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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  No bad for a third owner - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By theskipman98 - October 21 - 5:13 am

  I purchased this car from private owner at tax time for $900. Previous owner had already replaced the water pump before I got it, but had had no problems with the car other than that. (the key to it is DO NOT drive the car while it is overheating, thats why most people had problems with the Quad 4 motor) Since I have owned it, I have put a starter on it ($85 from auto zone lifetime warranty), tune up with air filter(less than $20), Front brake pads ($20), replaced all the speakers to match after market Pioneer XM/CD deck ($75 from Walmart for Rockford Fosgate) Car is not perfect BUT it gets from point A to point B quickly, with good handling, and get 32 MPG doing it.

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  Nice car at first, but just wait - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Scott Buechl - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed this car when I bought it used in 98. It is nice looking and comfortable. It drove very nicely with the V6 engine. But within the past several years, I have replaced window motors, door locks, alternator, intake gasket, timing belt, fuel injectors, and several other small things. I just had the transmission repaired! This car is a money pit!

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  Good First Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kshoes - October 11 - 10:36 am

  This is my second Grand Am, my 1st was a 1999 GT. The grand am was my first car since i was 16. Now 21, I still love my grand am. Its fun to drive and has an awesome stereo with XM! Great for a new driver

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  Windows, Brakes, Steering, now what? - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Deb - October 10 - 1:36 pm

  My 2002 40,800 miles, Im the original owner. I commute to work via train so my mileage stays low & I only use it on weekends around town. It has gone to neighboring states for family visits & a trip from IL to AK once, hence most of the mileage. Ive been through window clip replacements, brakes, battery, tires/wheels, and thought I had the steering shakes corrected while under warranty but never could get to the bottom of it. The car shakes at 55 mph so we take my husbands car for trips that require high speed. Just this week I noticed a squeaking/rattle coming from what might be suspension/under carriage? I should have stayed with Honda. Again, only 40,800 miles!!!!!

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  Great Car!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wild_166 - October 9 - 7:36 pm

  I got my car with 49,000 miles in 2003. It has been a great car. Yes I have had to do normal maintenance and a few extra but other then that It has done broke down on me. It now has 237,000 + miles on it and the fuel pump has finally died. Everyone about dies when I tell them its never been replace before now. The gas mileage is also great . The only downside is that brakes and rotors dont last long with the mileage I drive every year. Also If you buy one look under the spare trunk lid and see if it says NC1. I live in Indiana and my car has never been in CA and that is where it was built for so if you ever need to replace heads , and other parts you cannot buy them in other places in us.

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  Need to fix that security light issue! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By thatsudduthgirl - October 9 - 5:13 pm

  I love my car, but lately, if I turn off the car to run into the store (example), I have to leave the key turned on for 10 MINUTES to get that stupid light to go out so I wont be late for work!! This is ridiculous! I have already planned to start leaving earlier for work, as I have kids to drop off and errands to run. Too costly to have it fixed and the gas mileage SUX!!!

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  Faster than a Civic - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By the mad hatter - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used about 8 months ago and was skeptical at first, but i was very impressed at the speed of acceleration, and with only a 4 cyl. i did some research, some on the street ;) and some online, and have learned that it is faster, (stock times), than the civic si, and the neon r/t. i have added a cold air intake, 17 wheels, spoiler, and pacesetter headers, and i love this car. it was faster than civics and neons when it was stock and now it blows them away, this car has excellent performance for the price and class. the seats could be more comfortable, but all in all, this is an awesome car.

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  better than anticipated - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hk - October 9 - 10:00 am

  the grand am is providing better performance and enjoyability than I had imagined- its acceleration is fairly peppy, cornering quite good, braking excellent and the ride is smooth for the cars size. Standard features are numerous as one would expect from a GM vehicle.

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  wehatesit - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sickofit - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first sight we loved it, after a year we hate it! The alternator went out twice, along with the battery. This will cause the motor to shut down sei zing your gaershift and ability to retrieve your keys.Fuel pump, fuel injector, abs sensors, four rotors with pads,swing arm all replaced. Trans mission also runs noisy in lower gears.Radio is going bad now and my side view mirror even fell of while washing the car one day! Overall pontiac made a loser when they put this hunk of metal together.

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LuciaA - October 2 - 2:00 am

  No quality problems whatsoever. I am enjoying this car. It feels safe and sturdy. I really like the cleaned up body style of the SE...not to mention the power of the 6 cyl.