:00 am

  First of all I would like to say this cars speakers are incredible. I bought 2 12" subs (which the alternator ran fine with, more on that in a litte) and the speakers sounded great even with the volume all the way up. the alternator is pretty good at 105amps, it ran my sound system for about 2 months before fially failing to charge my battery, but parts for this car are dirt cheap and i upgraded it. Performance is great espically w/ the v6. great car

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  Unreliable - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By calisk8er23 - October 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car and it ran great for a few thousand miles, and then I replaced the wheel bearings, water pump, two hoses, brakes too many times to count, air cleaner, flushed injectors twice, and traded it in with it still having problems. The front end hums bad and the engine clunks and bangs, and shakes. I never missed an oil change and always kept up ion maintenance.

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  Overall a dependable car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tcestes - October 29 - 10:06 am

  I bought mine almost 2 years ago in March 2007. It had 80k on it when purchased. I drive almost 55,000 miles per year for work. And Ive gotta say this has been a dependable car. Im currently at 192k on it and I had to replace the fuel pump 1 time. Other than that it has never left me stranded. And that is very important for my job. On the highway, I regularly got around 30mpg, which is hard to beat. The only recurring problems Ive had is the TRAC light coming on, and a strange clicking sound, which Im told is tied to the ignition system. The security light did come on around 180k but has stayed on with no problems. Ive been very impressed with it, its done the job for me.

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  The fun to drive universal Grand Am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Seth - October 27 - 3:10 pm

  I love my Pontiac Grand Am se coupe. This car is great on gas on average I get 32 mpg or better on the highway. It is also very fun to drive it takes curves excellent and the ride for the most part is smooth.The display panels are also nice because they are easy to read and the cd player is easy to get to without having to take your eyes off of the road. The space in the car is another great thing. I have fit four guys there golf clubs and small luggage in the car for a weekend golf trip. I highly reccomend this car to anyone looking for an afforable 2 door car.

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  Best GT so far!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zenith321 - October 25 - 11:33 am

  Maintenence. Thats the most important thing to remember if you want to keep your car running at top performance. Change oil depending how and where you drive, filters are so important. Every once and a while, take your car to a good, HONEST mechanic. Your car should last you as long as you want it to!! My 99 Grand Am GT has 300,000 kms and still going strong! Remember my first word- MAINTANENCE!!!

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  love it - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By boomer1 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Have not any significant problems with this vehicle. Some rust below back inside door. Pockets for gravel and dirt to collect in front of rear tires.