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:

• 

  Piece of junk - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Crapcar - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had to have it towed to the dealership 5 times for various things breaking down(alternator, the oxygen sensor, computer, among other things). The starter went 2 times, the water pump failed, and the radiator had a leak. The paint started pealing off the car. The fog light have been replace 2 times because they keep collecting water. The interior is falling apart. The seams on the driver’s seat let go and all the padding fell out. The door panels are starting to fall apart. The CD player died. The tilt steering wheel lever broke off leaving the steering wheel to move up and down freely. Overall this is the worse car I have ever owned.

• 

  Never Judge A Book By Its Cover - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By FRugar - May 31 - 1:03 am

  On the outside, the Pontiac Grand AM GT is a beautiful car. It looks like what it claims to be; a sporty mid size coupe thats fun to drive. The interior says the same. And granted, yes, it is. When it runs. I bought mine at 32000 miles when it was 2 years old. Since, Ive had nothing but problems such as: -Bad wheel bearing immediately after warranty expired : $800 -Brake caliper froze: $300 -Brake sensor burnt out, cluster needed to be replaced: $400 -Intake seals popped, leaking AF everywhere: $1200 -Fuel line leakage: $200 -Brake caliper frozen again: $300 And now the fuel pump is blown. And somewhere over the past 4-5 months the fuel economy of the car has dropped to around 23-24hwy.

• 

  Very Decent Car! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Romine - May 29 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this car about a year ago and it had about 157,000 miles on it. The lady I bought it from used to drive down gravel a lot and I had to replace a hub and an outer tire rod... security light came on and cause my car to not start for 10 min each time as well as my idol staying at 1200 rpm but fix both problems by pulling out the ignition and cleaning the sensors. Excellent sound system and got 37 mpg believe or not the last road trip I made. Its had its ups and down and have put about $700 into it but only bought it for $1500. Take care of it and it will treat you right... if you dont, it will let you know. Mine now has over 170,000 and still runs like a champ.

• 

  so far so good - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gt lover - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the fuel pump went day 9 master cylender went day 60 a replaced by dealer warrenty at a cost of $1700 other than that it has been a good car 27mpg 32mpg

• 

  Severe engine problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By multani4 - May 21 - 10:31 pm

  Great when bought brand new. but beware of engine problems. #1 lower intake leaks. Head Gasket leaks. hard on brakes. stay away from this vehicle or any other gm vehicle with the 3.4l and 3.6l and 3.8l engines they all have issues with leaks.

• 

  Its just as good as Honda or Toyota - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rob - May 19 - 2:10 pm

  This is my first car and I love it. I did do some window shopping at the Camry or Accord, but those cars are fairly bland. The Grand Am, especially in GT form, can get you anywhere you need. Read any review and you will likely see "piece of crap" and "unreliable" associated with this car. This is not the case. Treat it like gold, and it will last. Since Feb 2007 i have had only two problems. The EGR valve and an exhaust manifold leak. The car runs like a dream and the 3100 V6 is as fast as a V6 powered camry or accord, but for far less money. The car is safe, too, with dual airbags and ABS. I strongly recommend getting one fairly well equipped with the CD player, power equipment, etc.

• 

  Boooo - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Barry09 - May 18 - 12:40 am

  Fuel pump went out atleast 4 times within first two months of owning car, constant, constant, constant ticking in dash, AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF in wreck when rear ending someone at 35 mph, coolant leaked constantly, tires leaked in cold weather, keyfab did not work, lots of problems. I would not suggest this car to ANYONE.

• 

  Questionable Reliability - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hshepteach - May 16 - 9:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years and have had several problems with it. I drive 80 miles a day and it gets me from here to there, but I am constantly having to have my rotors turned. The car also shakes a lot and I have had it looked at several times and they cant find anything wrong. The computer is always saying something is wrong. The throttle also sticks and it will speed up on its own. Now dont get me wrong I love how the car looks but when it comes down to it I would want something more reliable.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grand_Am - May 14 - 10:40 pm

  This car is fun to drive! It has the look and feel of a sports car. What a performance machine! I feel like Im inside a cockpit when Im driving it! Mine has hoodscoops, RamAir V6, Rear aerowing spoiler, Monsoon Audio system, power sunroof, XM satellite radio, and many extras. Sometimes people try to race me at stop lights. I am extremely impressed with this car. It makes me feel like a new woman. I cant stop admiring it. Grand Am GT.

• 

  Piece of Crap - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By becky29 - May 13 - 7:01 am

  Bought this car with 52,000 miles on it for 11,500. Within the first 6 months I replaced the front main gasket and 3 driver side window regulators. I just replaced my passenger reg before Christmas. This car has been in and out of the shop since I bought it in 04. It has 120,000 miles now and is back in the shop as I speak. The oil, thermostat, and temperature sensors are being replaced along with power steering pump. Ive had O2 sensor, air compressor, plugs and wires replaced. The list goes on and on if you get my point. I wouldnt recommend or sale this car to my worst enemy!!!!