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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  take care of it, it will return the favor - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By englisap - September 17 - 2:03 pm

  I have come to love my Grand Am. I have also come to believe that if you take good care of it, it will repay you. Got it from my mom in 2006 with 25k on it. It had been parked in her driveway collecting waterstains and mice. Initially I named it the lemon (I never liked it, but my husband did) after getting new tires, new fluids, getting rid of rabbits chewing wires and some other normal things, I made a deal with it. It takes care of me and I take care of it. Yes, they have quirks, but if you take really good care of it, it will run like a champ. It thinks its a sports car. I drive it at least 51 miles everyday. It now has about 145k miles on it and still gets 26mi/gal

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  The Grand Am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By camaroj - September 12 - 8:37 pm

  Ive owned this car for a Year and a half it was pretty much immaculate When I bought it I happened to be the second owner in Its life time the pros: Its fun to Drive ,amazing on gas, reliable if well taken Care of , very stylish mines in white , interior is stylish ,has curb appeal , excellent sound system didnt exspect it to be that good, my complaints about this car is the front bumper is way too low to the ground and allways scrapes Its rusting Like crazy around Wheel Wells and on the rockers of the doors clear coat is chipping on spoiler and the most important thing remember to keep your oil topped off to the top twin CAM engines are notorios for that they burn oil Like crazy

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  Like the car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sara - September 12 - 12:30 pm

  I never owned a poniac before. Im a jeff gordan fan hehe but.. This car runs very good 100,000 miles and no repairs yet. even drive 9 hour trips home and back. I feel safe in this car. I love the look, and think its a great car.

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  2001 Grand Am GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bnosyt - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It handles great, has good acceleration, and is comfortable to drive. I only have 7400 miles on this car right now, and there is nothing to complain about. I would recommend getting the GT rather than the SE.

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  Attainable Dream Car! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By freddie01r - September 11 - 10:00 am

  No out of warranty problems to date and all warranty service was done well, thanks Pontiac!

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  The best car I have ever owned - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By AmynRyan - September 5 - 10:00 am

  We just recently bought a 1999 Grand Am SE. The performance of the 3.4 liter V- 6 engine is phenomenal! The sporty look, and feel of the Grand Am is perfect as well. It handles exceptionally well, and taking corners at higher rates of speed is as easy as blinking your eyes. But the Grand Am doesnt stop there. The ETS system makes the Grand Am an even better car to drive. For those tough steep grades, or snow and ice covered roads, youll be thankful that the Grand Am has incorporated such a valuable asset! I have never been happier with this car, and I am a proud owner of a Pontiac!

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  DRIVES GREAT WHEN NOT IN THE SHOP! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By singer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is a mixed bag. When its running, its a great car. But I have had sooo many problems with it. I bot it from Hertz with 28,000 mi. Now has 59,000. Ive had to replace brakes 2 xs (and they still feel weird), 2 altenators, 2 batteries, water pump. The door hinge is broken, the winshield washer tank leaks. There is an oil leak and transmission fluid is leaking. Just traded it in - couldnt take all the time & money in the shop.

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  Bad Mistake - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lg9090 - August 21 - 11:10 am

  I loved the exterior of the car and it drove great the first six months I had it. The best decision I ever made was to buy the extended warranty because had I not I would have spent about $4,000 dollars on this car. Its been to the shop 3X in the past 4 mo. Ive repaired the ignition coil module, fuel injector, spark plugs, A/C resistor blower (2X), blinker recall problem, broken a/c knob, window motor and regulator (not just one, but all 4 windows!!), side mirror fell off, ignition switch, pass lock cylinder, body control module, some sort of connectors and computer body replacement, and Ive had it towed 2X!! I cant wait to sell this piece of scrap metal, but the resale value stinks!

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  Not bad overall - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By John - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  Current Mileage: est 77,000 When i got this car it had 1500 miles. For the majority of the time i have owned this car its been a reliable. I can now start to feel it wanting to die. She sometimes needs two trys to start. She is very good in the snow and drives good. Just got to watch your foot because she will take off if you dont watch..

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  Fuel Pump, Electrical - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ERIKKK - August 9 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car used, with 62,000 miles on it, after i hit the 63,000 mile mark i started having this goofy electrical problem where i would start the car and the radio, Dash...etc...wouldnt turn on. I am able to cope with it, usually it all kicks on about 1 minute after starting. 2,000 miles later the fuel pump went out. I love the car, but the problems are starting to irritate me. The car handles very nicely, accelerates very quickly and is a comfortable, sharp looking ride.