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:

• 

  Overall....good - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ATLien - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied overall. can get 400 miles per tank when traveling. some paint chips off front and back bumper. May be covered by warrenty.

• 

  It is the devil - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kandb09 - December 25 - 1:43 pm

  I got this car 5 years ago with 60,000 miles it now has 123,000 and it was fine up until a year after I bought it. Then it became trouble. My side mirror just randomly fell off, the inside dash is falling apart for no apparent reason, my dome light fell out just the other night when I closed the door! Ive replaced the fuel pump, the oil pan, the radiator hose, 2 car window motors, a tail light, the stereo system twice, blinker fuse box, and now the head gasket is offically pooing out! I hate this car with a passion. I believe it is the devil! Also, I started by getting great gas mileage and now I can barely get 24mpg on the highway! And I get maybe 16 in town!

• 

  Good Car To buy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hillsborogirl - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Grand Am for over 2 years. Ive purchased other Non-GM vehicles and I did not find them as reliable as my Grand Am. My uncle had his Grand Am for 12 years before he sold it to my cousin. My mother has had her Grand Am for about 8 years and its still going strong. I intend to keep mine for a long period of time.

• 

  Great cute car - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jessica - December 20 - 9:26 pm

  I just bought this car 2 months ago and love the car. Very comfortable, and easy to drive for my self.

• 

  BAD - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By custom man - December 19 - 9:30 pm

  Ive had the car for almost 2 years, it is a 5 speed and i luv the car to death, ive had problems all the time but nothing to major all the time. ive replaced the tranny and clutch once and it ran amazingly since. I street race the car, i have a custom exhaust on it, custom intake, and a lot of interior work do to it. they come with the Z24 racing engine (stock 150 HP) since all my mods i have figured that the car has about 185 hp now and amazing take off and torque. i have a lot of corners around here and the car cornered well before hand but now i have replace all the control arms, sway bar mounts, tie rod boots, and end links and the car is amazing at cornering now. All in all i luv the car.

• 

  Dont waste your money - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Heather - December 18 - 2:53 am

  Things were always going wrong and needed to be replaced with expensive special parts. The window motor died & supposedly each window has a different specific motor... $750. The stereo LCD went in and out randomly as well as the ABS sensor light. This car also takes special tires... went to wal-mart & got the cheapest of that kind... $500+ for 3 tires. My air/heat duct came undone and i could only faintly feel air if it was set to level 5 (high). I was rear-ended the other day in Christmas traffic; it totaled it (because its plastic), while the bmw that hit me was able to drive away afterward. Kelly Blue book says Ill only get 1k after all that money I put into it.

• 

  Love it! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jlripl - December 14 - 8:03 pm

  In 2003, I found a car I loved. A sporty red 4 door 2000 Grand Am GT. Test drove it and took it home, no problem. Three months later, it was totaled. Head on crash with an extended bed, extended cab half ton pick up truck. I refused to drive for the next three months until my dealer found me a 2001 Grand Am GT, just like my old one. I have absolutely adored this car. I wouldnt trade it for the world. I think I put so much faith in it because the older version got me through a horrible accident with only a broken arm. I have had very few problems, and would recommend it. Ive had it for four years, bought it with 47,000 and it now has 127,000. Runs great. Had one issue with the key.

• 

  Go with Toyota - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 4nessa - December 1 - 10:00 am

  99 GrandAm purchased used in Feb. 01 in excellent condition (per my mechanic) since, the power windows have been replaced, the water pump, trouble with the breaks, the power mirrors dont work, and the cooling fan sensor has been replaced. It sure looks nice, but overall its not worth the trouble. Im buying a Toyota.

• 

  the most fun ive had in a long time - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By movie_girl80 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i went from driving a 14 year old mini van to this little ball of excitement. the pickup is unbelievable for a four cyl. ive only had the car for a few months, but i couldnt be happier. the interior space is excellent and the trunk is huge. i just cant say enough.

• 

  Pure Pleasure - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ronald Smith - November 29 - 3:23 pm

  I own a gold 2004 Pontiac Grand Am that I purchased on March 31, 2006. I test drove this car before purchasing it, & I will have to say that it is absolutely a fun car to drive. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable means of transportation. Fuel mileage is excellent. I have checked it after running 3 tanks of fuel through it & I averaged 17.7 on one tank, 17.5 on one tank & 19.5 on one tank. Anyone looking for a dependable means of transportation with very good gas mileage around town, this is the car to check out. Plenty of leg room front & back & excellent handling characteristics.