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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  The Worst Car Ever! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By GrandAmSux! - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but problems since I have owned this car. Nothing too major but some quality issues. Drivers windows will roll down but not up, sunroof motor went bad, the brakes on this car are terrible! I will be driving down the road and it will just quit, like it is out of gas. Cannot find the problem. This will be the last domestic manufactured car I will buy. Also own a 97 Honda CRV and at 75,000 miles it drives and runs like a new car. The pontiac was worn out before 50,000!!

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  the silver bullet - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BLG - November 13 - 10:00 am

  it has taken some getting used to b/c im used to driving a honda. but, it will be great until i can get out of school. very stylish car.

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  Looks dont count - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By shannon - November 11 - 5:46 am

  I bought this car without doing a lot of research first, mistake ! I wanted it because of the sporty look. It has been one headache after another.I have had to replace the water pump, the brakes multiple times, the traction system is junk. Little things like heater knobs have broken off, heat only works on high, both rearview mirrors have broken off for no reason and the turn signal switch went bad. My moms full size truck gets better gas mileage! I am doing a lot of research for my next car!

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  Best car yet - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Siryj - November 7 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this car 2003 SE1 with the V6 from a Avis rental fleet. I have had the car for over a year and I have NOT had one problem. The best thing about this car is the Torque. there arent a lot of cars that will beat the Grand Am from a red light. My only complaint with the Grand Am is the limited room in the rear.

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  Near Exact - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jscs - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. In fact, Im moving to a town where I really dont need it and trying to justify how I can keep it. I too have the "creaks" at times, but not always. Never taken it back to the dealer and suppose it does no good from reading these posts. Fine drive.

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  Grand Ams a great car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jer k - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun, reliable car. With 102,000 miles on it, and it still runs as good as new. I have never had any repairs done other than routine maintenance. Seem to go thru brakes pretty often, however. Very smooth, peppy V-6 and good ride for a small car. Everything within easy reach of drivers seat. Great versatility for a small car with rear-folding seats. 6 years old, and I get comments on what a great looking car I have... is it new?

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  No wonder Pontiac is struggling - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kannuc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In the last year weve had 3 brake failures, plus many other mechanical problems

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  A few problems, but nothing major.... - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jake - November 2 - 8:26 pm

  I bought this car in May of 2004 and have had no major problems with it. The only thing i have had go wrong is the passanger window broke and now its going to cost $300+ to get it fixed. But other then that I like this car and think its a fun ride! But before you buy, have the windows checked!!!

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  My pontia saved my life. - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ferrellb - November 2 - 3:59 pm

  Yesterday I had a sever wreck. I totaled my pontiac going into a ditch. The car is the only thing that took a hit. I was able to get out of my pontiac with just a seat belt burn and a broken nail. I had no hospital bill as I am completely fine. I spun around in the ditch and came back on the road. This car is very safe and reliable car. My pontiac is destroyed and looks like those horrible accidents you see on the news where people were killed. My pontiac took all the beating for me and saved my life. If you are thinking about getting a first car for anyone, I recommend the pontiac its very safe and reliable.

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  Nice looking, but........ - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kimmyc - October 30 - 10:00 am

  It looks great. Have owned it for 2yrs & although it looks really nice, there are problems. As soon as the 36,000 mi warranty was up, there was a crack in the fly wheel - VERY expensive. Thsnks to the dealership, they covered it. There have been electrical problems. , the blower motor went on speed 1 & 2 -t $100 to fix. The drivers side window would not go up or down - $300 to fix. There are other signs that there are pending electrical problems. Now the car wont pass inspection because of a bad wheel bearing, NO MORE - so needless to say, I am trading it before it kills me financially.