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53-447: Grand Am or Grand-Am can stand for: Pontiac Grand Am , a nameplate for three different automobiles manufactured by General Motors Grand-Am Road Racing , an American endurance road racing series Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Grand Am . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change

106-637: A 1973 model. It was based on the GM A platform (A-body) along with other cars such as the Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna , Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme , and the Buick Century Gran Sport . 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

159-438: A 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) 455 cu in (7.5 L) - both with four-barrel carburetors. Turbo Hydra-matic was standard equipment and the only transmission offered this year. Performance from 0-60 was 7.7 seconds. A total of 10,679 Grand Ams were built in 1975 and the series was dropped after this year due to declining sales and rising gas prices as a result of the 1973 oil crisis . Another factor leading to

212-422: A decade. New this year as a no-cost option was a 60/40 bench seat with a center armrest. Engines were also detuned to meet the 1975 emission regulations with the compression ratio dropping to a new low of 7.6 to 1 on some engines. Standard was the 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 with two-barrel carburetor , optional were a 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS) 400, or

265-517: A downsized model using the Grand Prix's G platform. It was offered in both two- and four-door models featuring a vertical bar grille and other trimmings to differentiate it from the LeMans, upon which it was based. Like the 1973–1975 models, this generation of Grand Ams also featured standard radial tires plus an upgraded Radial Tuned Suspension with front and rear sway bars. Interiors were similar to

318-465: A rear swaybar that were only otherwise available on the SE model. 1991 was the final model year of this body style and it was essentially a carry-over year. The only changes were the addition of an Anti-lock Brakes System (ABS) as standard equipment for all Grand Am SE's (not available to LE's), and all 1991 model year cars fitted with a 5-speed transmission received a redesigned "short throw" shifter. For 1992

371-450: A revised MacPherson-Strut design upfront. The rear suspension is a more refined Multi-link design. The new Grand Am was offered in five trim levels: SE, SE1, SE2, GT, and GT1. The 2.4 L Twin Cam engine was carried over, with 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) and 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m) of torque. GM's 3400 V6, previously exclusive to their minivans, became available as an option on

424-586: A tape player was optional. The listed retail price for the 2-door coupe was US$ 4,264 ($ 29,266 in 2023 dollars ), listing it above the Firebird Trans Am. 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

477-460: The 1973 oil crisis , and while the recession continued, prices increased for all 1974 model cars. Only 17,083 Grand Ams were built. The 1975 Grand Am looked the same as the 1974 model, but had vertical front grille bars, a body-colored rear bumper, and a catalytic converter single-exhaust, which mandated the use of unleaded fuel, along with GM's High Energy Ignition and other items promoted as part of Pontiac's maximum mileage system. In addition to

530-510: The 2.0 L Turbo engine as standard equipment in the SE midway through the year. This was the final year that the 'Sport Bucket' seats were available to SEs. The 2.3 L LG0 Quad 4 was announced as being available late in the model year on Grand Am SE's with only 200 were built. All 1989 LG0 Quad 4 Grand Am's were red on grey coupes, with standard appointments including (but not limited to) 16-inch machined-face wheels. The 16-inch wheels were only optional to SE's. This would be

583-595: The A-body for Chevrolet , most Pontiacs , Buick , and Oldsmobile vehicles. The A-body was temporarily suspended in 1958 until it was reintroduced in 1964. The A-body designation was resurrected in 1964 for a new series of intermediate-sized cars including the Chevrolet Chevelle , Pontiac Tempest , Oldsmobile Cutlass , and Buick Skylark . These later A-bodies underwent a switch in drive layout from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive in 1982. The switch in

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636-697: The Grand Prix with the Trans Am to create the Grand Am, a naming tactic shared with the luxury Pontiac Grand Ville . Built on the A-body platform shared with the Pontiac LeMans , the intended GTO body was re-badged and fitted with the top-level Grand Prix interior, and using the larger engine from the Grand Prix, Bonneville and Grand Ville. The original Grand Am was introduced in the fall of 1972 as

689-623: The Lansing Car Assembly . The history of Grand Am begins with Pontiac executives noting incursion into the US market by Mercedes, BMW, Toyota and Nissan. Notably, the American sports car was usually without luxury features, and the luxury car without sport features. Foreign makes mixed these features, that introduced the market to luxury performance coupes and sedans that had balanced handling along with powerful engines. Pontiac hybridized

742-483: The Pontiac Grand Prix featuring a Rally gauge cluster with fuel, oil, water and volt gauges (a tachometer or fuel economy gauge was optional, and on cars so equipped, the clock was moved to a space on the lower instrument panel under the radio), three-spoke padded steering wheel with brushed-stainless spokes, and Genuine Crossfire African Mahogany trim on the dash facing, radio and clock surrounds, as well as

