Pontiac Grand Am

Pontiac Grand Am
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1973-1975 1978-1980 1985-2006
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Chronology
Predecessor	Pontiac Tempest (for 1973) Pontiac Phoenix (for 1985)
Successor	Pontiac 6000 (1980) Pontiac G6 (2006)

The Pontiac Grand Am was originally a mid-size car and later a compact car that was produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors. The Grand Am had two separate 3-year runs in the '70s: from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1978 to 1980. It was based on the GM A platform. Production of the Grand Am was canceled in 1980 when it was replaced by the Pontiac 6000. The Grand Am was reintroduced in 1985 when it replaced the Pontiac Phoenix. It was Pontiac's best selling car and later replaced by the Pontiac G6. All Grand Ams between 1985 and 2005 were built in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing Car Assembly.

First generation
Overview
Production	1973–1975
Assembly	Pontiac, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body
Related	Buick Century Buick Regal Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac LeMans
Powertrain
Engine	6.5L V8 7.4L V8
Transmission	4-speed manual

The original Grand Am was introduced in the fall of 1972 as a 1973 model. It was based on the GM A-body platform along with other cars such as the Pontiac LeMans, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Century, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The GM A-body platform had major design revisions in 1973 that included the elimination of pillarless hardtops due to proposed federal rollover standards, but with frameless windows similar to that of a hardtop. No convertibles were produced due to those same federal rollover standards (that never were enacted). In addition to federal emissions regulations that reduced performance, new federal standards required a 5 mph (8.0 km/h) impact-resistant front bumper and a 2.5 mph (4.0 km/h) impact-resistant rear bumper, which increased to 5 mph (8.0 km/h) for 1974.

The Grand Am, coined by Pontiac with a name derived from two other cars in its lineup ("Grand" signifying "Grand Prix luxury" and "Am" for "Trans Am performance") was designed as American's answer to European luxury/sport sedans and available as a 4-door Colonnade sedan or a 2 door Colonnade coupe. 43,136 Grand Ams were built during the first year of production (both two door and four door models). The Grand Am could be had with a standard 400/2bbl engine, an optional 400/4bbl engine, or an optional 455/4bbl engine. The 400/2bbl, 400/4bbl, and 455/4bbl engines were available with a Turbo-hydramatic 400 automatic. A 4-speed manual transmission was available with the 400/4bbl engine in 1973 and 1974. It is unknown how many of the 1973 model year Grand Ams had the four-speed manual transmission, but it is estimated to be in the 600-900 range for 1973 and perhaps half that in 1974. The four speed manual transmission was available only with the 400/4bbl engine. All 400/2bbl and 455/4bbl equipped cars were automatics.

Inside, the Grand Am came standard with Strato bucket seats upholstered in [Naugahyde][1] vinyl or corduroy cloth featuring recliners and adjustable lumbar support - both features common on European-style sports/luxury sedans but unusual for American cars of that time. Also included were an instrument panel from the Pontiac Grand Prix featuring a Rally Gauge Cluster with full instrumentation (tachometer optional), three-spoke steering wheel with large hub and Genuine Crossfire Mahogany trim on the dash facing, radio and clock surrounds, as well as the center console between the front seats (only 1973 models featured the "real" wood trim on the dash as it was replaced by simulated trim for 1974-75 due to reports of splintering, though the console retained the real wood for all three years). Grand Ams also were among the first U.S.-built cars to come with a turn-signal mounted headlight dimmer switch that had been common on imported cars for decades.

Additionally, Grand Ams featured a Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) as standard equipment which included the radial-ply tires, Pliacell shock absorbers and front and rear sway bars for improved ride and handling. This basic suspension tuning also came standard with the Grand Prix SJ option in 1973 and optional on two other Pontiac models that year including the full-sized Bonneville and the sporty Firebird. The Grand Am was one of only three GM cars to come standard with radial tires and appropriate suspension tuning in 1973 with the others being the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon and Chevrolet Monte Carlo S.

Pontiac also produced a single 1973 Grand Am station wagon as a feasibility study. This was a LeMans wagon converted to a Grand Am. A functional ram-air induction system was developed for the Pontiac A-bodies utilizing twin NACA openings in the hood, but the option was dropped due to inability to pass federally mandated drive-by noise standards. A few functional Ram Air systems were sold over the counter, but are extremely rare. The twin-scoop NACA hood was an option for any Pontiac A-body for all three years, but was non-functional.

The 1973 Pontiac Grand Am style had a unique flexible urethane front fascia, a total of 6 grille openings with vertical bars, round front turn signals, horizontal rear tail lights, and chrome rear bumper. The 17,083 1974 Grand Ams had a refined front urethane fascia with a redesigned nose and grille with 12 openings with horizontal bars. The rear end styling was redesigned for the new 1974 5mph crash standards and had vertical rear taillights. The 1975 model looked the same as the 1974 model, but had vertical front grille bars, a body-colored rear bumper, and a single-exhaust catalytic converter. 10,679 were built in 1975 and was the last year for the first generation Grand Am due to declining sales and rising gas prices as a result of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. All 1973-1975 Grand Ams were built at the Pontiac, MI assembly plant, which was the home plant of the Pontiac Motor Division. The basic GM A-body design remained until 1977.

