1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Pontiac Grand Am
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1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am ▼
- Price Range: $2,100 - $9,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Radio controls
- Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe)
- Engine noise (4-cylinder)
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
America's top-selling compact was redesigned for debut as an early 1999 model. About the same length as before, the front-drive coupe and 4-door sedan rode a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase and measured 2 inches wider. Interiors also were revamped. Grand Am was built from the same basic design as the Oldsmobile Alero, but styling differed considerably. Both body styles came in SE, SE1, and SE2 trim, as well as sportier GT and GT1 editions. Pontiac's 4-cylinder engine remained standard for the SE and SE1. Standard on GTs and the SE2, and optional on the SE1, was a 3.4-liter V6 that made 170 horsepower. Sole transmission was a 4-speed automatic. Antilock brakes and traction control were standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Grand Am SE1 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Pontiac Grand Am:
An available Getrag 5-speed manual transmission was the big change for 2000, making the automatic unit an option for 4-cylinder models. Grand Ams also added standard rear child-seat anchors. When installed in GTs, the V6 engine made 175 horsepower rather than the usual 170.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am:
Revised sound systems for 2001 included an 8-speaker Monsoon unit with CD/cassette and 7-band equalizer. Lower anchors for rear child seats were installed, and wheels restyled. The midrange SE2 version was dropped.
2002 Pontiac Grand Am:
SE and SE1 models traded a 150-hp 2.4-liter 4 cyl for a 140-hp 2.2 liter engine in 2002.
2003 Pontiac Grand Am:
Antilock brakes moved to the options list on the least expensive model. Grand Am sedans lost their lower-body plastic cladding. SE2 sedan is new for '03 and upgrades SE/SE1 features with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a six-way power driver seat, cruise control, and 16-inch wheels. Added as a midyear option for GT1s was a Solid Value Appearance package with 30th-anniversary badges and special trim.
2004 Pontiac Grand Am:
The only change in '04 for the Grand Am was the addition of an MP3 option upgrade available for all models except the SE.
2005 Pontiac Grand Am:
Retail sales of the sedan body style cease during 2005 as Pontiac begins to phase-in Grand Am's replacement, a new car called the G6.
Our road test for the 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
A Grand Am looks faster than it is in reality, though it's not really underpowered. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine provides enough zip for most driving, though it generates some idle shake and groans loudly under hard throttle. Acceleration with the 2.2-liter 4 cyl is not as strong, but it's adequate for most situations--with the bonus of marginally smoother, quieter operation.The V6 is quiet and smooth, swifter in around-town driving, and gets good mileage. Test V6 Grand Ams, when new, averaged 19.4 to 21.5 mpg. The well-behaved automatic transmission downshifts quickly and rarely "hunts" between gears. Manual shift adds a sporty tone, despite its somewhat notchy action. With either engine, the droning note of the sporty exhaust grows tiresome. Road and wind noise are reasonable, but tires roar intrusively and thump loudly over tar strips. Expect a choppy ride over sharp ridges and broken pavement, but the Grand Am is generally stable and resists wallowing. On smoother surfaces, the ride is firm but not harsh. Handling isn't Eurosedan-precise, of course, but turn-in is reasonably quick, with firm steering as well as good grip and balance in corners. Stopping power is adequate, with good pedal feel. Excess is the word for interior styling, with deeply recessed gauges and an overall cluttered look. Most controls are close at hand, though audio switches are small and poorly marked. Front leg room is generous and head room good, even with an optional sunroof. The supportive, comfortable driver's seat adjusts to most body types. Back seat space beats the compact average, but the coupe's rear seat is narrower, with less head room. Rear visibility is hampered by the rear spoiler (if installed). Although the trunk is spacious, its opening is small with an unusually high liftover that makes loading a chore.
Value for the Money
"Expressive" styling and a sporty nature draw a lot of customers to Grand Ams, but the compact isn't as far ahead in basic engineering and construction. Though less refined than some rivals, it's competent in most respects and exhibits enjoyable road manners.
"Expressive" styling and a sporty nature draw a lot of customers to Grand Ams, but the compact isn't as far ahead in basic engineering and construction. Though less refined than some rivals, it's competent in most respects and exhibits enjoyable road manners.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Grand Am SE1 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
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.
Brakes:
Pulsation felt in the steering wheel and brake pedal is caused by faulty brake pads and discs. Revised parts are available. (1999-2000)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Paint/body:
The rear spoiler gets distorted in the hot sun. Also, water gets inside requiring drain holes to be drilled. (1999)
Water leak:
Water leaks under the door and onto the floor due to a bad door gasket. A countermeasure gasket is being installed under warranty. (1999-2000)
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 | $500 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,090 |
| Brakes | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $905 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $535 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $505 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $9,300-10,500 | $8,400-9,500 | $4,800-5,500 |
| Grand Am SE | $7,500-8,300 | $6,800-7,500 | $3,800-4,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $8,000-8,900 | $7,200-8,000 | $4,100-4,500 |
| Grand Am SE | $6,300-7,000 | $5,500-6,200 | $2,800-3,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $6,700-7,500 | $5,900-6,600 | $3,100-3,500 |
| Grand Am SE | $5,200-5,900 | $4,400-5,000 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $5,600-6,300 | $4,800-5,400 | $2,300-2,600 |
| Grand Am SE | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $4,800-5,500 | $4,000-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Grand Am SE | $3,600-4,200 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Grand Am SE | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Grand Am GT | $3,500-4,100 | $2,800-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| Grand Am SE | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
|
|
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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. | 107.0 | 107.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.3 | 186.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.4 | 70.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | 55.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3066 | 3116 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.6 | 14.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.3 | 14.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.5 | 35.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Grand Ams came with a choice of three engines. A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, rated at 150 horsepower, went into the SE and SE1, teamed with either a 5-speed manual (not available initially) or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 170-hp V6 (automatic only) went into the SE2 and early GT, and was optional for the SE1. Finally, GT models had a 175-horsepower version of the V6, mated only to 4-speed automatic. SE and SE1 models traded a 150-hp 2.4-liter 4 cyl for a 140-hp 2.2 liter engine in 2002.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 150 | 155 | 5-speed manual: 22/31 4-speed automatic: 22/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 175 | 205 | 4-speed automatic: 20/32 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 134 | 140 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 25/33 4-speed automatic: 24/32 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 170 | 195 | 4-speed automatic: 20/32 | 4-speed automatic: 19.4 |
|
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 | 1999 Grand Am |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-2000:
Console cover may not stay closed in a crash.
2001:
Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child-restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.
2001:
When shifting from 5th gear into reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be in 4th gear, even though the lever indicates reverse gear.
2003:
In hot ambient conditions, accelerator pedal arm may not return to idle position when gas pedal is released.
2003:
In hot weather, accelerator pedal return to the idle position after hard acceleration. Dealers will inspect and possibly replace accelerator and brake pedal assembly.
2004:
Inadequate weld on fuel tank may result in fuel leakage.
2005:
Rear suspension knuckle bolts could fracture under high loads, which could result in sudden loss of vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds.
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