1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am: Road Test

Updated: 11/23/08

1992 Pontiac Grand Am 4-door sedan
1998 Pontiac Grand Am
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1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am 

  • Price Range:  $700 - $2,400
CG Rating

45

out of 100

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Our road test for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with the base 115/120-horsepower Quad OHC is only adequate, and the engine becomes rough and raucous above 3000 rpm. Later 4-cylinders and V6s provide excellent acceleration and both V6s are smooth. All engines are fairly fuel efficient, but still have a ways to go before they catch the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The base suspension furnishes a fairly well-controlled ride, but allows lots of body lean in turns, and the base tires have only modest grip in the corners. The SE's optional handling suspension package and wider tires improve the Grand Am's road manners without adding undue ride harshness. The GT handles crisply during sudden changes in direction, but tends to jolt and thump more over bumps. The standard antilock brakes stop the Grand Am quickly and precisely. Though interior dimensions change only fractionally, the rear seat feels more spacious, partly due to new thin-line front seatbacks, more toe room under the front cushions, and a rear seatback that's not as vertical as before. Entry into the sedan is tight because doors are narrow at the bottom. With the new instrument panel, all gauges are larger and provide unobstructed views. Also, radio and climate-control systems are closer to the driver. Access to the trunk benefits from a new lid that opens at a 90-degree angle.
Value for the Money
Grand Am has been far more successful than its cousins at Buick and Oldsmobile because Pontiac provides the right blend of image and price.
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Expert Ratings Summary

Category Pontiac Grand Am GT 2-door Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 45

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

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