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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Total road warrior - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
By Jordan - April 12 - 1:23 pmI have had my car since august 2005 and it has been so much fun. it is so great for having fun in whether it be street dragging or what ever it still got the job done in the end it has great low end and high end torque and everything is original except the alternater t-stat battery and starter and of course maintanance stuff. but if i was given the opportunity to buy another one it would be sooo worth it and i was 18 when i bought it on my own and there is not a day where i would go without it. and it handles so quickly and well at 90 mph and when going that fast you look at the road and your doing 110 mph without even knowing it. IT HAS A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM.
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Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
By adgirl402004 - April 10 - 10:00 amIve been very happy with my Grand Am.
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Love it!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By HimaDawg - April 7 - 2:00 ambought this car about 2 years ago, first car ive ever held over a year. well past the 75,000 mile mark now. I keep it on the highway. it handles well, it hugs curves and corners. i must say you should be an experienced driver to own one of these or else you cant fully appreciate it. great braking even when brakes are needed, and even for a 4-cylinder, great acceleration. ive only been beat by a really souped up cobra w/manual transmission (i have automatic). the body design has made my friends envious, and one of my enemies had the nerve to buy one after seeing mine! he got a 2002 though, which isnt as cool.
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this is a good 2.4 car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By jonathan - April 4 - 4:53 amThis car is actually a good car. Yes Ive had my problems with it but what used cars dont you. When I bought it it had a major problem that the company fixed. But after that minor problems. It is by far the most powerful 4cycl engine Ive driven.
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nice when it starts - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By mandy00000000 - April 1 - 2:00 amI love this car I really do, when it starts. We bought this car a year ago with 7800 miles on it and have 35000 on it now. Soon after I bought it I had troubles with the car starting. It usually takes 2-3 times to start (not all the time) Ive taken it into the dealership 3 times about this and they just tell me that its a computer quirk and there is no cure for it. I would have no complaints if it would just start the first time.
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Good Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By Rume75 - March 21 - 10:00 ami just bought my car a couple of days ago so i only have a few coplaimants or wishes, I think they should have given the seats more cushion, i wish my car had cruise control
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Great car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By serbear4u - March 20 - 4:03 amThis has been an excellent car for me. The only times its been in to be repaired were after it was hit in accidents. Regular maintenance is easy and has carried this car a long way.
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Better Than Expected - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
By hank - March 15 - 5:40 pmNever thought much of the Grand Am- basic trans. bought it for 50% off sticker price to share with my teenage son. Had it for a year now, its not that bad a car. It handles very well, comfortable yet sporty. fine stereo for stock(monsoon) only real complaint is fuel mileage. only got 19- 20. installed TORNADO device-now ave.22- 23
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Great car if youre taking it easy - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
By Ceeblur - March 4 - 10:00 amME and my car have a love hate relationship. I love the layout of it, the features, and the speed, but I hate the gas mileage you get on it, and also the shortness of brake life. I have heard that you get better gas mileage if you use synthetic oil. Gas mileage is fine as long as you dont hotrod it like I do.
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dont buy this junk - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
By bobs - March 4 - 10:00 amdoors will rust under door jams like mine already are.Also many outher problems.
