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Pontiac Grand Am: generations, engines, and what to know when buying used
The Pontiac Grand Am is an American mid-size and compact car that was sold in several generations until 2005. In this article, we'll look at its generations, engines, and what to check when buying a used car.
Grand Am in brief
The Grand Am nameplate was used for several different cars. The first generation (1973–1975) and second (1978–1980) were mid-sized, but from 1985, the Grand Am became a compact car with front-wheel drive.
In the used market, you'll most commonly find the last generation (1999–2005) — they're the cheapest and have the most availability.
Which generation is the most relevant
The 1985–1991 and 1992–1998 Grand Am are earlier compact generations with coupe and sedan bodies. They're quite old now, so they're more suited to classic car enthusiasts or those looking for a budget runabout.
The 1999–2005 Grand Am has a more modern design with plastic cladding on the sides, and was available as a coupe or sedan. This is the most practical generation for daily use.
Engines and transmissions
The 1999–2005 Grand Am had a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (around 150 hp) and a 3.4-litre V6 (around 170 hp), fitted to sportier versions like the GT.
The transmission is usually a four-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used Grand Am
Check the engine condition — coolant and oil levels, leaks. Test the automatic transmission to see if it shifts smoothly.
Check the bodywork, especially the wheel arches, sills and plastic trim joints, as well as the suspension and brakes.
Check the history of imported-from-the-USA cars via the VIN, and assess the costs of import and registration before buying.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
SE
1999–2005Base trim with 2.4 l engine.
- 2.4 l four-cylinder engine
- More basic interior
- Often — steel wheels
SE1 / SE2
1999–2005Higher trim level; SE2 often comes with V6.
- Often — alloy wheels
- Often — additional equipment
- More comfortable interior
GT
1999–2005Sportier version with 3.4 l V6.
- 3.4 l V6 engine
- Sportier looks
- Often — larger wheels
Comparing versions
| SE | SE1 / SE2 | GT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For daily use | For comfort | For more dynamic driving |
| Engine | 2.4-litre, around 150hp | 2.4-litre or V6 | 3.4-litre V6, around 170hp |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
Most buyers opt for the SE or SE1 with the 2.4-litre engine for economy, while the GT is chosen for dynamics.
Pros
- Cheap in the used market
- Simple technology
- Wide range of parts available
- Practical sedan body style
Cons
- Not widely sold officially in Europe
- Higher fuel consumption than European rivals
- Basic interior trim
Frequently asked questions
Was the Grand Am widely sold in Europe?
No. In Lithuania, it's most often encountered as an import from the USA or Canada.
Which Grand Am generation is the best?
For most, the 1999–2005 model is the best bet — it's the newest and easiest to find.
Which engine to choose?
The 2.4-litre four-cylinder is more economical, the 3.4-litre V6 is more dynamic, but thirstier.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
