Pontiac produces cars with exciting looks, and the Grand Am is no exception.
Pontiac's ad slogan is "we build excitement," but it hasn't always been appropriate to all of its cars. In the case of some of its performance models, such as the Trans Am and Grand Prix GT, performance and looks go hand in hand.
With the Grand Am compacts sedans, the excitement is generally more visual than visceral. But the Grand Am is no slouch, especially if it comes with a V-6 engine (about half do). So equipped, it outpaces most cars in this price range which have to make do with a four-cylinder engine.
The Grand Am looks most sporty as a two-door coupe, though some reckon the four-door model is more attractive and obviously more convenient if you need to carry more than one passenger.
If you don't mind doing your own shifting, take a look at the four-cylinder model. The Quad 4 engine fitted as standard since 1995 provides almost as much power with better fuel economy.
If you want a small car with more style than other models in the same price range, the Grand Am is worth investigating. It's been one of the best selling cars in the past ten years, so there are plenty on the market and at more affordable prices than some other similarly sized cars. The Grand Am might not have the same enviable reliability reputation as some imports, but it does offer more excitement - for the eyes, at least.
What You Need To Know:
1. Review of a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am
2. Summary of Good and Bad Points by Owners
3. History of Grand Am
4. Review of Current Model
5. Basic Facts
6.Changes Year-to-Year
7.Safety Information
8.Value Guide
9. Option Installment Rate
10. Sales History
11. Awards and Commendations Earned
12. Other Reviews
13. Recall Information
14. Price of Spare Parts
1. Pre-Owned Vehicle Evaluation - 1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE Coupe
Likes: stylish looks, zippy V-6 engine even with automatic transmission
Dislikes: so-so handling, plastic interior
Competitors: (on same platform: Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva), Chevrolet Corsica, Ford Contour, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Miles: 61,100
Condition: B
Price when new: $15,500 (est.)
Posted Price: $9,160
The first thing I noticed when I drove this Grand Am coupe was that it had much better performance than most small cars. That's because it had a 3.1-liter V-6 engine instead of the off-the-shelf 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Even with an automatic transmission, it had plenty of power for safe passing and for accelerating up freeway on ramps.
The other noticeable feature of the Grand Am is its looks - like it or not, it does have a unique character that differentiates it from its competitors. The stylish look has become a signature of Pontiac for many years.
This particular pre-owned Grand Am had a fairly high mileage for a three-year old car but was still in reasonably good condition. The inside was clean and the cloth upholstery was ship shape. I was disappointed to note how much hard plastic was used for the interior, although it still like new. One has to remember that this car's basic design dates back to the mid-1980s, when interior design wasn't as advanced on less expensive cars.
In keeping with the exterior design, the interior also has unusual styling cues. The curvy dashboard has uniquely designed ventilation vents but all the gauges and controls are efficiently placed. The sculptured design flows through the trim on the front doors as well. The trim in the rear is made from a large one-piece plastic molding that feels utilitarian.
Space inside is fairly good even in the rear despite being a two-door coupe. Although the trunk provides decent storage space, it's not easy to get luggage in and out. Blame it on the narrow opening that results from the large rear taillight clusters.
Because the Grand Am still lacked dual airbags in this model year, it had to be fitted with passive seatbelts attached to the door. In reality this is not as annoying as other passive restraint systems because the lap belt is at least attached to the shoulder belt. However, if the door flies open in an accident the occupant could be ejected as the belt would no longer be effective.
Anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard on all Grand Ams - an unusual feature in lower-priced cars. GM bet that this would become a more important safety feature than dual airbags, to mixed result.
The Grand Am I drove was not loaded with any options other than air conditioning. It had manual window winders and had even been retrofitted with an aftermarket radio.
As mentioned the performance was good and the engine was quiet enough while driving. I found the starter motor rather noisy at first giving a coarse first impression. The steering feel and handling are adequate but not up to the standard of most imports.
If you like a snazzy-looking car and have a limited budget, the Pontiac Grand Am with a V-6 engine is a good choice.
2. Summing It Up - Owners' Views
Good: N/A
Bad: N/A
3. History of Grand Am
Pontiac introduced the first Grand Am in 1973 and it was just that - grand. In fact it was not a success as it was just too big and ostentatious for the period when the first fuel crisis hit. Three years later the model had gone. The Grand Am name was resurrected in 1978 when it was plastered on another large car. This lasted only until 1980.
The first use of the Grand Am name on a small car was in 1985. It quickly became the best-selling model in the Pontiac line, a position it still enjoys. It has on occasion been the best-selling compact car overall and has finished among the top twenty best-selling cars in the U.S. in most years during the past decade.