By the time the first-generation Grand Am was discontinued in 1975, rising fuel prices had made the public more aware of the importance of fuel economy. The combination of numerically lower rear axle ratios (to improve fuel economy) and 1975 federal emissions standards all but killed performance, which was the final nail in the coffin for the muscle car era. Although designed to compete with European sport/luxury sedans, the Grand Am was considerably larger and heavier than its intended imported competition which was more in the size and weight class of U.S. built compacts - and much bigger than the largest cars built in most nations outside of North America. Detroit also began to offer upgraded luxury compacts such as the Ford Granada, Mercury Monarch and even Pontiac's own Ventura SJ, along with the similar-bodied Chevrolet Nova LN, Buick Skylark S/R and Oldsmobile Omega Salon. They offered similarly luxurious interior appointments and improved suspension, but in smaller packages better designed to challenge the imported sedans. Furthermore, the Grand Am's Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) package that was unique when the Grand Am was introduced in 1973 would become optional equipment on all other Pontiac and GM models in 1974 and made standard equipment throughout most car lines by 1975, (around this time the automotive industry was switching to radial-ply tires) so the Grand Am's lost yet another bit of uniqueness.

• 1973-1975 400 in³ (6.5 L) V8 with 2-barrel carburetor (standard engine, others were optional)
• 1973-1975 400 in³ (6.5 L) V8 with 4-barrel carburetor
• 1973-1974 400 in³ (6.5 L) V8 with 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed (not available in California)
• 1973-1975 455 in³ (7.4 L) V8 with 4-barrel carburetor

Notes:

• 1973 engines may have point or unitized ignition.
• A SD-455 equipped engineering prototype Grand Am was built, but was dismantled and destroyed.
• 1974 engines may have point or unitized ignition or starting around May 1, 1974, HEI.
• 1975 engines have HEI.
• 1975 was the first year for the catalytic converter.

Second generation
Overview
Production	1978–1980
Assembly	Pontiac, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body
Related	Buick Century Buick Regal Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac LeMans
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108 in (2,700 mm)

The Grand Am returned in 1978, based on the Grand Prix's A platform. The Grand Am's interior contained new features including power windows, power locks, sunroof, an automatic transmission, full gauges, and power seats. The new Grand Am had either V6 or Pontiac V8 engines. This generation of the Grand Am is very rare. In 1979, the Grand Am was featured in the NASCAR Grand National circuit. 1980 was the second-generation Grand Am's final year, with only coupes available. The Grand Am was discontinued after 1980 and was replaced by the Pontiac 6000 for the 1982 model year.

Third generation
Overview
Production	1985–1991
Assembly	Lansing, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	N-body
Related	Buick Skylark Buick Somerset Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L I4 2.4 L I4 2.5 L I4 3.0 L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.4 in (2,630 mm)
Length	177.5 in (4,510 mm) (1985-88) 179.2 in (4,550 mm) (1989-1991)
Width	66.5 in (1,690 mm) (1989-1991) 66.7 in (1,690 mm) (1985-88)
Height	52.6 in (1,340 mm)

The Grand Am was reintroduced to Pontiac as a modern compact car by GM in 1985 to replace the Phoenix. It began its third generation as a two-door based on the N platform, along with its siblings, the Buick Somerset (later renamed Skylark) and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais with a new smaller appearance. In 1986, a four-door sedan was added to the lineup. The third generation Grand Am was initially offered in two trim levels, the base and LE. In 1986 the SE model was added as the top version. It included ground effects and monochromatic paint among other equipment. When the Grand Am was freshened in 1989, the base model was dropped and the LE became the entry model.

The 2.5 L Tech IV engine was standard from 1985 to 1991. Although the engine was noisy and a bit underpowered in earlier models, it received balance shafts and an upgrade in power for 1989. A 3.0 L V6 was optional from 1985 to 1988. Since the Pontiac Sunbird's redesign in 1989, it surpassed the Grand Am in length. From 1987 to 1989, a turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder making 165 hp (123 kW) was optional on SE models. The 2.3 L Quad-4 was optional in 150 hp (110 kW) form from 1988 to 1989 on all models. This engine was bumped up to 160 hp (120 kW) for 1990. A high output version of the Quad-4 that produced 180 hp (130 kW) was initially offered as an option on mid-1989 SE models and remained the top engine choice through 1991. ¨

Fourth generation
Overview
Production	1992–1998
Assembly	Lansing, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	N-body
Related	Buick Skylark Chevrolet Malibu Oldsmobile Achieva Oldsmobile Cutlass
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L I4 2.4 L I4 3.1 L V6 3.3 L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.4 in (2,630 mm)
Length	186.9 in (4,750 mm) 187.3 in (4,760 mm) (1993-95 Coupe)
Width	68.3 in (1,730 mm) (1996-98) 68.7 in (1,740 mm) (1993-95) 67.5 in (1,710 mm) (1992)
Height	53.5 in (1,360 mm) (1993-98) 53.2 in (1,350 mm) (1992)

