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2002 Pontiac Grand Am Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review
Pontiac's compact sedans and coupes got a new base engine for 2002, and at midyear, the SE gained optional alloy wheels. SE and SE1 models trade a 150-hp 2.4-liter 4 cyl for a 140-hp 2.2 liter. GT and GT1 models retain a 3.4-liter V6. The V6 is optional on the 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 Cruiser 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. The loaded Volkswagen Passat also makes it to the Best Buy list this year, despite relatively high prices.
Recommended choices include the vanilla Mazda 626 and the all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy. Both offer roomy alternatives at fair prices.
Recommended choices include the vanilla Mazda 626 and the all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy. Both offer roomy alternatives at fair prices.
News
Though still the most popular Pontiac by a wide margin, Grand Am slipped 8.5 percent in calendar-2000 sales and another 14.4 percent year-over-year in the first nine months of 2001. That compares with a 30-percent rise in 1999, which now must seem like the "good old days" to Pontiac dealers.
Industry tipsters see few further changes for Grand Am until its scheduled 2005-model redesign on General Motors' new Episilon platform. Chevy's Malibu and a second-generation Saturn L-Series will be underskin sisters. Grand Am is allegedly wider but little longer than the current model and has a roomier interior.
Industry tipsters see few further changes for Grand Am until its scheduled 2005-model redesign on General Motors' new Episilon platform. Chevy's Malibu and a second-generation Saturn L-Series will be underskin sisters. Grand Am is allegedly wider but little longer than the current model and has a roomier interior.
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr) |
| Steering/handling (GT, GT1) | Interior materials |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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 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.
| 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
Grand Ams aren't harsh over bumps, but they're not impressively compliant, either. Bad pavement at highway speeds compromises stability.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Sufficient room, though spongy seats don't support well in spirited cornering, and some drivers find steering wheel protrudes too far.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| SE 2-door coupe | $17,135 | $15,679 | $610 |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $17,135 | $15,679 | $610 |
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| SE1 2-door coupe | $18,575 | $16,996 | $610 |
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| SE1 4-door sedan | $18,575 | $16,996 | $610 |
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| GT 2-door coupe | $21,025 | $19,238 | $610 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $21,025 | $19,238 | $610 |
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| GT1 2-door coupe | $22,320 | $20,423 | $610 |
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| GT1 4-door sedan | $22,320 | $20,423 | $610 |
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
2.2-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/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, power door locks, remote fuel-door and decklid release, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, visor mirrors, floormats, rear spoiler.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
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.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
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
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Monsoon sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/50VR16 tires.
GT1 adds to GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, steering-wheel radio controls, power sunroof.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Solid Value Appearance Pkg.
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GT1
|
$1,245
|
$1,108
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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
|
$715
|
$636
|
|
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
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$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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$700
|
$623
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Leather upholstery
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GT, GT1
|
$595
|
$530
|
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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SE1
|
$400
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$356
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GT
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$200
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$178
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SE1 includes Monsoon sound system.
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Cruise control
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SE
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$240
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$214
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Composite performance hood
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GT, GT1
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$995
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$886
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Performance rear spoiler
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GT, GT1
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$375
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$334
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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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SE
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$300
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$267
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Chrome alloy wheels
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SE1, GT, GT1
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$650
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$579
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2002 Pontiac Grand Am Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac Grand Am 2-door coupe | Pontiac Grand Am 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.2 | 107.2 |
| 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. | 37.3 | 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. | 2.2 /134 | 3.4 /207 | 3.4 /207 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 140 @ 5600 | 170 @ 5200 | 175 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 150 @ 4000 | 195 @ 4000 | 205 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 25/33 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/32 | 20/29 | 20/29 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 1 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 3 |
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 2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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