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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  Good Little Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Good Little Car - June 8 - 7:03 pm

  Bought the car with only 1200 miles on it, and was always a great car. Always got me where I needed to go, never left me stranded. The AC always blows cold, and I have never had to do any major maintence besides brakes, and fluids. The engine is fast, and gets great fuel economy. But, one day we took it up town, went in the store, came out, and would not start. Car had 242,000 miles on it by then. Was a great car, and we were expecting it to go. Guy at the shop said the engine was blown, and we had the option to crush it, or rebuild it. We crushed it, and now own a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

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  Love my Grand Am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By alie0313 - June 7 - 2:30 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years now, bought off my aunt. It has 150,000 miles on her and she still runs like new! Ive had to replave the power steering pump and chip that controls electricals on the dash at about 140,000 miles. Other than that, she runs great, mpg is good and plenty of room for a family!!

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  Replace the gas cap properly - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By FWGT - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car inside and out! The performance is adequate. To all the people that have the check engine light appear randomly...instead of blaming the car, why dont you read your owners manual and educate yourselves. The check engine light will appear if you do not properly lighten the gas cap.

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  my review - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By patrico cobalt - June 1 - 10:00 am

  it has a great and fast smooth accelerating 4 cylinder. The suspension rides rough and doesnt even come close to its german import competitors.

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  So great I bought a 2nd one! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By crystal - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Am. The first I had was a 2000, then we traded it in for the newer 2004 with V6. We love our Grand Am. Its a sporty enough car that you still feel young, but its big enough that it fits the family. The V6 option provides great pickup, and the car handles very well at any speed.

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  Great All Around Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mortons - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car used (rental). To our surprise the four cyl. version was just as powerful at a lower price. Some of the interior bits are less than perfect (cupholders??), but shouldnt deter someone from buying the car if they dont have to have a drink with them all the time.

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  Loving it - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phantom505 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice ride for the front and back passengers. Nice style in and out. The V6 is good, but better yet with a little bit of tinkering with the intakes and exhaust. The only gripe most Grand AM GT owners have is the fact that GM decided to put a 4T45 transmission. The GT simply needs more. A manual would be nice too.

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  Love the car but too many problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By aczorn - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Replaced brakes(rotors and pads)at 19000 miles (warranty), power steering rack replaced at 30700 miles (warranty), replaced front struts and strut mounts ($1157.60) at 40308 miles, coolant light began flashing off and on because of a leaking intake manifold gasket. Had to replace it (918.00 - dealer absorbed the cost). Turn signal switch replaced - 139.15. Driver side window motor had to be replaced - 360.00. Brakes have been replaced (rotors and pads) twice in 2002. Instrument panel fuse blew. I am still paying the car note. Whats next?

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  NOT Reliable - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JJ from NJ - May 9 - 9:50 am

  This is probably the Worst car Ive owned. Only have 27,000 miles and so many things wrong from the back window popping out, body side molding coming off, overheating, transmission problem and the front bearings shot. Not to mention the service is horrible and the car doesnt hold value. It wouldnt be so bad if pontiac cared and stood behind their product. cant wait to trade it in and get a toyota

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  Do not buy into the certified - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By raton - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 1999 grand am certified car with 22,000 miles in Aug of 2002. I thought I had got a great buy for 12,000. I was wrong. I found out that I had to replace the intake manifold gasket at a cost of $600.00. I did some researching and found out that this is a common problem with these cars. of course they had to do other things that the intake caused total in repairs coast $890.00. intake manifold normally last a lot longer than 4 years and 40,000 miles in most other cars.