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2001 Pontiac Grand Am Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am Review
Coupes and sedans come in SE, SE1, GT, and GT1 trim. SEs have a 4-cyl engine; GTs a V6 that's optional on SE1. The 4 cyl teams with manual or automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only. Air conditioning, ABS, and traction control are standard. GTs add 4-wheel disc brakes. Grand Am shares its powertrains and underskin design with the Oldsmobile Alero.
Competition
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. Its only drawback is tepid acceleration. Also getting the nod as a Best Buy is the Nissan Altima. It is the best all-around performer offering 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 Mazda 626, and the refined Volkswagen Passat. Hyundai's Sonata is a viable alternative if cash is tight. Though just an average performer on the road, Sonata's below average price and quality construction help it stand out.
Recommended choices include the sporty Mitsubishi Galant, the vanilla Mazda 626, and the refined Volkswagen Passat. Hyundai's Sonata is a viable alternative if cash is tight. Though just an average performer on the road, Sonata's below average price and quality construction help it stand out.
News
Though still the most popular Pontiac by a wide margin, Grand Am slipped 8.5 percent in calendar-2000 sales to just under 215,000. That compares with a sharp 30-percent year-to-year gain in 1999.
Industry tipsters say Grand Am will get a freshening for 2002, then be redesigned for 2004 on General Motors' new Episilon platform along with the Chevy Malibu and a second-generation Saturn L-Series. The '04 is said to be wider but little longer than the current Grand Am and have a roomier interior. It's also likely to get a new GM powerplant as base equipment--the 2.2-liter "L850" 4-cyl introduced with the L-Series.
Industry tipsters say Grand Am will get a freshening for 2002, then be redesigned for 2004 on General Motors' new Episilon platform along with the Chevy Malibu and a second-generation Saturn L-Series. The '04 is said to be wider but little longer than the current Grand Am and have a roomier interior. It's also likely to get a new GM powerplant as base equipment--the 2.2-liter "L850" 4-cyl introduced with the L-Series.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Engine noise (4 cyl) |
| Steering/handling | Ride |
| Radio controls | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Room is sufficient, though some drivers find steering wheel protrudes too far.
| 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)
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.
| 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
Spacious trunk, but opening is small, liftover high. All but base Grand Am SE have helpful standard split/folding rear seatbacks.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2001 Pontiac Grand Am Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/03/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SE 2-door coupe | $16,205 | $14,828 | $585 |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $16,505 | $15,102 | $585 |
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| SE1 2-door coupe | $17,935 | $16,411 | $585 |
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| SE1 4-door sedan | $18,235 | $16,685 | $585 |
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| GT 2-door coupe | $20,385 | $18,652 | $585 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $20,685 | $18,927 | $585 |
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| GT1 2-door coupe | $21,655 | $19,814 | $585 |
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| GT1 4-door sedan | $21,955 | $20,089 | $585 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, power door locks, remote fuel door and decklid release, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Dual outside mirrors, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 215/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
SE1 adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 4-way manual driver seat w/power height adjustment, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
GT adds to SE1:
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50R16 tires.
GT1 adds to GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, Monsoon sound system, steering wheel radio controls, power sunroof.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Solid Value Appearance Pkg.
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GT1
|
$1,120
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$997
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Leather upholstery, chrome alloy wheels.
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Pontiac 75th Anniversary Pkg.
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GT1
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$1,270
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$1,130
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Leather upholstery, chrome alloy wheels.
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Powertrain |
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3.4-liter V6 engine
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SE1
|
$655
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$583
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Includes variable-assist power steering. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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SE, SE1
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$825
|
$734
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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SE1, GT
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$695
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$619
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Leather upholstery
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GT, GT1
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$475
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$423
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AM/FM/CD player
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SE
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$175
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$155
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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SE1
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$340
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$303
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GT
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$195
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$174
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Includes Monsoon sound system.
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Cruise control
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SE
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$235
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$209
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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SE
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$195
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$174
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Engine block heater
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GT, GT1, SE, SE1
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$35
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$31
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Alloy wheels
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SE1
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$490
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$436
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Includes 225/50R16 tires.
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Chrome alloy wheels
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GT, GT1
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$645
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$574
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2001 Pontiac Grand Am Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac Grand Am 2-door coupe | Pontiac Grand Am 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | ohv V6 | ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /146 | 3.4 /207 | 3.4 /207 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 150 @ 5600 | 170 @ 4800 | 175 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 155 @ 4400 | 195 @ 4000 | 205 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/32 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 21/29 | 21/32 | 21/32 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac Grand Am 2-door coupe | Pontiac Grand Am 4-door sedan |
| Collision | 3 | 3 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 107 | 100 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 4 |
| Injury | 3 | 3 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 106 | 101 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 1 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 3 |
| Theft | 3 | 3 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 91 | 106 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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