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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  Too many mechanical problems - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PN Young - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Dropped transmition at 30K, electrical problems at 22K, eats breaks and tires, small oil leak at 25K, and just noticed that my windshield washer fluid resivoir is cracked and leaking. Passenger side window falling out of tracks @38K.

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  Governers and Rear seat 60/40 split. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BJ123 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Ok, I understand the reason for he the governers on the car, They govern Redlining, Top speed, slip shifting on an automatic. No problem, But why does the governer turn off the engine at 106 mph? I normally dont travel at those speeds, but when I took it to the track, It wouldnt perform past 106 mph. Someone owes me money or an explanation, I lost to a 4cyl stick Grand Am, I beat him off the line and in the 1/4 mile but when we went on the oval track I lost. He was able to reach 120mph now how is that fair? Rear Seats, ok now why cant I gain access to my trunk from within the car? The old Grand Ams were able to.

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  Not Too Bad - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By chasenally - January 31 - 5:20 pm

  I am reading about the repairs that people are having done. When the gasket went out due to the type of antifreeze, my mechanic fixed it for under $500, I have had the car into the shop a few times in the five years I have been driving it and it hasnt cost more than $500 each time. I have driven 75K miles on it and am now selling it, but only to get a car with less mileage. Just maintain it well. I have no problem with how it was built or how it runs. The antifreeze problem was unfortunate, but not expensive.

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  gt - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By homie - January 29 - 10:00 am

  its a good car for the price

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By turtlboy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 1999 GA SE and bought a 2002 GA GT. I was very happy with my 1999 model, so happy that I decided to buy another one! I went for the GT model this time, wow! Go for the GT, it doesnt cost much more and well worth it. I love the bigger engine, the tighter suspension, the Goodyear Eagles, and the monsooon stereo!

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  Few problems overall... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jason - January 28 - 1:43 am

  I have had this car almost 3 years now, bought it with 60,000 miles. I did replace the Intake manifold gaskets due to coolant leaking into the oil, but this is a known problem with this car that will only get worse if not fixed. It wasnt cheap but I knew this going in, and got a good deal because of this. Other than that I have had no serious problems. Just a little problem with the hazard switch that ended up being recalled by GM and fixed for free anyways. Someone busted my passenger side mirror, but it was surprisingly cheap and easy to fix myself. I have been happy with this car.

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  5 Years Strong - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chris - January 25 - 7:30 pm

  I have run this car in all conditions (snow, sleet, high heat, many rough dirt roads, hard driving, easy driving) and its responded to the challenge. The 3400 V6 is more than adequate for a car of this size and weight and it and the tranny are such that you get nice punch and grip as you take off. I have 120K, but can go to 200K easy IMO. Normal problems did originally get to me also (lower intake manifold gasket (1x @ $150), tire grinding noise (all 4 tires w/ Warranty), blower resistor (1x @ $20), left and right wheel hub assembly (1x each @ $130 each), IAT wiring wiring issue causing hard shift into drive and park (1x @ $90) and EGR valve (1x @ $90). Battery finally just failed at 12

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  good first car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RanLeBlanc - January 25 - 12:56 am

  Have the car for 2 years and no problems. Not as good on gas as I expected.

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  great car - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mr_smith - January 22 - 6:53 am

  My first car was this 1996 Grand Am. All I have to say is that this car took a beating and kept on going. I ran it hard and didnt take care of it the way I shouldve. My parents gave me the car with about 115,000 miles on it. The only repair they had done was giving it a new alternator. I drove the car for about 50,000 miles (hard and without proper maintenance) with no problems. I backed into a tree and a minivan (hit the van pretty hard) with no damage at all. I rear ended a blazer and the only damage from that was a hole in bumper from the trailor hitch. The only problem I had with the car is that the gas gauge was messed up but if you kept over a 1/4 tank then youd be fine.

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  bad idea - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kps - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I paid six tousand for the car and put in 4000 worth of engine repair work into the car