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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  2004 Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wally - December 17 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased this car new in October of 2004. It may be one of the best cars I have ever had. Has been stone cold reliable, everything seems to last forever. With a V-6, I get 21 mpg in the city, and 27 on the highway. If you can find a clean one used, buy it. Car has original rear brakes and original tires! Unbelievable!

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  1995 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr. GT Sedan - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jess - December 17 - 5:00 pm

  Bought as my first car. It was ok for the first year. Then, things started going wrong. The first thing was my headlight switch broke. That was $130. Then the headlights went out. Another $100. Then the brakes needed replaced. So there went another $80. The windshield ALWAYS leaks when it rains and my floor always looks like a lake. The transmission started slipping. Everything leaks (i.e. transmission fluid, oil). It overheats when i am idle. Now it needs a new booster for the brakes. And i always had problems with the ABS warning light. I will never have another!

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  Love my Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Amy - December 15 - 4:03 pm

  I love my 04 Grand Am. This is the 3rd Grand Am Ive owned and Im not disappointed. I wish they would still make them. My first car ever was 93 - SE, my second car was a 95 - GT and my third car is my 04 GT. Its got enough getup to keep me happy, but it keeps me out of trouble. I have a race car for that.

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  2004 Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dan - December 14 - 12:00 pm

  This is a great car! Drives and handles like a charm. Not my first pontiac. Many more to come!

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  POS - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bob carlson - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a big ripoff of the public,the car for its size gets terrible gas mileage.It is ranked #10 of 10 in crash tests and retains 24% of value to rank it in worst ten cars in the USA.Overall the car is just a throwawy car.Parts are constantly breaking,door handles, mirrors dont fold back to resist breaking if you hit one .The door window motors are always breaking.

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  Window problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By John - December 9 - 11:40 pm

  The electronic window device is of poor quality. The window on the drivers side was repaired twice, and is in need of repair again. The passenger side window has been repaired once.

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By neverbuypontiac - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car was always at the garage. The car left my wife stranded two times due to the alternator dying and the automatic transmission needing rebuild at 45,000 miles. We also experienced the same problems as the other owners. (Warped brake rotors, Fan would not work on 1,2 or 3, Fuel injectors needed replaced after 2 years, and cracked interior molding) Better get the extended warranty, you are going to need it with this car!!!

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  My car may be totaled now - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brandan - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car although the exterior body parts are really upsetting. My car was parked when some guy floored in reverse into the back of it hitting the right side Quarter panel and if you dont know what that is it is like the front fender, well anyway from the force of the impacked the car slid into another car smashing the left side quarter panel well now my car is in jeopardy because the quarter panels are something called a unibody which is a whole bunch of pieces welded together

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  over 200,000 miles and still going.. - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By satisified owner - December 8 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 94 drove it until I bought another new car in 2007. Sold it with 159,000 miles on it to a young lady who drives to college, it now has over 200,000 miles and still gong strong. It had very few problems while I had it and she has had some minor work done in the last two years. I would have bought a new Grand Am if they were still being made.

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  Love My Grand Am - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ricknj56 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Have 102,000+ on it and it still runs almost as good as the day I brought it home. Power Window and Alternator had to be replaced at my expense, but thats all the expenses I have incurred other than normal maintainence (Oil, brakes, tuneup, etc...)