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:

• 

  boo-urns these cars stink!!!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By manderz - November 29 - 5:30 am

  I bought my 2003 grand am gt1 2 years ago. it had one previous owner. I have put so much money into this car. I take excellent care of my car, but everytime i turn around something else is wrong with it. Ive had to replace the electrical box in the car. fuel pump and filters, batteries, thermostat, and now something else is wrong with it.. ABS, no trac, service vehicle soon lights are all on. For some reason Im thinking it has something to do with the famous engine block. ive spent close to 4 grand on it in less than 2 years. yikes.

• 

  Love it! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Roxanne - November 26 - 3:10 am

  Bought this car with 62000 on it in 2002 and now it has 138000+. It runs great, only one major repair, front struts, the rest has been basic maintenence. I do agree with a previous writer that the side view mirrors tend to become loose, why, I dont know, but plan on driving it till it drops! I would definitely buy another!

• 

  Pontiac Grand Am GT1 - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By David - November 23 - 2:03 am

  This is the second Grand Am GT, the first was a 99 and was in a $7500 worth of damage accident with a child in the back. It held up perfect! very solid car. I never had any problems. Now I have the 2005 GT1 and am even happier! I have driven with friends in there Hondas and they continue to say "American cars break down and Japanese cars, never" but the truth is, if you do your homework and read reviews, that is not true, they actually need servicing too, and the $$$ they put into it to preform like mine, haha. My car out classes anything next to it except for an Eclipse w/turbo I tried to race and a Corvette. I plan to add to the engine to enhance it more, the handling is perfect. Go Pontiac!

• 

  Ill Miss Her - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Brittany Henceroth - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  I absolutely loved this car, it was my baby, my pride and joy. Mother bought it back in 02 and gave it to me in 07 as a graduation gift. We did spend X amount of dollars fixing the water pump, alternator, and the heater coil. Other than that, the car was everything I could have asked for. It finally broke 120k miles in the beginning of Feb, but on the 14th I lost control of it, barrel rolled it, and it was totaled. She was a very good reliable car throughout her 12 years she gave to me and the elderly couple that owned it before me.

• 

  my car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By monica - November 14 - 2:50 pm

  i loved to drive the car. its beautiful and realistic to my family. its black too

• 

  Fun car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By H101 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great value for the dollar. We traded a Grand Am with 54K miles that had never been in the shop except for oil changes (and a little bit of body work). We have only a few hundred miles on the new car, but it sure seems solid, quick and gets 30 mpg... not bad for the way I drive :)

• 

  Fun to drive but some issues - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By prettybuez28 - November 6 - 12:06 am

  I purchased this car in July of 07. Loved it when I laid eyes on it. I have had some issues as far as repairs go. An ignition control sensor went out 1 month after I bought it. That was about $500. About 2 months later had the wheel berring and traction control sensor go in the left front, that was about $300. And the last thing was kind of expected with 65,000 miles about 1 year later. Had a fuel pump go out. That cost about $500. All those things were just basic maintaince but still expensive. Other then those things my car has been a great car and expensive on gas with the higher prices.

• 

  I Love My Pontiac Grand Am!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Melba - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Pontiac Grand Am SE. I have had it for two years now. I have owned several cars and this one is by far my favorite. It has a great look inside and out. It is comfortable on the highway. I havent had any problems with it whatsoever.

• 

  Good Sporty Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jacob - October 29 - 8:30 am

  I bought this car with 49000 miles on it. The alternator went out at 65,000 miles, Both window regulators needed to be replaced at around 75,000 miles. Do not open the windows if your car is iced over they will break. New front brakes at 77000 miles. Trac light comes on occasionaly. everything else is OK. Love the engine 3.4L , plenty of power, 27-32 mpg. Half the price of any similar Japanese car. Buy this car one year old and you will save a ton of money.

• 

  Never Again - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KenB - October 28 - 10:36 am

  This car was trash almost from the start. Brakes always noisy. Replaced 4 alternators. Drivers window regulator replaced. Water pump replaced twice. Front wheel bearings replaced. Now the intake gasket is leaking. This car and my family will soon part company. I will never buy a Pontiac again. I will think very hard about buying ANY GM product.