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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  Awesome - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bond007 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Grand AM GT that I purchased has been running great since day one. The smooth and powerfull 3.4 liter V6 engine with Ram Air feature makes the car one of the fastest cars in its comparison group. The interior is clean and modern with features like a monsoon stereo system and leather apolstery. I firmly believe in supporting America, so by buying an American made car I believe I have accomplished this. I recomend this vehicle to every American!

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  I will Miss this Car when its gone :-( - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alikat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I will never own another car that is quite like my grand am. It was my second car and not once has it given me any real trouble. I just had to replace the battery after almost 4 years owning it and who knows if it had been replaced before me. I got it after my first car, a cavalier, decided to die on me. Now that was a lemon!!! Everything went wrong with that car. This car has been awesome and I must say where I got if from (Nucar Pontiac) will be getting a repeat customer for sure. This car has been through alot with me and I will always cherish it for as long as I live.

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  Car does not last but cost - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By I drove 10 cars - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased this CERTIFIED Grand AM SE2 V6 from local dealer 11/02, today is 8/03, I needed to fix breaks, rotors, battery, lights, alternator, temperature sensor and wires, struss, signal switches, break lights and other little things. Each time I got an oil change, it cost me more than 500 or more. The performance of this car is only average even though it has a "V6" engine. It eats up the gas like there is no tommorrow and things are falling apart while you trying to accellerate. Dont depend on your break it does not stop on a dime. Go for a toyota!

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  Typical GM Car -- Fast until it breaks - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Roger - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a few years now. Purchased in 2007 with 30k miles, now I have 80k. Nothing major has broken yet, but the car is such a pile of plastic junk it seems about as reliable as a childs toy. Everything under the car is rusting. The paint is fading and flaking. There is body rust on it. The headlights are hazy and fogged. The car has been through 1 battery and 3 CV boots. The brakes were so rusted I needed to have a mechanic fix them. There is this horrible annoying, nonstop clicking from the blinkers that is apparently common with these. Other than being a piece of plasticy junk, it is pretty zippy. If you dont need a reliable car, Id recommend getting one.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By steven90 - February 24 - 6:05 pm

  I own a 01 grand am se 3.4L and a 04 grand am gt ram air 3.4L 95k miles. the 01 has 185,000 miles and still runs like brand new. never any problems. just replaced normal maintenance stuff like struts, front hub bearings. other then that no probs whatsoever. brakes lasted just over 3yrs before needed replaced. i tow a trailer also with the 01 sometimes. has original trans also. both are great cars.

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  New Owner - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Diva - February 22 - 10:56 pm

  I just purchased this car today, I was a bit hesitant as I never owned a Pontiac or can ever recall driving one before. The sleek body style, and gas mileage of 31 miles per gallon was really a seller for me, it doesnt ride as smoothly as i expected it to, but i will ride it more and see how things go, and after all i have a 4cyling and not a 6 so i am sure that has something to do with the pickup of it. Overall, I feel i made a great purchase and choice and hope this vehicle brings me yrs. of pleasure.

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  Solid performer; annoying problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BHans - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Solid car, but a few problems include the terrible steering wheel shake at 75+ mph. Ive heard its from the tires and that they dont fit the rims correcty. Whatever it is, its annoying, and it doesnt go away. The tires also make noises that resemble that of a brake pad rubbing on the rotor. Overall, not too bad, just a few annoying problems with the tire/wheel setup (which no matter how many times Ive brought the car in, they say its just natural and will go away on its own.) If I had to do it all over again, Id probably think twice.

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  Take my advice! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wingfan - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Where do I begin??? Four months after I bought the car, the power steering went out on me. I have had the power window motor replaced. The alternator is also new. The water pump had to be replaced. And twice now I have had to replace the headgasket. ( Which ran me in the neighborhood of $2,000 EACH time.) The brakes had to be replaced within the first year. And right now it is in the shop because I am having trouble with the transmission. I will never again buy a Pontiac. Plain and simple!!!

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  Rylies GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rylie - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, I would buy another one!

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  Wouldnt buy another one. - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pielz - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Replaced brakes at 5,000 miles. Vinyl on passenger side back door came out and had to be fixed in the body shop at 20,000 miles. Driver side electric seat broke in the up position and need a new motor put in it at 30,000 miles. New fuel pump at 35,600 miles, 500 miles after my warranty went out. New brakes and rotors at 41,000 miles. Replaced Serpentine belt at 41,000 miles. Coolant light keeps coming on and was told that the coolant was leaking into the engine, at 41,000 miles. Just waiting for the next problem.