EDMUNDS.COM 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A viable import alternative, but don''t expect Camry- or Accord-like resale values or build quality.
Pros
Lots of standard features, roomy interior, crisp handling.
Cons
Five-speed manual no longer available, cheap interior pieces, iffy crash test scores.
What''s New for 2005
The sedan has been dropped from the lineup along with the base four-cylinder engine and the manual transmission.
Overview
Introduction:
Originally introduced in 1973 as a "sport coupe" despite its very ''70s dimensions, the Grand Am offered engines like the monstrous 455 V8 and heavy-duty suspension packages. Subsequent versions became smaller as fuel economy became more important, but the Grand Am always maintained its sporty demeanor. The current Grand Am has roots dating back to 1985, when Pontiac introduced its front-drive "European-inspired" version. The most dramatic redesign since occurred in 1992, when the Grand Am abandoned its boxy duds for a more organic and aggressive shape. Subtle redesigns thereafter kept Pontiac''s midsize sedan and coupe popular with over 200,000 sold annually on average, though much of that went to rental fleets. Compared to the competition, the Grand Am is showing its age. With midsize offerings like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima boasting 240-horsepower V6s, DVD navigation systems and top-notch interiors, the Grand Am''s dated interior and 175-hp V6 keep it a step behind. From a value standpoint, the Grand Am certainly undercuts its import rivals on price, but you''re apt to pay for it in the end with poor resale value. 2005 marks an end of an era, as Grand Am production winds down to make way for the G6, a completely redesigned model based on GM''s new Epsilon vehicle platform. In a cosmic twist of fate, it is in its last days that the Grand Am returns to its original roots -- a sport coupe. Sedan versions of the Grand Am are now available only to fleet customers, and coupes are offered in GT trim only.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Grand Am is available in GT coupe form exclusively (an SE sedan is available to fleet customers only). Generous standard equipment includes cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; air conditioning; and a Monsoon premium sound system. Various upgrades are available, including XM Satellite Radio, a power sunroof and chrome alloy wheels. A unique appearance package is also on the options sheet that features a special composite performance hood and an aggressive rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
Standard power comes from a Ram Air 3.4-liter V6 rated at 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is also standard; no manual transmission is offered.
Safety:
The Grand Am GT features standard four-wheel antilock brakes and traction control. In government frontal impact crash testing, the Grand Am received four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection. Side-impact tests resulted in a rating of three out of five stars for front- and rear-passenger protection. In offset frontal impact crash testing performed by the IIHS, the Grand Am received a "Poor" rating (the lowest possible).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
On the inside, Grand Ams feature traditional Pontiac design cues. Although they''re intended to mimic a jet fighter cockpit, we don''t recall F-16s having so much cheap plastic. Interior room is comparable to your average sporty coupe, with nicely bolstered seats that offer solid support for spirited driving. A split-folding rear seat is standard.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The 3.4-liter V6 is an old GM standby with plenty of torque down low for easy passing and merging. The suspension is stiffer than that of most import coupes, returning a surprisingly sporty ride that''s only occasionally harsh.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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