In 1992, the GM N platform was redesigned, resulting in a much newer-looking Grand Am. The redesign was radical compared to the 1989 refresh of its mid-size cousin, the Pontiac 6000, due to the fact that it no longer bore a resemblance to its X-body ancestors. The Grand Am shared the GM N platform with the Buick Skylark and the Oldsmobile Achieva. All fourth generation Grand Ams had standard anti-lock brakes although a driver's side airbag was not offered until 1994 when it was standard equipment. With the facelift in 1996, traction control(automatic models only) and passenger's side airbag were also standard.

This generation was available with various four or six-cylinder engines. The base engine was a lower power 120 hp (89 kW) SOHC version of the Quad-4 called the Quad OHC. Optional was a 160 hp (120 kW) Quad-4. The top engine choice from 1992 to 1994 was a 2.3 L 16-valve High Output Quad-4 which produced 180 hp (130 kW) at 6200 rpm. For 1993 and 1994 these engines were rated at 5 less ;hp. Outside of the Quad family of engines, a 3.3 V6 was also available in 1992 and 1993. In 1994 this engine was replaced with the 3.1 V6 which would remain the lone V6 option for the rest of the fourth generation. In 1995 the High Output Quad-4 and Quad OHC were dropped. A 150 hp (110 kW) Quad-4 was standard equipment on both the SE and GT.

In 1996, the body received a "facelift". The front/rear bumpers were redesigned as well as the door cladding and side skirts. The interior was also redesigned for a cleaner look. The 2.4 Twin Cam engine debuted in 1996 and was available with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The 3.1 L V6 was available also but only with a 4-speed automatic. Although there were two trim lines, the SE and GT, there was a high availability of content on either version. If a purchaser so wished, they could get a very highly equipped SE or plain-jane GT. The GT was differentiated with ground effects and GT specific alloy wheels. Unlike the Skylark and Achieva, the Grand Am was sold to the public for the 1998 model year but it was a short run due to the early introduction of the fifth generation in early 1998.

Fifth generation
Overview
Production	1999–2006
Assembly	Lansing, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	N-body
Related	Chevrolet Malibu Oldsmobile Alero Oldsmobile Cutlass
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L I4 3.4 L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	186.3 in (4,730 mm)
Width	70.6 in (1,790 mm) (1999-2000) 70.4 in (1,790 mm) (2001-06)
Height	54.5 in (1,380 mm) (1999-2000) 55.1 in (1,400 mm) (2001-06)

In 1999, the Grand Am was redesigned again and entered its fifth generation along with the Oldsmobile Acheiva successor, the Alero. It was reported that the very first 1999 Grand Am rolled off the assembly line on June 15, 1998; however, it is more likely that this occurred even earlier, perhaps April or May, as 1999 Grand Ams had been spotted on lots as early as late May 1998. The standard engine remained the DOHC 2.4 L I4(155hp) with the 3.4 L V6 optional. The 2.2 L Ecotec I4 replaced the 2.4 L as the standard engine in 2002. In 2003, the design was further refined by removing the ribbed body cladding for a "cleaner" appearance. There was also a special 30th anniversary package offered on the GT trim level. This was a limited production, collector's edition Grand Am that sported hood scoops, unique polished exhaust tips, leather seats with special "30th anniversary" stitched emblems, and badges on the front doors' lower panels.

This generation of the Grand Am was sold in five variants, the SE, SE1, SE2, GT, and GT1. Each variant added various features such as power windows and locks, dual rear exhausts, a rear spoiler, a more powerful engine (3.4 L V6) than the Ecotec, or alloy wheels. Safety features such as dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes were standard throughout the line, as well as traction control (ETS). However ABS and ETS (Traction Control) were optional on the 2003 to 2005 Grand Am SE, but standard on SE1, SE2, GT and GT1 models. The Grand Am enjoyed success as a compact car filling a niche as a comfortable, affordable, reliable, yet sporty car.

In the American market, when the Sunfire sedan was dropped for 2003, the Grand Am sedan was the only compact sedan in Pontiac's lineup.

Despite its success, the Grand Am name was dropped from the Pontiac lineup. The last Grand Am sedan rolled off the assembly line on December 10, 2004. The coupe was dropped at the end of 2005, with the Grand Am being replaced by the Pontiac G6, which is based on the GM Epsilon platform. It is interesting to note that the Grand Am was Pontiac's best-selling car before being replaced. The last Grand Am rolled off the Lansing, Michigan assembly line on May 6, 2005, because GM had reportedly closed the plant.

• A silver 1999 Grand Am SE2 appeared in the 1998 movie Lethal Weapon 4.

• Grand Am GT
• Grand Am Owners Club
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