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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  not bad - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By brutusbaxter - March 4 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, accelerates and handles very well. satellite radio good option.

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  Not Impressed - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By NotImpressed - March 3 - 9:20 am

  I traded in a 03 Saturn for my Grand Am. I was in tears a month after my trade. The car inside is smaller than my little Saturn, the doors curve so it is hard to fit things in the back seat that you cant fit in the trunk because the opening to the trunk is too small. The seats are not the most comfortable for road trips. It is a lot of plastic on the inside and just make me think of a cheap Matchbox car the more I have to drive it. The starter sticks more often than not and after purchasing the vehicle, I found out that this is a very common problem for the Grand Ams.

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  Grand AM GT 6cyl - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By amanton74 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Good for 4 years, then fuel injectors started breaking left and right. Constant electrical problems. AC compressor failed. Now having constant misfires.

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  Best frist car ive ever had. - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BryceMan - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I love it!!! My 99 Grand Am has 98500 miles on it. Still purrs like a kitten. Looks brand new and I love it. Words cant explain how much i love this car. Its by far the coolest car at work. 99000 and still drives like a race car. There is nothing wrong. Its in perfect cond. And i got it for a steal. ($5.000) I would recomend This car to any kid or parent as a first car. Thanx..

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  Ive had two, and no problems! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By chevygirlie - February 27 - 8:56 am

  Ive had two grand ams. One was an 03 grand am gt coupe, and the other was an 01 se sedan. Both have well over 200,000 miles and were excellent cars! Had a good amount of power with the 3.4Ltr 6cyl. Gas mileage was amazing! I live in Wyoming and they both got around in the snow VERY well. Never had any trouble with either one, I have since upgraded to an SUV, but I do miss those cars. I would highly recommend, they are cheap to buy, cheap to fill, and cheap to maintain.

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  Grand Am GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jdub85 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my car. Its fun to drive and has a decent amount of power for your money. I did however have some problems with it in the beginning. Everytime I turned on my blinker it continued to click like 3 or 4 more times after it was off. I had the dealership do something with the wiring now its never made a sound since. My only other problem was the it had a little trouble turning over when I started the engine. Then I had the dealership upload a hard start program on to my cars computer and it now starts much better. The car is still on the plus side and fun to drive just a few things needed to be fixed.

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  good car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By grandamgt62 - February 25 - 3:06 am

  I have had mine for 2 years with no problems. Very reliable and fun to drive

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  Sweet family of GAs - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pimpedoutpontiac - February 24 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 97 ga gt that was rolled and it saved my brother and aa few friends lives. He now has a 98 se. I have a 95 se 5spd that i love and will never get rid of. I am goin to get a newer ga soon and still have my 95 too. My mom got a 2002 GA GT this year and it is awsome i have more fun driving it then i do in my car.

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  Bad fuel economy - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Scott - February 13 - 8:20 pm

  Nice car but can, t seem to get more than 250 km on a tank of fuel ( city driving in cold winter ) maybe summer will be better. Even took it in to get looked at and apparently there is nothing wrong. Once again bad fuel economy. Bought a lemon.

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  Sharp car... good performance, handling - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By skytech - February 8 - 11:53 pm

  Bought this car with 30K on it. Loved the styling better than previous model years. Generally I have been satsfied with the reliablity, performance and handling. I have driven 37K since I bought it. It has good acceleration (fuel economy has been 17 city to 26 highway MPG). It takes a bit of experience to get the most from the 3.4 V6 power band. The automatic shifts nicely but it is a basic style and leaves something to be desired. I wished I had looked for a 5 speed manual. Seats are comfortable but a bit wide to hug my slim build (Im 511", 168lbs.). Cornering is nice but a Corvette it is not. driver power window broke once (common so I hear). Cold engine ticks slightly but quiets.