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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  Great Car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LovePontiacs! - June 15 - 6:03 am

  This was my first car. I drove it for three years before I decided to get an SUV. There were never any problems other than something with the ABS. Tires wore great after all the miles. Held up great. Every time I cleaned it, it looked NEW! Motor was extremely quiet and dependable. Got tons of looks back then!

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  My Baby Blue Grand AM! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mason420 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my pontiac Grand Am....my only complaint would be that the window regulators in these cars have got to be recalled....other than that ITA ALL GOOD!!

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  Third time is a charm??? - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By meaghanmcb - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my third GA and I was hoping third times a charm. This car was fun to drive, BUT repairs were often, costly, and repeated. I replaced alternator twice in 18 months! Had to replace fuel line, brakes, struts & shocks, gas cap (twice-????), 2 fuel injectors at once, then another, window motors... I did routine oil changes, tune-ups, etc. Normal wear-and-tear expected, but... Very high maintenance in my opinion. I would recommend this car only to someone who needs a cheap car for in-town driving--with my experience the GAs go down hill after their 4th birthday :)

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  Wow! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By camaroj - June 4 - 10:26 am

  Amaing car i am the second owner and this is the best car i have ever owned very reliable and great on gas i do keep up on the oil changed ext the first owner owned this car from 1999 to 2011 this is my second year owning this car and i will say my only complaints are the front of the car is to low to the ground and allways scrapes and the paint near the wheel wells is rusting my car now has 380000 miles and still runs great. if they were still making this car i would recomend to use less plastic and parts chip and break easy but the car it self is very relaible!

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  good car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bobo13 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  ive had the car for 2.5 years and have a couple of problems. I had to kick it in a nowhere back of the woods place in wisconsin cause a module blew on me. but after that ive had no problems cept that ive had to replace my brake pads every year.... but thats prob cause of my exsesive speeds and hard braking. IM prob gonna buy a mazda 6 for next car though....

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  It was the worst I ever owned - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wayne - May 23 - 8:20 am

  I now drive a ford zx2, I had a 1998 grand am for bout a month, it had a 3.1 v-6 it was a 2dr. gt. When I test drove it, it was great, it was powerful and handled nicely. After buying it I was impressed with the fuel mileage, but within a month I had to replace the radiator, heater core, alternator, head and intake gaskets, battery and a power window motor. Last Pontiac Ill ever buy.

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  GREAT COLLEGE CAR - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark Pellicane - May 22 - 8:10 am

  why is this car rated for 23mpg??? it all depends on how you drive, i average between 27-32 mpg. my parents bought this car when my sister went to college in 2002, it had 55,000 miles on it. i have since bought it from her and not attend college, the car just rolled over 170,000 miles and still averages between 27-32mpg, very reliable and still runs great, friends in their new cobalts and ford rangers race me and are left in the dust. the 2.4L engine runs great and doesnt burn a drop of oil. ALL parts for this car are very cheap. yeah the window motors stink but this car is 13 years old what do you expect???

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  Its Still Fun - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Randy King - May 20 - 12:46 pm

  Right from the start I loved the pickup this 6 cylinder car gave me. Ive driven it for seven years and it still has that same pep. Ramping onto highways and accelerating down the road are done with confidence.

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  Grand Am Brake Nightmare - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By DrRotty - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive, when it isnt in the shop having the front brakes worked on! Im very disappointed with Pontiac in the brake department. Ive had my 2000 GT in the shop four times in 1 1/2 years because of brake problems. One would think that GM would have taken care of the poor brake design by now, with all of the warranty work they are paying for. Because of this I will never buy another Grand AM!

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  Overall its a good buy and a fun drive! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By snoopkus - May 13 - 10:00 am

  my grand am is smoke blue with black tinted window on the outside, i have a new cd player on the inside... and that all i had to do to feel satisfied with the vehicle. It looks good, it drives good, and if you make some engine mods that are under $300 total, it can be fast enough to suit your racing urges.