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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  Quick and Rock Solid - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Gran AM Owner - February 16 - 4:10 pm

  I own a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE V6 and i am so glad i bought this car. It has been very good for me its quick really quick and with the stuff i do to it im surprised it hasnt broke in two. It hasnt had any problems except last week the fuel pump went out which for your information is really common for Pontiac Grand Ams Chevy Malibus of 99-03 and Olds-mobile Aleros its just a chronic problem just like nissans and brake failure anyway my dads slammed the car into a curb going 40 in ice and nothing happened to it didnt even get out of alignment tell me one car that does that i could keep going on but i dont have enough space but for quality and performance this is the best car.

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  Good on the Pocketbook - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Amgrand - February 13 - 1:13 am

  This is a first vehicle for me. But I have driven many. This is a nice small car that is still sporty enough that it doesnt look like something your grandma would drive. Very convenient.

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  My 1996 Grand AM GT - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BLHall - February 11 - 10:00 am

  No major problems. Great Car!

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  The problems are just starting - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lori Roberts - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I just reached the 38000 mark and am replacing the window regulator ($300). I have filled my coolant twice in the last 3 months. My brakes make this noise that cant be fixed (a rubbing like noise). I have thoroughly enjoyed my car up until this point. After looking through these reviews and the similar problems Im thinking about getting rid of it now.

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  Mine is Great! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alml - February 5 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my 03 Grand Am new as a left over in Feb. 04. I paid about $7000 less than sticker and it s the best car bargain I ever got. Since Ive had I put 53000 NYC miles on it and its only needed minor normal wear repairs that one would expect for a 03 model. Water pump was the most serious. I do go thru brakes more than I think i should but other than that this car has been good to me and I love it!

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  Terrible - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By grandamgirl - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Read the consumer reports!! This 2 year old car is on 4 sets of brakes, a new set of wheel bearings and new electrical system. The complaints will tell you that GM brakes are terrible and and the bearings/electrical system is worthless. When the car isnt in the shop, it is slow, and forever shaking.

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  performance of my 1998 grand am se - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Karen Kirby - February 1 - 3:26 pm

  I would have to say in the 3 years Ive had my car, its been reliable. Brakes need to be replaced often. And it seems that some places have a problem getting the brakes to work correctly. almost exclusively the rear brakes. They tend to brake uneven, like your car is tilting. After having gone to about three different repair shops, the problem was finally resolved when they changed the rotors as well. Struts need to be reolaced, and power windows are going out, but I have never been stranded.

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  Not a bad car considering, but not great. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rumrunner83 - January 30 - 6:12 am

  I bought my Grand AM SE 2.2L brand new in November of 2002. I still have the car just over ten years now. Its a sporty car with a particularly powerful four cylinder engine. That being said, it is a four cylinder, and while the car is absolutely fantastic for highway driving, the car is simply too heavy for hills and cold weather. Even when the car was new it did not like climbing hills, and in the cold the engine loses significant horsepower. However, the car is amazing on gas if properly maintained and I have driven from southern Massachusetts to Bangor, Maine (Approximately 300 miles) before refueling.

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  Loved this car. - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By NYCGirl - January 29 - 11:53 pm

  I really did love this car. I purchased the 1998 SE Coupe in 2001 with 28k on it. Drove it from NYC to Florida, to Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland (love the roadtrips), and never had a problem save normal wear and tear. The engine was ridiculously fast (and it was cherry red.. yes, I got many speeding tickets), and it STUCK to the road. I hated to get rid of it, because it was still in excellent condition, but I couldnt afford to park it in Manhattan anymore ($400 a month.. ouch). Really do love this car, though.

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  Fun and Excitement - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By shinnick79 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM in February of 2003. This car was deffinetly worth the money. This is by far the best Grand Am ever built. I would like to say congradulations to the Pontiac division. You deffinetly built a great car.