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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  It takes a lickin, but keeps on tickin - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By adam - June 3 - 12:03 pm

  This car really seems like it could run forever. Its a 3.1L V6 automatic. It runs pretty well still, and can even provide a little excitement when accelerating. Overall even after all these years it has had no real major problems engine, or transmission related. However, a new transmission/ tune-up/ allignment/ tires would help bring this baby back to superb quality. Other than a few minor replacements here and there, i still know that i can count on this car for just about anything. Problem is that with the ridiculously low resale now, theres no use in even attempting to fix her up. Its kinda sad, but Im gonna have to get a new car next time she has a minor problem over 400 bucks.

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  The Most Refined FWD Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Matt - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1995 SE2 before this one, and finally decided to buy the 04 since my truck isnt getting the mileage it used to. So far the gas mileage has been great (25+ mpg)and there is enough power in that LA1 V6 to keep me in the fast lane without getting pulled over. I read some reviews about horrible gas mileage, but their favorite features are SPEED?!? Dumb. If you overdrive any car, after a while it will lose mileage. Stick with AC Delco replacement plugs/filters/wires/etc. and change them at regular intervals. This car will keep you going for well over 100K miles. The LA1 3.4-liter V6 is the most refined, American-built 60° since the 2.8-liter was introduced in the 80s. Great engine.

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  Maintain your car - No problems!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grand AM GT for me! - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I am sitting here laughing my backside off at all the complaints. All but a few are due to lack of maintaince, just plain ignorance in taking care of a car, and the attitude "if it aint broke dont fix it"! For instance the clicking in the dash is nothing but cleaning the turn signal wires on the blinker control. I bought my 2004 Grand Am Gt, loaded, used, with 57000 miles on it. It had everything original even the tires. I am still driving it as I bought it cause someone took great care of it and maintained it as any intelligent will do. Get off your backside "crybabies" and read the manual or cant you read???? Great car, no proglems! Always blame someone else for your troubles!! Duh!

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  Got money? Youll need it... - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MelF - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Up until last week I swore I would always stick w/ Pontiac. Then my water pump went and because the Quad4 engine is so insane it would cost me $800+ to have a $44 water pump replaced. As it is my husband has to completely disassemble the engine, jack it up, remove the timing chain, etc. just to get to the water pump. My landlord owns an auto repair shop and refuses to even touch my Quad4 setup. Im getting rid of it within a month before I end up spending $1500 for a used head plus labor...

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  Decent Car for the $ - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tempest68 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a decent car with good performance, adequate handling, and great looks. Original BF Goodrich tires were marginal in wet conditions, so Goodyear Auqatreads were put on (and do MUCH better). Biggest headache for DIYers is changing the serpentine belt - it required special tool rental and removing an upper motor mount! No belt should be that involved!

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  Awesome 2003 Fusion Orange SC/T Coupe - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By SunriseGSD - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought using GM Power Buyer internet deal. This car is a real head turner wherever we go. 2003 in Fusion Orange with 30th anniversary package. This 6 cyl has enough power to smoke Mustangs all day long. Not one ounce of trouble with this car. The fit and finish is spectacular. Proudly Made In America. Detroit stying and power at its best. I have always bought Fords, Im converted.

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  BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BOB JONES - May 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS WONDERFUL. YOU GIVE IT SOME GAS AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE IN A $40,000 VEHICLE. TO ANYBODY OUT THERE EVEN REMOTELY THINKING ABOUT BUYING A GRAND AM. GO FOR IT. THANK YOU LOUISIANA MOTORS INC IN LAFAYETTE FOR SHOWING ME THIS VEHICLE. I LOVE IT THANK YOU

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  Wish Id never seen this car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BadCar - May 24 - 5:30 am

  When I bought the car, it was just a few months old. It had been a fleet car and had only 11,000 miles on it. The main problem I have had is with the electrical system. It has gone out countless times at almost $400 a pop to get it fixed. The dash warning lights all come on at any given time, but then I can shut it off and restart it and they go out. The passenger side mirror fell off. The brakes need replacing every year. The drivers side power window went out. I was driving down the highway at 70 mph. and it just quit for no apparent reason. Of course it had no power steering or brakes, so that was fun trying to pull off the road. Also my CD player went out within a year of purchase.

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  Nightmare - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dude - May 18 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had this car since it was brand new and its been nothing but a nightmare to own. Im now seeing many of the problems Ive had from other reviewers, including turn signal clicking when not in use,paint peeling, seals. Two weeks after purchase, the a/c went - needed air compressor and its been downhill ever since. I only have 31,000 but have had the brake pedal assembly replaced due to car picking up speed, even going up hill, needed 2 batteries replaced in less than 3 mos., sunroof leaked, had ignition cylinder replaced 3 times because car wouldnt start; 3 days after most recent replacement, security light has been coming on while driving and dealership says cant disconnect. Run!

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  upgrade with $2000 or buy another car. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fabian gutierrez - May 17 - 5:06 am

  I had my car for a year and a half. 2 crashes,(one major and one minor damage) overall still look and handle like new. I have upgade it with boral Exhaust ($750 installed)cold air intake ( $200 installed) better wires, spark plugs, pulleys,ect, and tweak the engine.($700 installed) The rest was spent on non performce parts. any ways my car now rates 235 HP and 245 lb-ft trq.I never had any problem but I take care of it really well. I live in Cali, so in the hot days the temp gos over 215 F in engie. good gas and low noise. good space back and trunk. small for people ove 63. my dad cant fix. any way the point is with that extra 2000 you could buy a better car. I still beat civics, accords, cavs