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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  Mecanically sound GrandAm - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Allen59 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife drives this car daily... It gets about 27 MPG regardless of how you drive it in the city (I have a heavy foot) Interstate is 32 MPG And it has excellent pickup at all speeds (3.1 V-6) After over 3 and a half years we have put 50,000 miles on it and have never experienced a mecanical problem. This car handling is exceptional in turns with the Firestone 720s Very reliable car.

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  Decent Car, has some repairs - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tito12384 - August 12 - 3:16 am

  This car was pretty good to me. Bought it off my brother with 97k, who bought it 2 years before with 70k. Overall was a great looking car until I totalled it (just over 104k). When I bought it, I had to replace the fuel tank, which had a leak. Then found a rusted hole in the firewall, which was a pain to fix. Never had electrical problems. My brother had to replace the fuel injectors shortly after he bought it, and ever since then it kind of hesitated when first started. After about a minute it was fine. Has good acceleration for a 4 cyl. Fun to drive. The ets button definately needs to be in a better place, very easy to hit with either hand or knee.

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  Pretty decent car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jamie - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I received this car in mid-2006 and have had it ever since. It just hit 200,000 miles and has still kept going (knock on wood!) I am pleased with the way it has held up. I drive an average of 25,000 miles each year so I am pretty hard on cars.

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  Looks nice, not so reliable...... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By California - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Luved the car at first, very first new fast car... Have always done regular maintance,used only fully synthetic oil,treated this car like my baby, Have brought this car in more times than I want to admit, luckily the dealership talked me into the full warranty or I would have been hosed, the power sterring pump went out, alternator at 60,000, abs light has come on twice to be fixed,anything that was electrical went out!!! signals, daytime running lights,fuel gage, and of course the most expensive the tranny... I luv the looks of it and it got me lots of looks, fast, but just really dissapointing with everything that has gone wrong with it.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By karpj25 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier it is my firt new car purchase and it is the best thing I could have bought Im so happy with it if your looking for a fun family car this is it!!!!!!!!!

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  I Love This Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sumguy8402 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Grand Am GT what a perfect car for a teenage guy to drive. Not only do you get a fun exciting car to drive, but your fuel efficient at the same time. While there are aftermarket parts available most are unenncessary for this car. Not only for guys a good chick car also. its got a powerfull V6 engine great styling. Most importantly its very comfortable interior is styled for everyone.

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  Not happy - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Okay - July 22 - 1:46 am

  I have had my G.A. for 2.5 years and have had many problems. I have had them replace the radio 2 times for skipping, still skips. The suspension went out in the front a couple of months ago, and it is starting to rattle around AGAIN! When I hit a bump or RR tracks...it jumps around. I have to take it in again because my power steering fluid is leaking and the wheel is making a grinding noise. I have taken it back 3 times for GM to fix the back door, it rattles. GM had to replace the windshield molding bacuse it came off! I took it in FIVE xs because the seat belt light wouldnt turn off (even when buckled). They finally found a short under the seat! I have 35k and looking to trade it in!!

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  Another Repair - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By A. Motorist - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Car purchased new from dealer. Have replaced every power window motor at least once and two, twice, @ 2-400 each. Transmission is loud when shifting. Continued problems with gear shift and not being able to remove the key when vehicle is placed in park. Another $600 repair. Interior doesnt wear well. Air conditioner is unreliable at best. Every dealer gives a different story as to what it would take to repair. UNRELIABLE CAR. NEVER AGAIN

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  awesome ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By blue_eyes_rc - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this car is a real head turner. It has enough power to suck you back in your seat when you tromp on it. The seats are extremely comfortable and all the controls are within easy reach. There is very little if any road noise and she handles like a dream. If you like a nice, comfortable ride but also like to be the grandma that turns heads this is the car for you.

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  Anniversary Edition 2003 - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KevinGuida - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first GrandAm.I love driving this car!It does everything for me and shuts everything off when I open the driver side door automatically.Great sporty styling carried thuought.This model was loaded with the anniversary package so I like it even more. Great handeling and comfortable to sit in.Fun to drive .