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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Wish I Could Sell Already ! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
By tinalitt - January 5 - 2:00 amThe dash raddles,at 13000 miles a new master cylinder was put on,the door strykers have been readjusted several times to keep the doors secure.The material on the seat is wearing through . Other than that the car is ok.
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aaa - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By Derick Fertle - January 3 - 10:00 amOverall I am very pleased w this car
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Improvements Needed - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By cin_933 - December 31 - 10:00 amI have had this car in the shop 12 times for repairs to the front end. It still has an annoying noise which cannot be fixed.
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Pontiac, a beast of a car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By CanuckDriver - December 28 - 8:56 amBought the car used. The guy had it sitting for a year. I had to replace driver window motor, and lil odds and ends, but engine fired up right away. Driving for almost 2 yrs now, must say, found the common problem with the window motors, have to replace driver again soon. But I am very hard on my cars, cold starts, aggressive driving, stupid moves, off-road (dirt roads and old fire roads), put it in a ditch once at 90 km/h. This car never misses a beat, there is a lot of little stuff that go wrong, lights are gone on the radio, window motors, some interior stuff is falling apart but after only buying it for $1500 and putting nothing else into it. I got no complaints at with this little beast
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Fantastic - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By sneece - December 27 - 8:46 pmI just totaled my 02 Grand Am and I miss her sorely. For the 5 years I had her and the 104K miles I put on her, I never had to replace anything on her that wasnt expected. I kept my up on my oil changes and took good care of her with tune-ups, alignments and everything. She was a great car. I never had any complaints and I drive in Atlanta!
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Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
By gogetter - December 23 - 2:00 amThe looks, performance and safety of this car are great. You need to keep up with regular maintainance or it can cost you. Gas milleage could be better but the fun handling can sometimes give you a lead foot.
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Best car so far I have ever owned - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
By Kim - December 11 - 6:20 pm1997 Pontiac grand am is the first brand new car I have ever owned. I loved it and really miss it just had to get rid of it couple months ago. Only minor repairs, alternator. This car was bought for me but was a company car and at one time had to be used as a service vehicle to get to service calls. My brother drove it probably about a year and believe me my brother is absolutely hell on vehicles but this car really really held up. Like I said before best car I have ever owned.
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Looks sporty but not very reliable. - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
By Dave Crump - December 6 - 11:13 pmI got this car with 83,000 miles on it. First time owning a Pontiac, and I tell you Ill never buy again. Drove it for two weeks and it died in a parking lot and stayed there for 3 days, checked everything my experience told me to look at and changed the crank and cam sensors and finally gave up and took it to a shop. Charged me $75 to tell me they couldnt find anything wrong with it.( It started right up after having it towed, apparently). The motor has an annoying tap(upper engine), the brakes are the worst Ive ever dealt with. It seems like Im fixing something Bi-Weekly. The car also has a lot of electrical glitches that are annoying. Cup holders are way to small and in the wrongplace
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Great car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
By Randall - November 25 - 1:16 amI have had my Grand Am SE for close to 2 years and the only problem so far was the battery. Its a very comfortable ride and has a good suspension. A great vehicle. I highly recommend it.
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Great car, even for families! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
By Tinnelle - November 22 - 10:00 amThis was definitely the car of my dreams! Safety is a definite in this vehicle -- the car has been hit four times in the past two years that Ive owned it, however, its come out in the end looking like a charm and still functioning perfectly -- and occupants sustained only minor injuries. This is remarkable considering that the first accident involved a Ford Explorer hitting the passenger-side between the two doors with their front right fender. $13,000 worth of damage, but easily repaired, and again very little injury to the occupants. Gas mileage is great -- lots of room for lots of people and furry friends (we have two dogs).
