Lots of standard features, available five-speed manual transmission, crisp handling.
Cons
Price creep has followed sales growth, five-speed not available with V6, cheap interior pieces, iffy crash test scores.
What’s new
A new trim level has been added -- SE2 -- that offers buyers more standard equipment and additional options, while the SE coupe is no longer available. All SE sedans now feature cleaner styling thanks to less body cladding and smoother front and rear fascias. XM Satellite Radio is an available option on all models, while the OnStar communications system is now standard on all models except the base SE.
Edmunds says
A viable import alternative, but don't expect Camry- or Accordlike resale values or build quality.
I bought this car 11yrs ago with 68k miles on it. It now has 208k and going strong! All it ever needs is preventative maintenance, tires and brakes. Biggest thing I had to do was a thermostat and some coolant lines. Lights are on the dash but the reader shows no codes. I think it's just old electrical issue as a lot of GM's have after a decade. I have been very blessed with this … car. I will stay with her until she dies which I don't think will be soon. I think I can get 250-300k miles out of it. If you have a chance to pick one up under 80k miles don't hesitate. It will last you with proper maintenance.
Nice Car
5 out of 5 stars
Mo-mobile, 05/30/2003
2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I love to drive this car! Definitely
the best handling in its class! I was
a little hesitant to buy a car with an
automatic transmission but I quickly
found the shifts to be very quick and
firm. The engine produces enough power
to make acceleration exciting and an
exhaust note that makes me feel all
warm and fuzzy inside. The exterior
styling is quite nice (I'm always …
afraid someone's going to steal my
rims they're so nice) and the interior
isn't bad either. The seats are
great, they're comfortable and
supportive during spirited cornering.
I like this car so much I find I never
want to stop driving.
Great coupe for the money
4.13 out of 5 stars
John, 08/21/2009
2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I find this to be a very solid, great handling and fun to drive car. There is more then the rated horsepower available, especially considering the cars 3800 lbs. and it runs great!! I would advise i bought this NOT looking for a maintenance free car - it waas cherry but i replaced the coolant with NON DEX_COOL and a lower-tem thermostat - its a GM thing you need to correct but the engine … will last foever - i'm a mechanic and trust me it will save you TONS of trouble. I've seen GM's like this take some serious abuse and keep on going!!!
Good first car, lots of problems.
3 out of 5 stars
whiteside1013, 08/28/2013
2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
This car is a good first car, but not much more than that. I purchased it from my older brother, who owned it for about 2 years. Before him, it was owned by a family friend and before that a car rental service, so my car has seen its fair share of abuse. When my brother bought the car, it had a leak in the cooling system to where it had to be filled every week or so. It was too expensive … to fix, so I've been living with it. The driver side windows have been broken twice. The oil switch broke, which almost totaled the car. The starter went out. The washer pump is broken. The horn is broken. The dashboard is warping up. The keyless entry system is broke
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