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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  Excellent choice - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Siryj - November 27 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased my 03 G-A V6 from a Avis rental company over a year ago. I have not had 1 problem yet! The take off of this car is its best feature. From a light, be prepared to leave other cars in the dust if you press the gas down too hard.

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  HOT PERFORMER AND FAMILY CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MTINDYFLINT - November 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FOURTH GRAND AM, AND THEY ONLY GET BETTER. THIS IS THE SECOND CAR I BOUGHT THAT HAS NOT HAD TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER FOR CORRECTIVE SERVICE.THE OTHER ONE WAS, YOU GOT IT, A GRAND AM.

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  Been a great car for me - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wilkermom - November 15 - 2:16 am

  I have had a great experience with this car. I was especially happy when I moved from to a state where it snows and my car handled incredibly well in the snow. I lived on a very steep hill and my neighbors could not get up the hill in the snow but my Pontiac went right up the hill. This car looks nice,I like how it looks sporty. Handles well,gets good gas mileage. I always thought it was pretty roomy until a car seat would not really fit well in the back seat. Stroller also takes up the entire trunk. I have only had to repair the fuel pump and that was at 125,000 miles. All other work on the car has been just routine maintenance. My only complaint would be that its little noisy inside

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  warning-poor resale - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By car consumer 1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with the mechanical parts of the car. I would warn anybody that is interested in purchasing one that the road noise is louder than most car. Also, be concerned about poor resell value. These cars are a dime a dozen. In 3 years the tmv of this vehicle went down almost %10,000.

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  gem - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By yo b - November 5 - 2:00 am

  great car everything i expected...low price great value

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  I love my Pontiac grand Am - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Stephanie - October 31 - 1:30 am

  I have had a great experience with my 03 Grand Am. It is dependable and comfortable. I have been in cars that ride a little smoother, but I would have never known mine rode hard if I had not test drove another car. I average about 22 MPG in the city and it could be better, but I am happy because the V6 really feels powerful compared to the 4 cyl.

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  Grand Am GT1 SC/t - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mekaleka - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This black beauty looks fast, and it doesnt disappoint. Excellent acceleration, handling and braking. Gas mileage is good. I traded a 99 Malibu LS for this one...making me sorry I didnt buy this car sooner. I also own an 02 Alero GLS, which would seem to be almost identical mechanically...but the Grand Am feels like a different car altogether. Much sportier!

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  good car troubled by bad workmanship - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By WillWeasel - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car used with 30k on it. bout 3k out of warrenty found out the injector system was about to fall out of the car. Cost ~$400 to fix, no help from dealership even though they had done a full inspection, that I paid for,right before the warrenty ended. Otherwise car was great right up to 75K before I slammed it into a guardrail at 60mph. Which I walked away from even thought the air bags did not deploy,which im glad I would have been injured if they had. otherwise the car was fun and did great in downtown traffic and state to state highways.

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  Im SO glad I just got rid of mine!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By darklineup - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Just traded this lemon in. Got around OK, but small things go wrong constantly. Like: 1)drvrs side pwr window motor blew 2)turn signal crazy (dash clicking continues incessantly after turn) 3)radio stopped working altogether, then just worked again 3 weeks later 4)oxygen sensor caused engine light to go on and off whenever 5) pasgr side mirror torn off in a car wash... by soft cloths no less. I could go on and on. To be fair, it drove nicely for 100K miles til control arms were shot (mechanic says this is BIG problem on Grand Ams). Last straw! EVERY day in last 75K miles, something was wrong with the car. Good riddance and buyer beware!!!

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  Maybe Im the only one - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By raven24 - October 16 - 12:40 pm

  I bought it and when I accelarted, it would hesitate at high RPMs the dealership ran a check, nothing but 2 years later it now may have an engine problem. Ive dumped lots of money into small mechanical problems and the car still is having same issues lots of lights on dash, other owners told me same. Never stranded but always at mechanics. My passaenger and driver door have come misalligned and hitting the fenders for no reason. This all stinks because I really am comfortable driving it because Im petite. it really is the small problems that have given me the headaches. Oh and the clicking noise coming from hazard button, wheel barrons replaced many times but its easy to find parts