A revised model with new sheetmetal gave it a fresh look in 1992. A completely new model went on sale in 1998 as an early-1999 model.
As with most GM models, the Grand Am shares its basic design and floorpan with other division models. The sister models between 1992 and 1998 were the Buick Skylark and the Oldsmobile Achieva. The latest version introduced in the spring of 1998 as a 1999 model shares its underpinnings with the brand new Oldsmobile Alero.
4. Review of Current Grand Am
The latest version of the Pontiac Grand Am maintains the strong family look of Pontiac cars. However, it is much more than just a reskinned car. It might follow the looks of the previous model but is quite a bit more refined. Although it is much the same size as the previous model it has a longer wheelbase and is two inches wider. It also has a much stiffer body structure and improved suspension, which results in a car with greatly improved handling and ride.
Overall the new Grand Am is a considerable advance over the previous model. The four-cylinder engine is still a bit too noisy and rough for my liking. The V-6 engine is slightly larger than before and provides the car with good performance. All models come standard with an automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes.
The biggest area of improvement is the interior. Gone are the acres of hard plastic. Instead the interior has a much softer more upscale look and feel to it. The rear seat can fold down for access to the trunk. As before, though, access to the trunk through the deck lid is tight. One neat new standard feature is a rear cornering light which lights up at a 45-degree angle in concert with the backup lights to provide enhanced illumination at night when reversing.
I'm sure the new Grand Am will continue to be Pontiac's most popular model and it should manage to maintain its position as one of the most popular cars on the road.
5. Basic Facts: 1992 - 1998 Grand Am
Vehicle Type: Compact Sedan/Coupe
No. Passengers: up to five
Origin of assembly: Lansing, MI
Engine: (standard): 2.3-liter 115 hp SOHC I-4 ('92-'94); 2.4-liter 150 hp DOHC I-4 ('95-'98)
( optional): 3.3-liter 160 hp V-6 ('92-'93); 3.1-liter 155 hp V-6 ('94-'98)
Transmission: 5-spd manual, 3-spd. Auto ('92-'93) 4-spd Auto ('94-'98); front-drive
Length: 187 inches
Wheelbase: 103 inches
Width: 69 inches
Height: 53 inches
Curb weight: 2900 lbs. (approx.)
Cargo volume: 13 cu. ft.
Fuel tank capacity: 15 gals.
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway): 22/32 (2.4-liter, manual); 20/29 (3.1-liter, auto)
6. Changes in the Pontiac Grand Am Line 1992 - 1998
1992 Model Year
New model introduced
1993 Model Year
Minor cosmetic changes
1994 Model Year
Driver side airbag standard
3.1-liter V-6 replaces 3.3-liter V-6
Four-speed automatic transmission replaces three-speed
1995 Model Year
Quad 4 engine with balance shaft standard on all models
Rear suspension modified
Variable effort steering offered on GT version
1996 Model Year
Dashboard redesigned with dual airbags
Revised grille and taillights
New 2.4-liter twin-cam engine in base models
1997 Model Year
Minor changes including air conditioning as standard
1998 Model Year
De-powered airbags installed
7. Safety Notes
NHTSA Crash rating (‘95 model year): Driver NR; Passenger NR (5 is best)
ABS standard on all Grand Am models
Driver side air bag standard from 1994, dual air bags standard from 1996
8. Value Guide
Prices listed are for base models. Options can add considerably to the lowest price listed as these are usually "stripped" models. In many cases, very few vehicles are ever sold at the lowest price listed! Source: Kelley Blue Book
1992 Model Year
New: $12,374 to $14,247
1993 Model Year
New: $12,990 to $14,499
1994 Model Year
New: $12,999 to $15,599
1995 Model Year
New: $13,599 to $15,649
1996 Model Year
New: $13,999 to $15,999
1997 Model Year
New: $15,259 to $16,499
1998 Model Year
New: $15,399 to $16,999
9. Option Installment Rate
Generally, when you order a new car you have a choice of factory-installed options. When you buy a pre-owned vehicle the choice is limited to what was actually installed on vehicles sold in that model year. Use this option installment rate as a guide to the chances of finding particular options on a pre-owned vehicle. Source: Ward's Automotive Yearbooks
1992 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.3-liter 4-cyl 69%
3.3-liter V-6 31%
Transmission:
Auto 3-spd 93%
Manual 7%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 42%
4-door sedan 58%
Air Conditioning: 99%
Cruise Control: 96%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 38%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 0%
1993 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.3-liter 4-cyl 58%
3.3-liter V-6 42%
Transmission:
