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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  Awesome Ride for the Price!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By pontiac_lover - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had no trouble whatsoever with this car! Its a blast to drive... sporty, sleek, and comfortable.

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  I love it - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dpitt - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my car - Canadian. I now have 202,000 kms on the original transmission and motor. Sure needs regular maintenance - hard on brakes. But very reliable and well worth it!

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  Its a great car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Doctor O - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This is only the second American car Ive ever owned. Turned in my Nissan Altima at the end of a lease and decided to buy a car. I was able to find a great deal on this car which used to be a rental car. It has a lot of power and looks great. I love the headlights that go on automatically and the fog lights look great. It is very responsive and has a lot of kick. I love this car, its got so much more power than my 4 cyl Altima. Ive had no issues with the car. I strongly recommend it for its reliability, its great looks and its power.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By FireyRedHead - May 9 - 2:00 am

  After having test driven a Nissan Sentra and Altima, also the Pontiac Grand Prix, I found this car to be the best handling and the most fun to drive. The pick-up speed for getting on the freeway is exceptional, as living in the Bay Area CA, that type of speed is needed at times. Also the ride is extremely smooth even on the roughest road...Excellent buy

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  Love the car hate the gas - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By stillarebel31 - May 7 - 10:50 pm

  Where is it going? The gas, one minute i can fill my tank on $40.00. 3 days later I am on E. Not happy where is it all going? I am sure not hotrodding it cant afford to go out much or drive all over ) just go to work and back. and i had over a 1/2 tank this afternoon same day i have quarter of a tank... my only problem is the power steering hose and the gas the GAS where is it going... My boyfriend is a mechanic I bought the car from a mechanic and i am getting mad. that i cant keep gas in this car,

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  A Great GT - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By biggercarrot - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Looks sharp! Handles well in snow. Throw on 4 Blizzak tires and 7 feet of Buffalo snow wont stop you.

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  Mediocre has a new definition - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Camryn Cox - May 4 - 3:21 am

  Pros sporty look strong v6 engine smooth ride decent mpg for a v6 18-20city 23-26 highway Cons not very reliable cheap interior poor safety rating very little resale value bought car in 2012 with 65k, now has 106k, had numerous pricey repairs done, timing belt twice in 6 months, oil pan and transmission fluid leaks, faulty alternator, air conditioning stopped working at around 95k.

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  Reliable for me - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GM fan - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Had my 95 SE coupe since new. 3.1 l with auto tranny. Unfortunately the 5 speed was unavailable in California. Only things I have had to do were routine maintanence. One battery, one alternator, and one set of tires, and one set of brake pads for 50k is totally within reason. Combined city/hwy mileage has been steadily at 22-24mpg. Had as high as 33 in straight Hwy miles. Reliability has been excellant. Cant see why its resale value is so low. Im saving this thing for my daughter.

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  Overall, it has been a great car - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rlt - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Grand Am GT in early 98 with 7500 miles. I now have 128000 on it and it has been very good to me. Ive maintained it well. I have had few problems. I replaced the water pump at around 65,000 miles. Both window regulators have went bad. I also just replaced the alternator. Overall I think it has been pretty good. It still runs, drives, and looks like new although now there are some rattles in the interior. The door panels are made cheep. The factory stereo/wCD sounds great although the display quit working. I have the 2.4/auto combination. It performs well. Power is good. It also delivers outstanding fuel economy. I recently drove half way

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  2004 Grand Am 2.2 4cyl 4A - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bpeters1 - April 25 - 11:36 pm

  Ive had the car for about 3 months now and have put a little over 3,000 miles on it. I bought it used with 98,000 miles on it. So far Ive had no problems with it. The 4cyl engine suits this car well, but sometimes seems reluctant to downshift. It has absolutely zero power at low RPM. The gas mileage I get is exactly as listed at 27 MPG. Love the way the car handles. The interior (especially light switches) are obviously cheaply made, and often pop in and out of their slots.