2000 Pontiac Grand Am: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Pontiac's sales champ and America's best-selling compact car sails into 2000 with new colors, standard rear child-seat anchors, and an available 5-speed manual transmission as its principal changes. Back from mid-1999 are Grand Am's "Solid" option packages that deliver popular extra-cost items at special reduced prices.
Coupes and sedans are offered in ascending levels of trim called SE, SE1, SE2, and sportier GT and GT1. A 4-cylinder engine remains standard for SE and SE1, with a 3.4-liter V6 optional for SE1 and standard elsewhere. The V6 makes 175 horsepower in GTs, 170 in SEs. Both engines meet low-emission-vehicle (LEV) standards. The 4-cylinder teams with a standard Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic is now optional instead of standard. The V6 comes only with automatic. Antilock brakes and traction control remain standard for all models. Oldsmobile's Alero shares the Grand Am's chassis and powertrains, but targets a slightly more upscale, import-oriented clientele.

COMPETITION

Mazda's 626 gets the nod as the Best Buy in this class. Not because it's the fastest or roomiest, but because it is the best all-around performer. Ranging in price from $18,000 to $22,000 depending on equipment and engine choice, the 626 offers room for four large adults, a comfortable but sporty ride, above average acceleration, and good fuel economy.
Recommended choices include the sporty Mitsubishi Galant, the vanilla Nissan Altima, the powerful Oldsmobile Alero, and the refined Volkswagen Passat.
Hyundai's Sonata is our Budget Buy here. Though it's just an average performer on the road, its below average price and quality construction help it stand out. Chrysler's new PT Cruiser is the wildcard in this segment. Not really a sport-utility or minivan, the PT has been well-received by our staff. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars.