1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1998 Pontiac Grand Am
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1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am ▼
- Price Range: $700 - $2,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Engine noise
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Ride (GT)
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
This front-drive 2- or 4-door compact got new styling, and shared its platform with the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Chevrolet Corsica/Beretta. Grand Ams rode the same 103.4-inch wheelbase, but were stretched over six inches in length, to 186.9 inches. Interior dimensions and trunk capacity were nearly identical to the previous year. Pontiac once again provided two trim levels--SE and GT--both with 4-cylinder engines. Optional for both the SE and GT was GM's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. Four-cylinders came with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. All V6s got a 3-speed automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Pontiac Grand Am:
Grand Am's three 4-cylinder engines all lose five horsepower in '93 as GM tries to refine its harsh and noisy Quad 4 series of engines. Inside, Grand Am's climate controls are revised, while the SE gets new instrument-panel graphics.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am:
For '94, a driver-side airbag, new V6 engine, and a new automatic transmission are the key changes to Pontiac's best-selling model. Despite the new airbag, the Grand Am retains its door-mounted front seatbelts that can be left buckled for automatic deployment as "passive" restraints. Replacing last year's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 as an option on both models is a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 155 horsepower. It comes only with a 4-speed automatic.
1995 Pontiac Grand Am:
Standard on both SE and GT is a revised version of the 16-valve Quad 4 engine. It finally receives two internal balance shafts, designed to make it run smoother. Horsepower is rated at 150 with a standard 5-speed manual. Engineering changes include the addition of variable-effort power steering as an option and rear suspension revisions designed to improve handling.
1996 Pontiac Grand Am:
New front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlamps, taillamps, and exterior trim treatments give the Grand Am a bolder, more aggressive look. Along with dual airbags, Grand Am buyers will be pleased to find an entirely new instrument panel. Another new base engine, dubbed the Twin Cam, is a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The 3.1-liter V6 remains an optional choice. Both engines come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs and long-life, 5-year/standard 100,000-mile engine coolant. Traction control is a new feature for 1996, and comes when the automatic transmission is selected.
1997 Pontiac Grand Am:
The only change for '97 is the addition of air conditioning to the standard equipment list of all models.
1998 Pontiac Grand Am:
In anticipation of an all-new model, only standard antilock brakes are new for '98.
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.
Grand Am has been far more successful than its cousins at Buick and Oldsmobile because Pontiac provides the right blend of image and price.
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Grand Am includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Grand Am .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the No. 1 main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise:
A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-98)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1998)
Ignition switch:
The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)
Radiator:
Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)
Traction control indicator light:
The ETC warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stops working. If the computer failure memory is cleared, everything returns to normal. No current fix. (1996)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Valve cover leaks:
The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,105 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $555 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $565 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $540 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $325 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Grand Am details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| Grand Am | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Grand Am GT | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Grand Am GT | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1996 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Grand Am GT | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Grand Am GT | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Grand Am GT | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Grand Am GT | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Grand Am | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Grand Am GT | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Grand Am include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.4 | 103.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.9 | 186.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | 68.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.2 | 53.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2881 | 2954 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.2 | 15.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.9 | 34.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Pontiac base SE model comes equipped with the single overhead-camshaft Quad OHC. At introduction, it provides 120 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. It comes with a manual 5-speed and optional 3-speed automatic. Optional for the SE is a dual-overhead-cam Quad 4, producing 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. The automatic is the only gearbox provided. The Grand Am GT comes standard with a High-Output, double-overhead-cam version of the Quad 4. It pumps out 180 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. Engineering changes for '93 result in all three 4-cylinder engines losing five horsepower. Optional for both the SE and GT versions is a new V6 powertrain. Paired with a 3-speed automatic, GM's 3.3-liter V6 is the first to appear under the hood of a Grand Am since 1987. It delivers 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. A 4-speed automatic arrives for '94, along with a smaller 3.1-liter V6 replacing the 3.3-liter unit. It generates 155 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A revised, 150-horsepower Quad 4 with balance shafts arrives in '95, while for '96 the Quad OHC base engine is replaced with a new 2.4-liter Twin Cam. It produces 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It's paired with either the standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic gearbox.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 115-120 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 24/33 3-speed automatic: 24/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 155-180 | 150-160 | 5-speed manual: 21/31 3-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: 21.7 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 150 | 160 | 5-speed manual: 23/33 4-speed automatic: 22/32 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.8 |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 155 | 185 | 4-speed automatic: 21/29 | 4-speed automatic: 21.9 |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 204 | 160 | 185 | 3-speed automatic: 19/29 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Grand Am include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 Grand Am |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992 coupe:
Passenger-side easy-entry seat adjuster on some cars may fail to fully lock into position after seatback has been tilted and seat slid forward.
1992:
Bolts and nuts that attach bearing-hub assembly to rear axle are insufficiently tightened on some cars.
1992:
Small number of cars have incorrect upper spring seat at right rear.
1994:
Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.
1996:
Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.
1996:
If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1996:
Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996:
Steering-column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.
1997:
Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.
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