The Best and Worst Pontiac Grand Am Models
Over its five generations, the Pontiac Grand Am had some great models—and some not-so-great models.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Debuting in 1973, the Pontiac Grand Am’s
car history
is rich. What started as an innovative solution to bridge the gap between the luxury Pontiac Grand Prix and the Pontiac Trans Am, a sporty muscle car, soon turned into a troubled history for the Pontiac Grand Am. Before things went wrong, forcing
Pontiac
to pivot and turn the coupe into a small economy car, the Grand Am did get a few good years. Here’s the best and worst of what the Pontiac Grand Am has offered over the years. Best: 1973 Pontiac Grand Am
The very first Pontiac was a huge hit, largely because it was a shiny, brand new model that caused the car’s debut to excite drivers. Sales were good for the first few years, and
Money Inc
characterizes it as, “easily the best model of the Grand Am ever made.” The car featured a V8 engine, Colonnade style A-body, and overall sleek exterior. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Worst: 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
The 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, referred to as the “Iron Duke” was created in direct response to the oil crisis at the time and was made out of a simple iron block, according to
Hot Cars
. This model in particular was so bad because of its maximum horsepower of 87 and weak performance. It has since become a joke punchline. Best: 1980 Pontiac Grand Am Coupe 305
The early years were truly the best years for the Pontiac Grand Am. In 1980, Pontiac debuted the last ever rear-wheel drive Pontiac Grand Am as well as the first ever only-available-as-a-coupe Pontiac Grand Am. The year 1980 was a big remodel year for the Grand Am, but it still performed well in terms of sales. This model featured a 4.9 liter V8 engine, an 18-gallon fuel tank, and solid fuel economy.
Worst: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am SE Coupe
Although the 1992 model of the Pontiac Grand Am was supposed to be a sleek, sporty, muscle car coupe, the actual car was just the opposite. The design was clunky and ugly, with a front hood that extended just a bit too long and messy lines throughout. It featured the same engine as the sedan version, an inline-4 carrying 120 hp.
Best: 1978 Pontiac Grand Am Sport Truck
The 1978 model of the Pontiac Grand Am was arguably the most attractive model of the Grand Am to ever come out. While only a prototype, the sport truck combined the classic Grand Am features with a truck bed that made the car practical and reliable for drivers. While the interior was comfortable for the driver, the trunk space was spacious and comfortable for any cargo.
Worst: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE Sedan
While the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE did well in terms of sales figures, it just wasn’t an impressive car. It’s design was generic and unappealing, the build was below average, and the interior was just average.
The year 1999 marked the beginning of the fifth and final generation of the Pontiac Grand Am. After this generation, Pontiac killed off the Grand Am completely in 2005 to make room for the Pontiac G6.
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