2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review
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Used Grand Am for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Grand Am model years
Pontiac Grand Am types
- Coupe
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lots of standard features, available five-speed manual transmission, crisp handling.
Cons
- Price creep has followed sales growth, true sport sedans need a five-speed with a V6, cheap interior pieces.
What’s new
Base model SEs get a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, while GTs get newly styled 16-inch wheels. All models receive a console upgrade and two new exterior colors.
Edmunds says
A viable import alternative, but don't expect Camry- or Accord-like resale values or build quality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$261/mo for Grand Am SE
Grand Am SE
vs
$251/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Boasting bold styling and a wide stance, the sporty Grand Am bears a strong family resemblance to its big brother, the Grand Prix. But with slightly more compact dimensions and a standard four-cylinder engine, the Grand Am is more of an Accord alternative than a true sports car. Available as a coupe or sedan, the Grand Am offers two versions of the base SE model and two versions of the upgraded GT. Both SEs come standard with an all-new 140-horse, twin cam 2.2-liter four-cylinder. Ultra compact and efficient, this new powerplant offers smoother power delivery and exceptional mileage (25 city, 33 highway). For a little more get up and go, the SE1 comes with a 3.4-liter V6 rated at 170 horsepower, but unfortunately this engine can't be mated to the five-speed manual (a four-speed automatic is standard). Both the standard GT and the upgraded GT1 models come with the 3.4-liter engine along with a stiffer sport suspension, variable assist power steering and larger 16-inch aluminum wheels.
On the inside, Grand Ams feature traditional Pontiac design cues. Though they're intended to mimic a jet fighter cockpit, we don't recall F-16s having numerous cheap plastic knobs that looked like they were swiped from a toddler's toy. Interior room is comparable to your average four-door sedan's, with nicely bolstered seats that offer solid support. All Grand Ams feature next-generation airbags for both the driver and front passenger in addition to air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power door locks and an AM/FM cassette stereo. SE1 models add cruise control, power windows and mirrors, a split folding rear seat and cast aluminum wheels. GT1 models further upgrade the Grand Am with a six-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, a Monsoon sound system and available leather seating.
With a solid list of standard features and a suspension that favors more spirited driving than your average family sedan, the Grand Am is a viable alternative to some of the more pedestrian four-doors on the market. Although we're not particularly fond of the space-age interior design, those tired of the inherent blandness of import cabins may find Pontiac's theme refreshingly different. Factor in the very reasonable sticker price and solid drivetrain, and the Grand Am makes a solid case for itself in the crowded family sedan marketplace.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
5 star(50%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
141 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Passlock problems
Ali2681, 05/15/2010
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Until this year I have never had a problem with my Grand Am. I loved the car....that is until I started getting stranded all the time. Everyone says to wait 10 min with the key on but I always end up waiting at least 40. And it's not always my security light that goes on it's the service engine soon, trac off and ABS. I am getting really tired of having to sit in parking lots for up … to an hour waiting for my car to start, how will I go grocery shopping when it's hot!? This is a BIG problem and GM needs to do a recall on this issue. I have always had a problem with the brakes on this car too.
4.25 out of 5 stars
been great so far!
alan2123, 05/06/2013
2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
We have owned this car since it was brand new. it now has 209400 miles on it! I've out in an alternator, window wiper motor, and a new ignition. it still needs a couple things, like a new indicator switch because it makes a ticking noise while off, but for how long it's lasted and the little work its needed, it has been a great car! it still runs great, and I'll probably get it up to … 250000 miles before I sell it.
4.75 out of 5 stars
rmk
rklister, 06/02/2006
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
The car has perfromed without problem in all types of weather from sub-zero to the heat of the summer. Never a problemin starting or operating.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Timing Chain eats engine
Cracky, 02/08/2010
2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
So much for regular maintenance and synthetic oil. The 2002 2.2L ecotec has a child's bicycle chain to drive the cams and it, like thousands of others , have failed. GM knew this. They made improvements in 2003. They sent dealer bulletins but not a word to the owners. I think this is a very poor way to do business. I visited the dealership and got a world class cock and bull story … with an offer to take my car in trade for $125 dollars. I'm done with GM... forever.
2002 Grand Am Highlights
Coupe
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,135 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $261/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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