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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  Built Cheap Wont Last - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cldavis - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in April of 2004. Really loved it until it began to fall apart. Wheel speed sensor went out a week after I bought it--it is a $500 part and not to mention the cost of taking it to a dealership to get it fixed. About two months after that, the crankshaft pulley broke and my auxillary belt slipped....another big expense. The power seat motor, along with the red lighting on the clock also went out. The brakes were also a huge problem with this car. In 5 months, I had the pads replaced twice! I liked it at first because of its sporty looks, but thank goodness I traded it in on something more reliable!

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  2nd Grand Am Owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Gorgeous Gal08 - November 4 - 2:33 am

  All in all a good car except for when the security light comes on and car doesnt start unless you leave the key in the ignition switch for 10 minutes in the "on" position. Owners manual stated this. Estimated costs to fix $425, plus labor. Needs longer warranty. Very bad electrical problems, especially with the computer. RPM gauge was messed up for half a day. Going 60 mph and running at 3,000 rpm. Would not shift into overdrive. Kinda ridiculous. 1st Grand Am had similar problems but the security light stayed on all the TIME. Air conditioner did not work.

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  1fun1 - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rswilson01 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Had to replace a bigun that was stolen and tried a few. My wife loved it. I wasnt sure even after buying it(if Momma aint happy, aint nobody happy!). 3 yrs later Im glad her emotion overruled me. Its a fantastic car. Its a lively, road warrior thats a joy to drive; always responsive no matter what. Almost beach season and the familys eager to use the moonroof and stereo every Saturday. The cars big enough but not too big; cute enough for her; exciting enough for me. My 12yo son is already asking if hes going to "inherit" the car when hes old enough. Im sure its safe enough, but Im definitely not ready to let him have all the fun!

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  Problems from day one...literally! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By From Atlanta - October 24 - 9:23 pm

  I loved the look of this car when I first bought it May 2004. Outside and inside had great looks, but found out how cheaply made it is over time. The dashboard is pealing up by the window, the bumpers are very flimsy...able to move when washing car! About a week after purchased i moved the seat higher and would not go back down. Car overheated 2 times within first 3 mths! Thank goodness for warranty! My blinker has been blinking for over 6 mths now non stop. The light isnt on, just the sound, the mileage display and clock/radio are messed up. The display shows distorted numbers. The gas mileage is horrible...about 220 miles per tank! My AC broke 3mths ago $1,000 to repair, not even worth it

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  Dont buy it - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bob - October 22 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had this car 6 years, and Ive had ALL 4 power windows stop working (wont go down or up), I had 2 repaired and gave up on other 2. I got it with 32k miles, it has 84k now, at about 60k miles, the transmission failed. Had to have it rebuilt for about 2 grand. Ignition switch failed. Power steering pump failed 2 times. Power steering rod failed. Brakes had issues at about 75k miles, and again are grinding and just dont sound/feel right. Air conditioning still works, but speed settings 1 & 2 dont work, only 3-5 work. Rear view mirror fell off (didnt even touch it), had to re- adhere it. Its still fast, still fun, but I dont know whats gonna happen next. Im selling it soon, finally.

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  Not bad at all after all these years - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sholomar - October 16 - 5:25 pm

  All in all I havent had to spend much at all on maintenance over the years.. the biggest expense was the intake manifold but that didnt need to be done, just a slow external leak that doesnt harm anything.. dealer sensationalism and gouging.. lesson learned. The blinker contacts are dirty making it blink a lot, the power window just went, the fan doesnt work above 3, the radios display is dead, the power lock on the passenger side is dead.. little electronic things are starting to happen over time that I could fix myself pretty cheap and just might.. but overall I cant complain for having a car last 10 years. Starts first time, every time.. even at 30 below zero. Well built powertrain

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  Loved my Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kerrilynn - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new & drove it 60K miles until it was totalled after being hit at 60 MPH (I was doing 35) in a semi-T-bone on the drivers side by a DUI in a Tahoe. My injuries were less than expected considering it took jaws of life & 45 minutes to extract me. Both axles were broke off. But the car protected me and my passenger!! Car ran perfectly with zero problems. Big- O brakes never lasted long - was it them or the car?

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  Pontiac Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jean - October 10 - 11:46 pm

  A very nice care and good value for the money, however a little more head room would be nice.

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  thrilling - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By melissagt1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  awesome ride! This is my 3rd Grand am. They keep getting better and better.

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  Timing Chain eats engine - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Cracky - October 8 - 6:00 am

  So much for regular maintenance and synthetic oil. The 2002 2.2L ecotec has a childs bicycle chain to drive the cams and it, like thousands of others , have failed. GM knew this. They made improvements in 2003. They sent dealer bulletins but not a word to the owners. I think this is a very poor way to do business. I visited the dealership and got a world class cock and bull story with an offer to take my car in trade for $125 dollars. Im done with GM... forever.