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:

• 

  well-well - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jules - August 5 - 5:23 pm

  American car, American quality but 28 MPG is impressive. In average $100 maintenance per month and you will spend it all for sure. I have 140K miles but still running well. Forget regular gas, it doesnt like it.

• 

  Amazing car for being almost 12 - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By richie_east - August 3 - 3:41 am

  I purchased my car two years ago with 99,000 miles and it now has 142,000. I have had very minimal repairs. Great car, paint still looks great with the exception of minor paint chips in the hood and bumper. I love the fact this car gives me all the power and response i need. Ive driven friends new Mercedes c230 thats feels gutless and slow to respond compared to my Grand am. I plan on driving the wheels off this car. After being 11 years old, i still catch myself looking at it and admiring the beauty of it. I see lots of grand am gts on the road and not to sound superficial, but mine is one of the best looking ones on the road. Overall i love this car and get compliments on it all the time!

• 

  Best Thing to Come From Detroit in Years - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jonesm - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Well, this is my second Grand Am of the same body style. The first was lost in an unfortunate accident. 50MPH into a stationary object and all parties walked away. I dont know what standards the IIHS uses, but clearly this is a safe vehicle. With 170 horsepower, the V6 puts on a good show. Plenty of power, but not too much. Off the line, its quick and the automatic is smooth. Interior leaves a little to be desired, but its an American car, lets face it. The controls are VERY easy to read. The road manners on this car rival even the best Europe has to offer. As a BMW 325I owner, I can tell you its very close.

• 

  Best when comparing - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sweetmusic - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Grand am and my first 6cyl. I also bought it withe the SC/T hood. It is exteremly sharp looking and is one of the few in town, at least for the time being. I test drone cars like the 2003 TiburonGT, Stratus R/T and camaro, and the Grand am drove better and I got it loaded for the same if not less than those other cars.

• 

  Awsome, sporty, and perfect for teens - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alex T - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me the SE 4-cylinder after my other car broke down. This car is great to drive and picks up chicks left and right. I had to have the cruise control module replaced after the first 3k miles but have had no other problems. The wiring in the car is a little funny, so have any alarm or keyless entry system done by a pro. This car is very quick even for being 140 horse. Overall I love this car and would reccomend it to anyone!

• 

  I plan to continue buying Pontiacs - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By leeza112 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Brilliant handling, turn on a dime steering, traction control, CD sound system, showy sporty exterior, especially for a family car. Great handling on wet surfaces, very safe. I will definitely buy another Pontiac.

• 

  Second Time Around - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jkidd - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 99 GA SE sedan and now an 02 SE1, I even got the same color. This one is loaded, except the V6. Differences? You can turn the DRLs off, but the parking lights remain. Chimes for the various reminders are not as loud as they were in the 99. A nifty cup holder was added on the console. The new 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine vs the 2.4. I keep reading about how smooth & quiet the new 2.2 is. I find the new engine to be loud, it makes a clicking sound even @ idle. The car is less torquey, fuel mileage is exceptional. 2 nagging concerns on build quality. A rattle in the roof liner near the moonroof button. Plastic pieces in my car are not flush.

• 

  Too many problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RED 52 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Have owned car since it was new. Many problems including heater control switch on dashboard broken, brakes and rotors three times, sun visor falls off,etc. Just out of warranty and had to have intake manifold gasket leak - repaired for $800. Mechanic said, "poor design" and has had others with same problem. Not happy with car for what it cost new - $21,000. Ride is rough. Plan to sell soon and get something reliable, that is to say, something not GM.

• 

  3 - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Vanessa - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car from the moment I have bought including 1 recall for the starter. I have put $4000 worth of work into this car. I have had to replace the brakes about 4 times, replaced the manifold gasket, head gasket, fan belt, tires (twice) roters, strut mound, struts, trasmission line, a/c ...... Please be careful buying this car.

• 

  180,000 miles on my GT - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mike6t8 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought our black 4-door GT in October of 1996 and put 180k on it! Yes, weve had a few problems but I think every car in this price range will have problems after a while. I think the car has been great to us and I may put another 20k on it before I get something else. Weve had the typical problems that other Grand Am owners claim plus the trans went out at 150k. It was costly to replace, but overall I feel we got our moneys worth on the car in the last 8 years. It DOESNT smoke or use any oil like most other cars driven this much.