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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  nice ride! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GA driver in GA - April 21 - 2:00 am

  only bought the car two weeks ago for $1900 with 98k on it. have had good experiences with pontiacs in the past. previous car was a 90 model w/ 170k on it.pick-up is greaT. HANDLES EXTREMELY WELL. paint is excellent. shifter is kinda funky. 5 speed w/ four cylinder will be a gas saver.150 ponies is good for a GM 4 banger.clunking from drivers side front, probably suspension or cv joints.

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  Grand Am SE2 - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ppotte - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I am really happy with this car. It has the 6 cylinder engine, and with a fairly light car, it has plenty of pickup and power. It is nice to drive. I like the traction control, it makes me feel quite safe in the rain. Overall, I like the car. I have had a couple of cooling systems problems, which I am told are expected due to the very high temperatures in Phoenix. Otherwise, everything else works just fine.

• 

  frustratingly great and horrible! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Stacy - April 18 - 11:16 am

  have had this car since 2000. replaced the alternator, battery, rebuilt the front end (brakes, rotors, pads, calipers, brake lines, 2 wheel bearings), paid $500 to have a dealer replace 2 sensors to keep the security system from kicking in and shutting the car off, the volume knob is broken (vol goes up when turning it down), front window motors need replaced (works 95% time)plastic dash is cracked, radio LCD light dead. spark plugs, coil packs, coil housing, replaced and still is mis-firing. During the warm months its a bear to drive with the tranny slipping badly.

• 

  Great car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Raden - April 9 - 4:53 am

  I bought the car a little over a year now and owning a 93 Grand-Am before this I knew what I was getting my self in to. This car has the 3100 V6 auto. Great pick up. Fuel econ was better then expected. Again and problems were expected including Power windows (GM cant seem to build power windows) and front brakes suck. Better to upgrade with slotted/drilled rotors or face premature rotor ware and constant garage time.

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  30th Anniversary Edition Ram Air - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Simpledlte - April 8 - 10:16 am

  This car is totally awesome. It does everything but talk to me and it drives like a wet dream. Fast, Sporty, mine is bright red. My only complaint is speeding tickets! Owned it two years and all i have had to do is replace a fuse and routine oil changes. This car has embroidered leather power seats and all the whoopty doos you could want.

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  Poor quality - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brad - April 5 - 6:10 pm

  Ive had my car for about 4 years and it is now falling apart. The ABS and Traction control are a constant battle. I have had to take the car to the shop 6 times to have them worked on. Now I am having electrical problems. I have a 95 Neon with 130,000 that has considerably less issues then my 02 GA with 62,000. I would not buy another Pontiac.

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  Mechanics Dream - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By anthony - April 5 - 10:10 am

  I second nightmare on wheels. Ive sent my mechanic on a few vacations from this car. Brakes are sized for a Geo metro, needs new ones every year and recently my engine control module went out on me, at least thats what the mechanic thinks it is. Another cruise for him! GM definitely needs to get rid of some engineers for this one.

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  14yrs - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joseph Cole - April 3 - 3:14 am

  I have had my Grand Am since oct of 2000... she had 13k miles on her. she now has close to 150k on her. just recently had problems with the engine. My timing guide snapped and now I replaced it bout to start her up and hope for the best. 14 yrs and she still has the same alternator and starter from factory. only had to replace the upper rad inlet n the bcm in the 14yrs I have had her. very good car. plan on keeping her till she all rusted out n can no longer drive.

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  Not too bad for the price. - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Braves441 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Good car for the money. Has some quality issues, but its a good starter car.

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  GT could use a bit more power - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TheToothCarpenter - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Having driven the car for a month, have had no problems so far. Impressed with the smooth ride handling. Adequate pickup from the V6, but GM should be able to extract more power from it. The Monsoon audio system is a nice feature, but would be nicer with an in-dash CD changer.