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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  Worst Car I EVER HAD! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mayhem2013 - May 16 - 8:25 am

  I purchased this car from a Pontiac dealership in 2006 with 57k miles on it. I was in love! However within the first WEEK of having it, the Security system failed. Since Ive had this P.O.S., everything imaginable has gone wrong, Security/Passlock failure, Intake Manifold Head Gasket, Power seating failure, Side mirror falling off, failing brakes, interior knobs falling off, AC failure...and the list DOES go on! I was horrified but the recalls and complaints online!.... Would NEVER buy anything from Pontiac ever again!

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  Looks over quality - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lovehatesit - May 14 - 3:04 am

  I purchased this vehicle back in 07 it was working perfect up until about a year of having it all was well until I noticed some things going out and as murphys law fix one thing another breaks. hazard switch was the first, then the breaks, then the bearing, electrical issues, a/c, wont turn over on hot days, heat goes on smells like gas, and now my window motor. this car is a beauty....but on the in-inside its all falling apart and i cant afford another vehicle let alone the repair costs. Dont bother to get this car if you REALLY want one, you can buy mine $12k.

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  Love my RED ROCKET! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By emeraldz536 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my 97 Grand Am SE :-) It goes from New York to Ohio on a regular basis and runs absolutely great... Does great in all the snow we have in Northern NY too!!! Only major problem was the alternator at about 70,000 miles & the water pump leaked and had that replaced... Other than that it has been fantastic and I plan to run the wheels off it until it wont go no more... :-)

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  pontiac is poor quality - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Steve Be - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My 97 grand am as cost me over 3000 dollars in repairs alone. If you are a smart buyer you should stay away from the quad four engien. I would like to say also, that in my experience pontiacs are more trouble than they are worth. I have had three of them and every one self destructs undernieth me. Little things that cost you $100 and big things that cost you $500. In my opinion a smarter buyer will go over seas or to ford for a quality car.

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  Jurys Still Out - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By DJ - April 20 - 12:20 pm

  Since I bought the car I have had several problems that I am told are COMMON problems with Grand AM. So my question is why are these not recall items. I have had to replace the Traction control sensors 3 times and I just had to replace the ignition lock and switch which are of course only dealer parts because they have to reset the security features so some $1000.00 later I have my car again until the next COMMON problem occurs. I like the Grand AM but would never by another one. Foreign cars seem to be the most reliable. And I am all for AMERICAN made but our cars dont compare and thats a shame.

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  Terrible service from Pontiac Dealers - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 2000 Pontiac SE1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2000 SE1 for just over 2 years. The doors are not lined up and paint has chipped on the doors because of it (in the first 10000 miles). Dealers wont help at all, even the place I bought it. Car was in the shop 3 times for the check engine light. I finally figured out ON MY OWN that the gas cap wasent tight enough. (smart mechanics) Now, it wont start and has been in twice for this problem in 2 weeks. My entended warrenty didnt even cover half! It was fixed without me ever okaying the extra cost. I fought it and lost. I am so fed up with Pontiac not standing behind their product! Never again.

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  Pontiac Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ronald Smith - April 19 - 5:13 am

  I am a 40 year old who purchased a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am in March of 2006. I will have to say, that I test drove several other cars before making my decision to purchase the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. I am well pleased with handling, performance, & reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone out there who wants a sporty, reliable & excellent gas mileage automobile. The car also has a fantastic stereo/CD system & that is also one of its best features. This car is one of the best at gas mileage & as a testimonial I have run three tanks through my 2004 Grand Am & I have averaged 17.7 mpg. on one tank, 17.5 mpg. on the second tank & 19.5 on the third tank.

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  Love My Grand Am - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Benzcrazy1 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Grand Am in January of 04 (My First Car) with 63,900 miles and now has 66,920 and hasnt given me one single problem. I have had to change the Serpentine Belt (I didnt like the squeaking noise). I had the transmission serviced, oil changed, and new fuel filter at 66,033 miles. Hope to get have a long life with this car!

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  98 GT - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 2drGT - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Good and reliable vehicle for work and play. Very economical on gasoline(29mpg highway and 22mpg city), but can use a larger gas tank. Sport-like interior.

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  1997 Pontiac GA GT Coupe 5-speed - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mazurjb - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a good car. This car is VERY reliable and surprisingly peppy for its size with an I-4 motor. The only repairs I had to have done in five years were an oxygen sensor and a compressor for the cars A/C. Despite having a very good experience with my car, I would not recommend the new model of the GA. In addition to that, the new model does not come with a manual transmission... speaking of which, my 97 has a very exact manual tranny. The only drawback of the manual transmission is the long throws. The only drawback of the car is the unavilibility of aftermarket custom parts for the car.