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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  Braking down slowly - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kaitlin - September 27 - 6:43 am

  I have a 1999 Pontaic Grand am se. I got the car with 50,000miles on it. It now has 117,000 Still run Like the day I got it. But it 11 yrs old And it satring to show it age. Bothe head gasket were replace, Wheelbearing, And now its been stalling out and having problem with the fuel lines. Over all I think GM made a mistake in stopping the make of this car and Pontaic...

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  Best car for buck - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jesse Graves - September 8 - 10:53 pm

  I got my grand am for my first car at first I was thinking I was just going to have it until I could afford a truck. Then I fell in love with the car. Having the 5 speed makes it so you feel like park of the car. Since I fell in love with my car I have done many sound systems through it which led me to start my own business. I had the windows tinted and custom graphics put on I also work at a graphics shop now. I put rims on it and a few other little things and it seems like a different car. It went from just another Grand Am to a GranDAMN. Yes thats kinda chessy but it works.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By shopgirl24 - September 7 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 19k miles on it. It now has about 60k miles; I have had to replace the O2 sensor once (about $300). Otherwise my only expense has been the usual maintenance - oil changes and first full round of tires 4 months ago. This car has been extremely reliable, and is a great family vehicle. It also gets decent mileage for its size; I get 28 mpg city/hwy combined. It is also quite stylish for the price and fun to drive! I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Money Pit (not starring Tom Hanks) - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jager - August 31 - 10:03 am

  Heads up about the 3.4s, they have a known problem with the head gasket. Mine was faulty, leaked antifreeze into engine, brokedown oil and screwed my engine. $4000 (no warranty)later I have a new engine and no confidence in the rest of the car. Also, I had to have the electronic brake control module changed ($2000, but under warranty still). I desperately want to like Pontiacs but my faith is weakening in them.

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  Fun to drive - horrible to own - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bcmtojm - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has been in for service more times than any of my previous cars combined. Twice the very expensive intake manifold gasket has been replaced as well as gaskets for the power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Ive also had to have the turn signal noise indicator replaced because it wont stop clicking(which is once again broken). Ive had a gas module replaced and the power mirror control fixed. This car is great when it it running properly but not worth the trouble or the money!

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  Excellent car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By coolness4me - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last month. So far, It has been the best car that I have ever owned. I got a great deal on it. If I ever buy another Pontiac again, which is highly likely, I will again give Pontiac Master of Augusta the first chance to sell it to me. It does not get good gas mileage at all, but it is a V6 so I didnt really think it would. I love the interior design! My babys car seat fits perfectly in the back seat while leaving plenty of leg room up front. I also love the exterior design of the car...kind of reminds me of the newer Ford Mustangs only with 4 doors and more get up and go.

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  RIPPED OFF!!!! - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By raecheal - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I love the body style of the car well pretty much everything about the car would have been great but unfourtantly I am a female and they figured that they could pretty much scew me over. But I have also learned that Pontiac vehicles not just Grand Am vechicles are notorious for engine problems if they are the 3400 series engines so my suggestion would be not to by a car with a 3400 series engine make sure you have a 3800. They are nice cars but you just have to get a good one I guess. Or maybe the manufactures just make them look nice. But that is my opinion.

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  every pennies worth - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bryan Mirzaian - August 24 - 8:36 pm

  My dad bought me this car 10 years ago for little more than $6k with 67k on the odo. 10 years later,I still (hard) drive it daily with over 200k miles. @ 178k pulled a 16.07 sec 1/2 mile having less than $180 in performance parts,& that was with almost a half sec crap start! I use full syn oil, changed timely,& replace the usual parts when they fail. Parts failure is inevitable with any car, its the nature of the beast! But have never had to crack the motor open & thats the more pertinent point. Cost of ownership has been very low.My quad4 motor began smoking V6 GA`s with a $25 cone filter, so not sure why one would choose the heavier V6 that has more moving parts to potentially fail.

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  Terrific from GM - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rod72 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I had left GM for many years and it took this car to bring me back singing its praises. It is both beautiful and quick and 30+ MPG is easy to take too. Had a hard time deciding between the Grand Prix and AM and am happy with the choice, because it handles lighter and quicker. GP is softer but still a great car also. Thanks Pontiac.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By New Pontiac owner - August 6 - 2:23 am

  Ive only had this car for a few weeks, but so far Im loving it. I was a little hesitant to buy this car because I like a lot of bells and whistles on an automobile. It came down to practibility for me. And for the money, Im really pleased with my purchase. The car has a sporty feel even in the 4 door model. Makes me feel young again. HA!