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2004 Pontiac Grand Am Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2004 Pontiac Grand Am Review
Grand Am for 2004 includes sedans in SE and uplevel SE1 and SE2 trim. Coupes and sedans are available in sportier GT and GT1 guise. SE and SE1 have a 4-cyl engine and manual or automatic transmission. A V6 with automatic transmission is standard for SE2 and available for SE1. GTs have a "Ram Air" V6 with slightly more power. ABS and traction control are a $400 option for SE and SE1, but are standard elsewhere. GTs have rear disc brakes vs. drums on other models. All Grand Ams have satellite radio as an option. Grand Am shares its basic design with the Oldsmobile Alero, which will be dropped after the 2004 model year. Newly available for all models except SE is an MP3 option that upgrades the existing CD player to read discs recorded in MP3 format.
News
A redesigned Grand Am bows for 2005 under the new G6 label. Already previewed in concept form, G6 shares a front-drive platform with the 9-3 from GM-owned Saab. The Chevy Malibu also shares this Epsilon platform, but the sportier G6 will target the enthusiast-driver crowd. Sedans bow this fall, but with no G6 equivalent to the Malibu Maxx hatchback. Coupes reportedly follow in early 2005, and there's talk of a retractable-hardtop convertible for '06. Higher-performance GXP models are also said to be in the works. We should have more info soon, so keep checking back with us.
2004 Pontiac Grand Am Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Rear-seat entry/exit (2 dr) |
| Steering/handling (GT, GT1) | Interior materials |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cyl models are peppy enough for most needs. V6s are gutsy for the compact class, at about 8 sec 0-60 mph in our tests, though quick takeoffs can induce bothersome torque steer--pulling to one side. Notchy manual-transmission shift action.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 5.2 |
Four-cyl models are peppy enough for most needs. V6s are gutsy for the compact class, at about 8 sec 0-60 mph in our tests, though quick takeoffs can induce bothersome torque steer--pulling to one side. Notchy manual-transmission shift action.
Fuel Economy
In our tests, 4-cyl models averaged 22.7 mpg with manual transmission, 21.6 with automatic; V6s delivered 19.4-23.7 mpg depending on driving conditions. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
In our tests, 4-cyl models averaged 22.7 mpg with manual transmission, 21.6 with automatic; V6s delivered 19.4-23.7 mpg depending on driving conditions. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
No model is harsh over bumps, but none is that compliant, either. Chassis loses its cool on rough pavement at highway speeds, compromising stability.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
No model is harsh over bumps, but none is that compliant, either. Chassis loses its cool on rough pavement at highway speeds, compromising stability.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not Euro-sedan precise, but steering is pleasantly weighted, turn-in reasonably quick, and there's good grip and balance in sweeping curves. Brake-pedal feel is firm, stopping performance adequate with available ABS. We haven't tested a non-ABS model.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
Not Euro-sedan precise, but steering is pleasantly weighted, turn-in reasonably quick, and there's good grip and balance in sweeping curves. Brake-pedal feel is firm, stopping performance adequate with available ABS. We haven't tested a non-ABS model.
Quietness
Loud engine moan at high rpm, and sporty exhaust note quickly grows tiresome. Tires thrum intrusively on rough surfaces, thump loudly over tar strips. Wind noise a constant.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Loud engine moan at high rpm, and sporty exhaust note quickly grows tiresome. Tires thrum intrusively on rough surfaces, thump loudly over tar strips. Wind noise a constant.
Controls
Alero's Euro-look dashboard a significant improvement over Grand Am's overstyled dash and deeply recessed gauges. Both group major controls conveniently around the driver, but switch action feels cheap. Interior materials are subpar for the class.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 6.4 |
Alero's Euro-look dashboard a significant improvement over Grand Am's overstyled dash and deeply recessed gauges. Both group major controls conveniently around the driver, but switch action feels cheap. Interior materials are subpar for the class.
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 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Sufficient room, though spongy seats don't support well in spirited cornering, and some drivers find steering wheel protrudes too far.
