2002 Pontiac Grand Am Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 25 mpg
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, 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 for 2002
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Surprisingly reliable...except...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have a 2002 Grand Am SE1, with the special tropical teal color. I bought it used from Enterprise at 20k miles. I thought for sure I'd have some problems, since it was a rental.... nope none... It went up to 60k miles before the blower motor resistor went, then at 80k miles the head and upper manifold gaskets went, due to DEXCOOL turning into acid and eating the gaskets and clogging my radiator. Fortunately, the car is easy to work on and I actually replaced the gaskets myself and the car runs great again. Now at 90k miles, nothing else major has broke... Only needed brakes twice, though now the shocks are starting to squeek and the A/C clutch is worn. But everything else is great.
Favorite Features
Body style, handling, weight ratio, drives fantastic in snow with tiger paw tires. Easy to work on, lots of power and zip for a V6. Roomy interior.
Suggested Improvements
Wish I could change the dash light colors easily, Red is ok, but blue would of been much better. The milage was great when the car was new but as it got older the milaged dipped too. I wish Dexcool was not so evil and destroyed cars.
Not bad 4 the price
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
had 119,000 when I bought it. Has minor issues with window clips, weather lights won't shut off. Minor coolant leak that doesn't worsen. Had overheating probs and check engine issues all eventually traced to clogged caty convertor. Runs like new now. Nice to drive, easy on gas, plenty of zip. Until the caty went berserk was fairly trouble free. Makes a nice first car for a student. I'm 5'11 265 and can easily get in and out. tight fit for 3 in the back and trunk holds a three bowling ball bag plus set of golf clubs and a couple gym bags. On fishing trips my rear seat stows extra gear. Will pull my 17' boat w/ trans cooler and still gets decent mileage but struggles a little up steep hills.
Favorite Features
reclining bucket seats and nice center console. Easy start even in cold weather. Stereo system sounds great.
Suggested Improvements
better window clips. Electrical system needs upgrade 2 ferret out the lil gremlins in all weather lights and fan control.
One great car (3.4 L V-6 GT1)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
So I have to say this car rocks. I did a little modifying to the engine like put in a better air intake, put on high performance tires, and a different exhaust. The manual says that it started with 17 hp but with all my work it is probably around 225 hp now. I have ot say it is super fast. It is auto but when I drop it into first and work it like a stick I can pull a 5 second 0-60. My top end I actually beat a v8 camaro from 60-120. It is a great ride. The only complaint is in the manifold the gaskets keep breaking. They are cheap and plastic surrounded by metal so they will break in all of your cars promise. But take good care of ur car and I guarantee ur car will return the favor. Good buy
Favorite Features
Steering wheel selection buttons Handling torque
Suggested Improvements
Gaskets Intake manifold all together Window washer hose can be stronger
Fast Good looking Fun but
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought it new in sept 2001. It now has 65K miles on it. Power window motor repaired replaced 4 times. Turn signal stalk replaced. Blown intake manifold gasket replaced at 60K. Power seat broken 3 times and gave up having it fixed. Cost of repairs over 7 1/2 years is about 1500 which I guess isnt bad. Regular oil changes and 1 set of tires and brakes at 55K. I love the car but the darn 3.4s have a history of bad manifold gaskets. My 95 Grand Prix had same problem but no untillo 165K
Favorite Features
Style, power, handling, looks
Suggested Improvements
Fix the darn manifold gasket problem
Sharp car... good performance, handling
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this car with 30K on it. Loved the styling better than previous model years. Generally I have been satsfied with the reliablity, performance and handling. I have driven 37K since I bought it. It has good acceleration (fuel economy has been 17 city to 26 highway MPG). It takes a bit of experience to get the most from the 3.4 V6 power band. The automatic shifts nicely but it is a basic style and leaves something to be desired. I wished I had looked for a 5 speed manual. Seats are comfortable but a bit wide to hug my slim build (I'm 5'11", 168lbs.). Cornering is nice but a Corvette it is not. driver power window broke once (common so I hear). Cold engine ticks slightly but quiets.
Favorite Features
A/C has been great. Real tilt wheel. Instrument lighting is cool reddish/amber color. Fog lights/parking lights only (looks cool). Automatic head lights. 4 reverse lights. Monsoon system;features and sound. Tight, responsive steering. 60/40 backseat and trunk space.
Suggested Improvements
A real dual exhaust. Slightly greater bass response to sound system. Highway acceleration could be better... more power Scotty! How about a paddle shifter for the automatic transmission. Seats that cradle you better when pushing through those curves in the road.
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