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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  Nice Car-loosed value fast - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By VWM - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car but I mean is it possible to loose value that fast on a brand new car? I have had this thing for almost 2 years and another dealership offered me $6700 for it. I mean come on 2 years ago this thing cost 17K brand new...The car is comfortable but the back seat has no comfortability to it. I have also had some problems with air noise

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  Great first car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kim2013 - January 26 - 3:26 pm

  I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE, 4 door, 4 cylinder automatic. This is/was my first car that I bought back in april 2009 I believe. This has been a reliable car for me. Mostly daily driving - school, work, etc. Mostly a town driver, then drove about 25 miles away daily for college. The only serious problem I had was a misfire and a new coil pack fixed that. Routine oil changes, brake pads and tires have been all this car has needed. I drove this car from Wisconsin to Tennesee and back at about 130,000 miles and it did wonderful. I get 24-26 mpg city and probably 30-32 highway. All in all, no big complaints. I do think the car is kind of ugly on the outside but oh well :)

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  I HAVE ENJOYED MY GRAND AM GT - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LADYBUGGIRL - January 20 - 10:00 am

  AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR A VEHICLE. VERY DEPENDABLE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH MINE. DRIVES SMOOTH, VERY FUN TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE BODY STYLE. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED. I HATE TO SELL IT, BUT I HAVE TO MOVE UP TO AN SUV NOW TO HAVE MORE ROOM FOR OUT GROWING FAMILY. I WILL MISS MY GRAND AM...:(

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  MY GRAND AM - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RJK - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 Grand Am brand new off the lot in March of 1998. It was the only one left, manual stick shift and all. I ended up loving it. Never really a problem for 120,000 plus miles. Recently changed some plugs and coils - that is it outside of brakes once.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mike_65_ - January 13 - 5:50 pm

  Bought this car a month ago and really am pleased with it. It handles much better then the 1997 Chev Lumina I had. It is fun to drive and is very good on gas and has great pep for a 2.2L. I get lots of compliments on the styling of the car. The graystone metallic is just my color.

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  Great, Reliable Car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Nissan16 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car for any college student in need of a reliable car. I have never had a problem with it!

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  Fun Alternative to Foreign Models - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By paddymac - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great little Ride. My first choice was a Honda or Toyota, but opted for an American model becuase of the price options. Besides the fuel economy I love this car!

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  great ride - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cpyguy69 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 100,000 miles of hard city driving on this car and havent had one problem; the most reliable car i.ve ever owned.

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  Oops I did it again - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By VROOM - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Can you believe I traded an Accord for this!?! Loved the looks, paid for them in quality. Once I put CERAMIC pads on all 4, aftermarket rotors and calipers on, brakes lasted a little longer. Wheel bearings junk. Drive train great, everything else is ensuring AC Delco workers their retirement pay and keeping the Dealerships repair dept busy. Almost got rid of it, but was upside down and paying on repairs. 110,000 miles and no problems (except brakes) in last 50K.

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  Great Car!! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jay Csencsits - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable, safe, fun, and good looking car I have ever owned. It is now almost 9 years old and it is absolutly perfect condition, a few minor scratches here and there, but,Ihave not had ANY engine problems or difficulties what so ever! This car, it looks good, great styling on the interior, great performance, hauls ass off the line,it sounds fantasic, there are a lot of poeple that dis on grand ams but they have no goddamn idea what they;re talking about at all, they obviously have never drivin these cars, if you are lookin to buy a grand am, just do it, you will not be dissapointed with your purchase, it really is driving excitment!