Room/Comfort (rear)
OK for two adults in either body style, though coupes difficult to enter or exit. Seat too soft, cushion too small, for long-haul comfort.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
OK for two adults in either body style, though coupes 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. All models except base Grand Am SE include helpful split folding rear seatbacks.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Spacious trunk, but opening is small, liftover high. All models except base Grand Am SE include helpful split folding rear seatbacks.
Value within Class
These aging compacts lack the refinement, build quality, and interior space efficiency of import rivals. Main attractions are strong V6 go, generally competent road manners, and lots of equipment at attractive prices. The imminent demise of the Oldsmobile brand means Alero buyers need be wary of potentially diminished resale value and lease residuals.
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
These aging compacts lack the refinement, build quality, and interior space efficiency of import rivals. Main attractions are strong V6 go, generally competent road manners, and lots of equipment at attractive prices. The imminent demise of the Oldsmobile brand means Alero buyers need be wary of potentially diminished resale value and lease residuals.
Total Score
| SE1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GT sdn, V6 | Class Average |
| 44 | 47 | 56.1 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2004 Pontiac Grand Am Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/16/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $17,070 | $15,619 | $625 |
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| SE1 4-door sedan | $19,360 | $17,714 | $625 |
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| SE2 4-door sedan | $21,715 | $19,869 | $625 |
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| GT 2-door coupe | $22,165 | $20,281 | $625 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $22,165 | $20,281 | $625 |
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| GT1 2-door coupe | $23,415 | $21,425 | $625 |
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| GT1 4-door sedan | $23,415 | $21,425 | $625 |
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.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, remote fuel-door and decklid release, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 205/65R15 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.
SE2 adds to SE1:
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 170-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/60R16 tires.
GT adds to SE2:
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 175-horsepower engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Monsoon sound system, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: steering-wheel radio controls, 6-way power driver seat.
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/50R16 tires.
GT1 adds to GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, steering-wheel radio controls.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Solid Value Appearance Pkg.
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||
|
GT1
|
$1,570
|
$1,397
|
|
Leather upholstery, satellite radio, chrome alloy wheels. Satellite radio requires monthly fee.
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|
SC/T Appearance Pkg.
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GT, GT1
|
$1,245
|
$1,108
|
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Composite hood, aero rear spoiler.
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Powertrain |
||
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3.4-liter V6 170-horsepower engine
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SE1
|
$715
|
$636
|
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Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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SE, SE1
|
$850
|
$757
|
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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SE, SE1
|
$400
|
$356
|
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Includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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SE1, SE2, GT
|
$700
|
$623
|
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Power windows
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SE
|
$430
|
$383
|
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Includes power mirrors.
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Leather upholstery
|
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SE2, GT, GT1
|
$595
|
$530
|
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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SE1, SE2
|
$400
|
$356
|
|
GT
|
$200
|
$178
|
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SE1, SE2 include Monsoon sound system.
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Upgraded sound system
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SE
|
$50
|
$45
|
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Satellite radio
|
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|
GT, GT1, SE, SE1, SE2
|
$325
|
$289
|
|
Requires monthly fee. SE requires upgraded sound system.
|
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Cruise control
|
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SE
|
$250
|
$223
|
|
Floormats
|
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SE, SE1, SE2
|
$80
|
$71
|
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Smoker's Pkg.
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||
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GT, GT1, SE, SE1, SE2
|
$15
|
$13
|
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Ashtray, lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Engine block heater
|
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GT, GT1, SE, SE1, SE2
|
$35
|
$31
|
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Composite hood
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GT, GT1
|
$995
|
$886
|
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Rear spoiler
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SE, SE1, SE2
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$225
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$200
|
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Aero rear spoiler
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GT, GT1
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$250
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$223
|
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Front license plate cover
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GT, GT1, SE, SE1, SE2
|
$10
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$9
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Alloy wheels
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SE
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$375
|
$334
|
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Chrome alloy wheels
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SE1, SE2, GT, GT1
|
$650
|
$579
|
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SE1, SE2 include 225/50R16 tires.
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2004 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. | 14.1 | 14.1 |
| 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 @ 4800 | 175 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 150 @ 4000 | 195 @ 4000 | 205 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | 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 | 4 | 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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