Acceleration

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
4	4	6	5

Acceleration with the 2.2-liter 4 cyl is not as strong as with the old 2.4, but it's adequate for most situations--with the bonus of marginally smoother, quieter operation. V6 Grand Ams are gutsier, doing 0-60 mph in about 8.0 sec in our tests, to rank among the quicker compact cars. However, quick takeoffs with the V6 can trigger bothersome pulling to the side, known as torque steer. Manual-transmission shift action is notchy, but the automatic is well-behaved.

Fuel Economy

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
6	6	5	5.3

SE1 4-cyl models averaged 22.7 mpg with manual transmission, 21.6 with automatic. That's slightly better than we averaged with 2.4-liter Grand Ams. V6s averaged 19.4-23.7 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
5	5	5	6.2

Grand Ams aren't harsh over bumps, but they're not impressively compliant, either. Bad pavement at highway speeds compromises stability.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
5	5	6	5.8

Hardly Eurosedan precise, and a bit unsure in rapid 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, stopping power adequate.

Quietness

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
4	4	4	5.4

Both engines groan during brisk acceleration, and the 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 man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
3	3	3	6.3

Grand Am's overstyled dashboard has deeply recessed gauges for poor legibility. Major controls are grouped nicely around the driver, but switchgear is unrefined in feel and movement, and hard plastic surfaces give the cabin 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 man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.7

Sufficient room, though spongy seats don't support well in spirited cornering, and some drivers find steering wheel protrudes too far.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
3	4	4	4.3

Two adults are OK in either body style, though coupes are much more difficult to enter or exit. Seat too soft, cushion too small, for long-haul comfort.

Cargo Room

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
4	4	4	4.6

Spacious trunk, but opening is small, liftover high, and lid hinges impinge on cargo space. All but base SE model have helpful standard split/folding rear seatbacks.

Value within Class

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
3	4	5	6

This aging compact isn't as refined or well-built as the import competition. It doesn't use its interior space as efficiently, and its "expressive" exterior styling aims for a younger, less-affluent buyer. But strong V6 acceleration, generally competent road manners, and lots of equipment at attractive prices are virtues that keep Grand Am Pontiac's best-selling model.

Total Score

SE1 cpe, 4 cyl man.	SE1 sdn, 4 cyl auto.	GT sdn, V6	Class Average
42	44	47	54.6

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		54
High Score		73