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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  *Sitting on the Fence* - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MizIndependent - August 14 - 1:40 am

  The Car is very nice looking,and fun to drive, however we had problems right off with the A/C- dealership refused to fix it, so car was not truly "certified used" a bit upsetting, brakes have been fine so far, the car is smaller inside then it first looks, we have a hard time fitting the rear facing child seat, and latch system not recommeded for use in the middle of the back seat. Impressive trunk space- Overall, nice economy sedan- but dont think I will buy pontiac again.

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  Couldnt ask for better so far - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By yomama4 - August 1 - 6:36 pm

  Owned this car for 10 years now, bought it brand new, and it still runs awesome, going to give it to my neice for her first car. Only real problems I noticed over the years were the brakes wear easy, the radio volume changes sometimes...weird, and the ac clutch rattles like crazy. overall good though.

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  Running the Grand AM - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - July 27 - 11:30 am

  A very peppy car that has a lot of guts even after 100K miles. The V6 engine has a definite high performance sound to it that gets you up to speed entering the freeway no problem and affords great passing characteristics. The car also has a very sporty (stiff) suspension that quite a number of people find enjoyable.

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  I love my 2003 GrandAM GT! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Raymondray - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I got A GrandAM GT1 Sedan,fully loaded. I love the leather seats! I got a beautiful color,"Polo Green Metallic" Which gleams beautifully when the sun hits it. I got the "Moonsoon" sound system which I highly reccomend,the best stock sound system I have ever heard. The 6 cylinder isvery quick,and with the "Ram Air" I got plus I put a K&N perfomance air filter in,it has about 200 horse power,and I have timed my car zero-60 in about 7.5 seconds! Good horse power for a V-6,I can remeber years ago when V-8s had 200 horse power. Over all a great car,I give it a 10!!

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  Nice Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By M1 Garand - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has done very well for my wife and I. We bought it 3 months ago and have since put over 7,000 miles on it. When waxing it, you will find that the car is full of small details that sets it apart from the SE model. No doubt, if your going to go in get the Ram Air, the difference isnt that great over the 3400 V6 but the body makes up for it, plus is sounds much better than the standard V6.

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  99 3.4L v6 2 door GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jay - July 14 - 11:50 am

  My wife bought the car before we met. In the last 3 years the car needed new brakes and rotors, intake gasket(which cost $863), and it had an ignition/ electrical problem. The security light would come on and the car would not start. We would have to leave the key in the on position for 10 minutes before the computer would allow the car to be started. It cost just over $200 to fix with no guarantee. Brakes are starting to go out again. Overall its an ok car.

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  love my grand am - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By paulette - July 11 - 6:30 pm

  I bought it 2 years ago and I love it and dont what to part with it I am keeping it and passing it on to my kids

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  Great sporty daily driver - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tom A - July 2 - 8:13 pm

  This has been an exceptional car. I bought it new in 2000 after owning a 1984 V8 Camaro. The performance of the GrandAm GT1 with RamAir was nearly the same as the Camaro, but with much better fuel economy. It has great low-end torque, and accelerates fast. I like to drive hard, and this car handles it nicely, although I upgraded the wheels to aftermarket R1-Racing ZR18s because the stock wheels felt a little flimsy on hard turns. Besides the exterior beauty and sporty performance, I love the interior cabin. The Monsoon sound system is sweet. Passengers routinely comment on the quality of the sound. The dash is nicely laid out and lit in Pontiac red. The leather seats are awesome.

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  Great Car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By judyp - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car, with the 3.1 V6 engine, for over 6 years. It has been a great car. Besides the normal maintenance, it has never been in the shop. Very reliable car. I am currently looking to get a newer Grand Am, even though the one I have is still running great at 101,000 miles. I am just wanting to upgrade to the GT model. Highly recommended.

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  car was free would never buy this after ownership experience - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cannedbobs - June 10 - 11:37 pm

  so i got the car when it was 8 years old with 5,000 miles on it, previously owned by my grandmother as an extra car. havent had to do anything major on it since owning it, biggest annoyance is that every time i have something break and i cant figure out what is broken to cause my problem i find the answer online telling me that this crap happens all the time on this model. lots of interior pieces broke or warped due to gm using plastics that deteriorate after 5 years, as i was told by a gm employee. lots of little quirks, but car has never left me stranded. would be a solid first car for some teen, as fun to drive as a honda, which is saying something.