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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  Not A Bad Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mike20 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car with 5.2 miles on it in Oct. of 2000 since then I have traveled 43000 miles. Ok here are the problems I have had at 40 miles SES light came on it turns out it was a bad seal on the gas tank(no biggie), then next problem happened at 27000 miles when apparently late one night off of work the theft censor kicked in and left me stranded, then finally the Goodyear tires were making a grinding noise at 29000 miles 2 were replaced under warranty and I still have the other two on which now are making the same noise, warranty is up though:(. For me its not been that bad of a car.

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  Great looks! Great quality! Great car! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ChrisJ - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Once I drove this car, I loved it. It was in mint condition. Under the car, the engine, and around the doors all rust free! And no the car was not painted. The interior was the same with no cheep plastics that break. It has the 3.4L V6 which has great proformance. It has excellent acceleration. The comfort is excellent:lots of leg room in the front and back. The sporty design, and my favourite (red dash lights) make this car look awesome. As for build quality and reliability , Ive had no problems. It has great handling and a smooth ride. Its solid and doesnt have road noises. This is a great car and I would recommend it.

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  love it !! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By rockin car - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car . power is good just wish it had a little more.

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  Just Love It! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By T149 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that I have chosen for JUST ME... not for the family and I absolutely LOVE IT! The style, the ride and the performance has been outstanding. I have had so many compliments on its good looks and handling. Truly a stylish and comfortable car.

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  Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Gand AM - July 29 - 5:56 am

  Compared to most imports I have driven the Grand Am handles better than most and has enough power to be sporty. The only problem I have is the automatic transmission and the hesitation when attempting to accelerate to pass a slow foreign car in front like a Camry or Nissan.

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  Make sure it was taken care of! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ATR - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Our 2dr SE runs like a top. Squeaks in the dash get annoying, but thats why there are pieces of paper folded 10x over stuck in the nooks and crannies. You cant really notice ‘em... until one gets loose. Oooh, make it stop! Weve had 3 alternators over 83K miles. Mechanic said it might be the location causing the alternators to get hot. Power steering fluid leaked, so the mechanic replaced our "high pressure hose" and that fixed it. The car has poor visibility because of the wide pillars, but the 4-cyl. has good power. The car looks as good as it did the day my wife got it, inside and out. Her parents gave it to her as a h.s. grad. gift (we werent married then, just two kids in love).

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  No Help - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lissabean2 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved my car, until the engine blew in it. I found out that this is typical in Pontiac Grand Ams. Too bad I found this out a little to late. GM would not help me replace the motor because (1) I was not the original owner (2) I was over the warranty (BY 400 MILES). If I could do it all over I would NOT buy this car. My experience with GM has been horrible, I have never experienced such rude customer service before. I will never buy another GM and I will try to convince others of the same.

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  BIG MISTAKE FROM UNHAPPY CUSTOMER - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jessica Scott - July 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering this car but having doubts Do Not Buy this vehicle. I made the mistake of buying a Grand Am brand new. I have had nothing but trouble. This car isnt even 3 years old yet and has been in the shop at least 5 times. It doesnt handle well at all in curves and the brakes and tires wear quickly.I urge you to Learn from my mistake.

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  My frist new car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dynapackardcomcast.n - July 21 - 4:33 am

  I love my grand am I bought it new and drove it for eleven years never had any thing go wrong with it . great gas mileage, I gave it to my daughter this year and bought a new one. I changed the oil as to the manufacture and had all the maintenance done that is suggested. I replaced the tires at 75,000 miles. This car was made to last. It has good get up and go for a four banger.

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  dars grand am - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By goober - July 20 - 2:26 pm

  I have not had this vehicle long, however the experience with the vehicle is that it handles very well. It feels very sturdy as you drive it. I love this car