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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  Getting The Looks..... - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Carriebear22 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 200 pontiac grand am. The greatest part is when the sporty styling grabs the attention of the good looking guys next to me at the stop light! The only things better than that is blowing that guy in the other car away with the amazing takeoff! Eat My Dust Baby!

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  The True Meaning of superiority - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Steven C - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, Every feature is so perfect that it seems surreal. I have the 3.4 liter RAM AIR V6 and I have not been overtaken by anyone! The ETS comes in handy while leaving the line by eliminating wheel hop. The steering wheel cruise control and stereo buttons provide a lazy mans dreams. The seats give all the support and comfort I need without being too sloppy while maneuvering. This car can turn heads if configured right. I have a ram air hood, chrome wheels, tint and high perf. exhaust along with some other performance mods on mine and everyone says "Wow that’s one bad car man!" to which I reply, "Thank you!" with a smirk of superiority.

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  2002 Grand Am SE1 (3.4L V-6, Automatic) - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By macdizzle - September 20 - 3:18 pm

  I bought mine used in 2005 with 60k miles on it. I am just now (in mid 2013) through steps to fix it up a little to resell or trade in. I was attracted to it because I could by afford it, and it had a pretty sexy looking body style, an ergonomic interior design, and a nice little dose of low end torque. It was a bright red car and I dubbed it the Ferrari. I have been through a lot with it and have kept it so long that I have spent almost as much insuring it as I did to buy it. The downside is that it is a General Motors car from an era where the passenger cars where he trim, plastics, and electrical systems suffer from poor design and durability.

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  get another car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By handle-n_mine - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This year grand am had problems with the head gasket. Didnt find out until 162000 miles lucky i guess. No repair facility will touch the dohc quad 4 engine. All in all if yours is still running GET RID OF IT.

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  Gauges - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By baybays4 - September 17 - 3:30 am

  I have a 98 pontiac grand am while driving it ALL the gauges stopped working, turned it off and let it sit for a few weeks, started car let it run for about 30 minutes, and guages still not working.

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  Great first car!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tj Keen - September 10 - 1:17 pm

  I bought a 04 Grand Am GT1 Coupe a few months ago, and so far besides a few issues it has been very reliable for me. I bought it with just over 100,000 miles, and the fuel pump went around 103,000 miles but $250 I think it was isnt bad. Now at almost 105,000 I had to get the ignition switch changed because the car wouldnt turn over a couple times. All in all I love this car, Ive always wanted one of these since I was a kid lol. It is a blast to drive I havent driven it in the winter yet obviously but hopefully it is as good as people are saying it is. The one thing that kind of bugs me is the turn signal ticking when Im not using it. But that doesnt bother me as much because I either have the radio turned up or the windows/sunroof open or both. I do also love the fact I have Sirius XM as well. I can now listen to hard rock music besides just alternative crap around here by Chicago. But overall Id recommend this car for any first experience drivers who are looking for a affordable sports car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By K Dub - August 31 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my car brand spanking new with only 2 miles on it. Ive had a few issues with it with a bad fuel pump the catalytic converter went out which was replaced under warranty. Ive also had to have the battery replaced. Other than that ive had no other problems with my car I usually change the oil at regular intervals and recently had a coolant flush. It rides great.

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  Pretty and Expensive - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Eric - August 29 - 2:13 pm

  Bought the car with 55k on it. It did all normal maintenance on the car. I had to change brakes every year, rotors about every 18 months. The clips in the drivers side window broke several times, leaving me without a window to use. At 90k the car just fell apart. First the wheel bearings and rack and pinion needed changed. Then the power steering pump went. Not two weeks later, i had to have the intake manifold gaskets replaced. After that the fuel pump went out on me. Not reliable at all. But fun to drive.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By n wiebe - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The car captured me right away. The car handles like the pros. I can corner with absolute confidence regardless of my speed. Acceleration is not bad, but you will suck the gas back if you enjoy using the gas pedal. Sound system is quite good. I found the bass to be somewhat lacking, but a small subwoofer solved that. The doors are awfully wide when trying to park. Would love to have vertical door kit installed for that. Front wheel bearing have gone, blinker relay went crazy, had a bit too much shavings in the tranny when I changed filter and oil, doors dont seal well in cross winds, factory rims peeling(so much for chrome). Other than that, has been fine.

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  a eulogy for my first car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By It is dead - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought it with 75K, and things went well for the first year. Then had transmition problems. Had that rebuilt for $1000. Things went pretty well for the next couple years, just regular stuff (brakes, catalytic converter, sway bars)happening. Then the head gasket blew, warping the block. That happened out of the blue and at one of the most inopportune times. Had to find another quad four engine to put in it. This one sounded funny. It was in a collision, now it is dead. It was a fun first car to have. Interior was compfortable enough for two, more than that got tough. Decent for hauling stuff on road trips, the gas mileage was usually around 30.