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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  Hate to see it go - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BobbyDough - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Lease is coming due and I have mixed feelings. I love the car but Im looking at that 350Z and...hmmmm. Fun to drive. Awesome color (midnight metallic blue). Great sound. I hear a little rattle on the right side I need checked and the fuel pump went early on (replaced by warranty). Brakes changed twice. Otherwise..no problems. Ive even been on the same set of tires for 50,000 miles! 4 cylinder not bad.

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  Trouble From Day 1 - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RJB - March 28 - 9:13 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new and it has been nothing but trouble since I drove it off the lot. The warning lights on the dash light up constantly and randomly. You never can tell which lights or group of lights will come on. Of course the dealership never found a thing wrong. Its most recent behaviour is to either stall of have the engine nearly choke off each time you step on the accelerstor. Ive had the system gone over with a fine tooth comb and you guessed it. Nothing so far has corrected the problem. This was the first time in my life I had both car payments and repair bills. This vehicle is a true piece of junk. Always has been and always will be.

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  the best car I ever had!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ksc - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many cars in my lifetime and I honestly bought this without much research. I absolutely love it. Its comfortable on trips, great stereo system, I love the sunroof. Drives fast when needed.

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  Looks nice, no Quality! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CRitter - March 19 - 7:53 am

  From the day I bought my 200 Grand AM, I have had to put thousands..yes thousands, into this car. The first problem was in the very first month, the power steering went ... it was covered under warranty .. .thank god, but the very day I picked it up the emergency brake was now not working. The car has just under 105,000 KMs on it and I have had to replace the brakes 3x, not only that the front AND rear struts/springs have had to be replaced 2x!! The next thing blew my mind! As I was driving all of a sudden the cassette panel started to smoke??!! Then it went away then there was this "clicky click" noise comming from the inside...That was another $300 to fix...and the coolant is constantly leaking!

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  My Grand Am - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cathypens - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Grand Am GT......its just a fun car to drive. Pontiac knew what they were talking about when they said they build excitment! I knew this car was for me when I got in to test drive it. This car was all about my personality. So far in the years that Ive had the car, its been reliable for me. Ive done my best to keep it in the best working order that I can, making sure it gets regular visits to the dealership. If you havent driven a pontiac, you need to find out what its like to drive one!

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  my experience with my 2001 GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dale58 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has really great pickup and handles well considering previous Grand Ams I have owned previously. Have had few issues on reliability with it and regular maintenance is about all I have been out of pocket on this particular car.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ninja - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had Hondas,Toyotas,and Mazdas before this but I love this car and dont regret the purchase of it!.

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  Research this car first!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dochollywood - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car (bought new) but problems began immediately after my warranty ended. I understand that certain things will need maintenance, but not this many things at 40,000 miles! I have since read about other GT owners with the same list of problems (mainly 1998-2002 GTs)and just want other potential buyers to be aware because I wasnt.

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  13 years and counting - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By eddy37 - March 12 - 10:26 am

  Bought mine new in 2001. Ive taken decent care of it, oil changes, minor repairs. Its never broken down or had any major issues. Has the same issues as other Grand AMs. Side passenger mirror just fell off, AC has been broken for a couple years, fan speeds 1 and 2 dont work, side mirror control broken. The car itself is no longer waterproof. The factory battery lasted 11 years. Took it on a road trip this summer and actually got really good mileage. To recap, its been paid for since 2005 and has never left me stranded. Going to drive this thing until it explodes.

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  Get yourself a pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By grandamluver - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent!! I drive a V6 1999 Grand Am and it is perfect!! Its so fun to drive and i love all the standard safety features...from the automatic traction system, to 4 wheel anti-lock breaks and everything else. my car is HOT and i love it!!