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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  Looks Nice - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By craigo19 - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  I just traded mine in last weekend, but wanted to recap 6+ years of ownership. The car was a good and fun car to drive, but it did have issues. First, the engine went after 120k miles when the timing belt went. Then the Body Control Module went costing me another $1000. The wheel bearings started going after 75k miles. The window regulator on the drivers side went in less than 4 years. Finally the blower motor went in under 4 years. The car did provide a good smooth ride and got great gas mileage (30MPG).

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  Cool Ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JohnWill - June 3 - 2:00 pm

  As with any other Pontiac I have owned I am well pleased. Its a hot looking car and the one I have has leather and all the bells and whistles on the inside. Gas mileage is surprisingly good and its pretty fast on the get go. No creaks or rattles and the sound system is good. Great little sporty ride.

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  poor quality of a car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By michelle - May 29 - 4:36 am

  I have had this car since Jan. of 04 and it has been nothing but trouble. After 1200 miles the evaporator core started leaking and had no cool air. Now recently with 43,000 miles on it the right wheel bearing is out. For as much money as i paid for it...it would be better quality....boy was i wrong. I have talked to numerous people and they have same complaints. Another thing is the resale value of this car is awful........it has no resale value at all. Anyways good luck to anyone else owning one of these piles.

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  This is a real piece.... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By zorba - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. It is a horrible machine. I think weve replaced everything on the car back the windshield. I would never suggest it to anyone.

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  Good all around car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JaSu - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable car. Had problems with power steering pressure line. Dash squeaks and rattles. Shifting cable snap rings and rubber gromets fell off. Front seats could use some lumbar support. Noise in steering unit. Exterior chrome strips fading. Floor mats could be more dependable. Engine very dependable and powerful for a four cylinder w/ 5-speed. Nice gauges and dash design. Good car!

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  Glad to have had this for my first car. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Zdebedout - May 18 - 10:50 pm

  I would say if your thinking about getting this car then go for it. My grand am has been great to me iv owned it for 4 years and only had to put about $600 in repairs while having 138,000 miles on the car. this car is very reliable and to be honest actually way cooler then i first thought. For a cheep everyday driver it is fast and fun all while using regular gas and not hurting my bank. One thing that i found to be great is that there is actually a community around this car and entire website devoted to custom grand am. just google custom grand am and you will find it. i love my grand am. not to mention the car has held its value greatly i paid $1,700 for mine and found that in its condition i could sell it for up to $2,500 after just fixing a few things and owning it for 3 whole years.

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  SUCKS - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pontiacbad - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The first week I had this car the alternator and the battery went bad. Know with many more miles, The car wont shift correctly, it sits in first gear (this is a automatic) and I dont even have to step on the gas to go, it is idealed to high. The worst car I have had looking for a Honda.

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  car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By margie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE LOVED THIS CAR AND WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE

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  Great for 11 years old! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grego - May 12 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car, upgrading from a 94 Taurus, from a co-worker. This car is in great condition thanks to the previous owner. Maintenance goes a long way when done properly and on time. Braking seems soft, even with new brake pads installed. Very fun and sporty, and so far I get about 29-31 MPG highway. Great handling on winding roads, even with sub-par tires. Tires for the GT can be a little pricier and is hard to find good all seasons that dont change tire size, which means recalibrating the speedometer. Overall I am very happy, and make sure you do your upkeep! Acceleration can seem sluggish at times, and @ 110K mi. time for new belts, hoses, and a good tune-up.

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  Age equals money pit - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mrtgman - May 12 - 7:40 am

  I am a GM fan. I purchased this car with 95,000 well maintained miles. On the positive, engine started every time in sub-zero weather. Otherwise, I never owned a car that has cost me so much in repairs. I have replaced, A/C compressor due to bad clutch, but now evaporator leaks. Steering rack blew a seal, intake maniford gasket replaced, heater core replaced, 2 motor mounts replaced, exhaust system, power window motor and recently, replacement of belt tensioner of which pulley froze. All these repairs within 15,000 miles and a year and a half. Ive owned many GM vehicles and expect maintainence repairs, but will never buy or recommend another Grand Am.