Auto 3-spd/4-spd 93%
Manual 7%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 39%
4-door sedan 61%
Air Conditioning: 100%
Cruise Control: 81%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 40%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 0%
1994 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.3-liter 4-cyl 58%
3.1-liter V-6 42%
Transmission:
Auto 3-spd/4-spd 36%/59%
Manual 5%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 40%
4-door sedan 60%
Air Conditioning: 100%
Cruise Control: 81%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 49%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 3%
1995 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.3-liter 4-cyl (DOHC) 49%
3.1-liter V-6 51%
Transmission:
Auto 3-spd/4-spd 31%/64%
Manual 5%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 38%
4-door sedan 62%
Air Conditioning: 100%
Cruise Control: 81%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 53%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 15%
1996 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.4-liter 4-cyl (DOHC) 54%
3.1-liter V-6 46%
Transmission:
Auto 93%
Manual 7%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 37%
4-door sedan 63%
Air Conditioning: 100%
Cruise Control: 79%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 53%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 17%
1997 Model Year
Installment Rate
Engine:
2.4-liter 4-cyl (DOHC) 57%
3.1-liter V-6 43%
Transmission:
Auto 95%
Manual 5%
Body Style:
2-door coupe 34%
4-door sedan 66%
Air Conditioning: 100%
Cruise Control: 87%
ABS Brakes: 100%
Power Windows: 59%
Remote/Keyless Entry: 20%
10. Production/Sales Volume History
Normally a model year runs from October to September. Often though, when a new version is introduced it hits the market before October. Legally, a model year can start as early as January of the preceding year. Accurate model year sales counts are almost impossible to collect as different model year vehicles are regularly sold side-by-side for several months. Production figures, when listed, often include vehicles made for export to Canada, Mexico and overseas. Source: manufacturers
1992 Model Year (first year of new model)
Production run: Oct. 1991 through Sept. 1992
Total number produced: 190,025
Total no. sold in U.S.: 198,596 (includes some '91 models)
1993 Model Year
Production run: Oct.1992 through Sept. 1993
Total number produced: 224,255
Total no. sold in U.S.: 211,544
1994 Model Year
Production run: Oct. 1993 through Sept. 1994
Total number produced: 224,511
Total no. sold in U.S.: 243,682
1995 Model Year
Production run: Oct. 1994 through Sept. 1995
Total number produced: 262,734
Total no. sold in U.S.: 246,778
1996 Model Year
Production run: Oct. 1995 through Sept. 1996
Total number produced: 206,406
Total no. sold in U.S.: 224,530
1997 Model Year
Production run: Oct. 1996 through Sept. 1997
Total number produced: 210,965
Total no. sold in U.S.: 210,516
1998 Model Year
Production run: Oct. 1997 through March 1998
Total number produced: n/a
Total no. sold in U.S.: 174,812 (includes '99 models)
11. Awards and Commendations
No significant awards
12. Quotes
" . . . there's the Grand Am GT, a practical, well-equipped American coupe that offers decent handling, generous interior proportions’especially in 4-door form - and a modicum of comfort at a reasonable price." - Road & Track, April 1992.
"Think of the Grand Am as a spaceship for the masses. It can't hurtle along at warp factor eight. Nor can it do battle with the Klingon's Camrys or Accords. If George Jetson likes its style, though, it's a sure winner." - Car and Driver, Jan. 1992
13. Recalls (Only major recalls listed)
ID Number: 96V250000
Component: flasher: hazard warning
Potential Number of Units Affected: 270,014
Year: 1996
Manufactured From: Apr. 1995 To: Dec. 1995
Year of Recall:'96
Summary: The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS No. 108, when the hazard switch is activated.
ID Number: 96V257000
Component: lighting: courtesy lights
Potential Number of Units Affected: 249,421
Year: 1996
Manufactured From: APR 1995 To: OCT 1995
Year of Recall:'96
Summary: These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven.
14. Cost of Parts (relative to other vehicles)
Headlight unit: $190 (above average)
Side marker lamp: $55 (average)
Door (left front): $802 (above average)
Fender (left front): $225 (average)
Note: these are estimated retail prices for commonly replaced body parts on a 1995 model. Prices are current as of mid-1998 but will vary from region to region and are subject to change at any time. Source: ADP Collision
The Rettie Report and Pre-Owned Profiles contain objective information from a variety of sources. The subjective comments are those of John Rettie.
