Acceleration

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
4	6	4.9

Grand Am or Alero, the V6 models feel gutsy, doing 0-60 mph in about 8.0 sec in our tests, to rank among the quicker compact cars. The 4 cyl is adequate, but shakes at idle, groans under throttle. V6 is smoother and quieter, but can trigger bothersome torque steer in quick takeoffs. The manual transmission is notchy, but the automatic is well-behaved.

Fuel Economy

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
6	5	5.4

V6 averages ranged from 19.4 mpg to 23.7 in our tests, depending on driving conditions. Expect the 4 cyl to be only slightly thriftier.

Ride Quality

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
4	4	5.3

Similar suspension tuning means both the Pontiac and Olds versions are not harsh over bumps, but not impressively compliant. Bad pavement at highway speeds compromises stability.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
4	6	5.1

Hardly Eurosedan precise, and a bit unsure in quick transitions. But turn-in is reasonably quick, there's good grip and balance in steady-state cornering, and the steering is pleasantly weighted. Brake-pedal feel is firm, but Grand Ams we tested seemed to have good overall stopping ability where Aleros felt merely adequate.

Quietness

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
4	4	5.2

Engines in both models sound coarse under hard throttle, while the Grand Am's sporty exhaust note quickly grows tiresome. Tires thrum intrusively on rough surfaces, thump loudly over tar strips. Wind noise not objectionable.

Controls

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
3	3	6

Grand Am's overstyled dashboard has deeply recessed gauges for poor legibility. Alero's layout is clear and compact. Both models group major controls nicely around the driver, but switchgear is unrefined in feel and movement, and hard plastic surfaces give cabins a cut-rate feel. Rear visibility isn't great, but Grand Am's aft "cornering" lamps help when backing up at night.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Room is sufficient, though some drivers find steering wheel protrudes too far.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
3	4	4.1

Two adults are OK in sedan's rear seat; coupes are much tighter in back and more difficult to enter or exit. Seats are not long-haul comfortable.

Cargo Room

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
4	4	4.5

Spacious trunk, but opening is small, liftover high. All but base Grand Am SE have helpful standard split/folding rear seatbacks.

Value within Class

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
5	6	5.8

Strong V6 acceleration, generally enjoyable road manners, and lots of equipment at attractive prices are the main virtues of GM's compact-car duo. Neither is as refined or as well-built as the import competition, and while Alero has a more mature personality than Grand Am, the phase-out of the Olds brand means that unless you plan to keep your Alero for 5-10 years, you'll suffer low resale value and poor lease residuals.

Total Score

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl auto.	GT1 sdn	Class Average
42	47	51.8

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		51
High Score		65