795-640: The "Endura" bumper pioneered on the 1968 GTO ) and was one of only three GM cars ( Olds Cutlass Salon, Chevy Monte Carlo S) to debut radial-ply tires (RTS - Radial Tuned Suspension) as standard equipment. The intermediate sized Grand Am was canceled in 1980 when it was replaced by the Pontiac 6000 . A compact-sized Grand Am, based on the GM N-platform , was released in 1985, replacing the Pontiac Phoenix . It became Pontiac's best selling car and

848-553: The 'Endura' nose) that was squeezable and could return to its original shape following a minor collision along with the new energy-absorbing bumpers, a total of six grille openings with vertical bars, round front turn signals with a cross-hair design, horizontal rear taillights, and chrome rear bumper. Additionally, Grand Ams featured a Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) as standard equipment that included radial-ply tires, Pliacell shock absorbers, and front and rear sway bars. The springs were advertised as being computer selected. The Grand Am

901-545: The 160 hp (120 kW) 3.3 L 3300 V6, mated to a three-speed transmission. The 2.3 L I4 came as either a SOHC or DOHC. A high output version of the DOHC was offered as well. A new GT trim was offered that featured new wheels, smoother, yet larger cladding, and more standard equipment. 1993 brought further refinement to the Quad ;4. This resulted in a loss of 5 horsepower (3.7 kW) to all engines. In 1994,

954-400: The 3.1 L in 1994 became optional as a step-up from the 3-speed for 1995 on the new Quad 4 engine. In Japan, this generation was officially imported by Yanase and Suzuki with left-hand drive. The main imports were the SE and V6 models. The V6 model, however, was only offered for the 1996 model year there. All models had a three-speed (later 4-speed) automatic transmission. For 1996,

1007-454: The Grand Am entered its fourth generation. Available engines: Available transmissions: For 1992 the Grand Am's N-body platform was widened to match the Corsica's; the suspension and braking systems are about eighty percent in common. On the SE, an anti-lock braking system (ABS VI) was available. It also received new bodywork and a revised interior. A V6 option returned in the form of

1060-539: The Grand Am name for a new compact car to replace the aging and unpopular Phoenix (based on GM's X Body ) using the new-for-1985 N Body . The Grand Am shared the same front-wheel drive platform as the Buick Somerset (renamed Skylark in 1987) and the Oldsmobile Calais (renamed Cutlass Calais in 1988) . Initially, the Grand Am was available in base or LE trim in coupes only. The 2.5 L Tech IV

1113-405: The Grand Am received a mid-generation facelift. Outside, an updated front fascia, rear fascia, and side skirts gave the Grand Am a smoother, more rounded look. The interior was redesigned and featured dual airbags, easier to use audio system and HVAC controls, and softer plastics. The Quad 4 was replaced by a new 'Twin Cam' 2.4 L DOHC (Dual Over Head Cam) four-cylinder engine. Still based on

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1166-640: The Grand Am was featured in the NASCAR Grand National circuit. 1980 was the final year for the second-generation Grand Am. The four-door sedan was dropped, leaving only the two-door coupe, which received minor appearance changes including the grille. Strato bucket seats in cloth or Morrokide upholstery were standard equipment along with a center console with floor shifter for the Turbo Hydra-matic transmission. The V6 engine, two-barrel V8s and manual transmissions were dropped leaving

1219-423: The Grand Am's cancellation were plans for all 1976 Pontiac A-body cars receiving the newly approved rectangular headlights, which would necessitate a complete redesign of the Grand Am's Endura nose and Pontiac officials decided that the expense of such a redesign could not be justified based on low production numbers. The basic GM A-body design remained until 1977. Notes: For 1978 the Grand Am nameplate returned on

1272-568: The Grand LeMans with either a standard notchback bench seat, optional 60/40 bench or Strato bucket seats with console and recliner on passenger side, an optional tachometer, and a choice of either cloth or " Morrokide " vinyl upholstery. Standard equipment included power steering, power front disc brakes, Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, full instrumentation and Pontiac's 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine with two-barrel carburetor producing 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS). Optional

1325-504: The Quad 4, this was a re-engineered version of the previous year's 2.3 L with SFI fuel injection. The new engine made 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m) of torque at lower rpm than the older 2.3 L. The 3.1 L V6 remained optional. The 3-speed automatic was dropped for 1996, and the 4-speed automatic featured standard traction control. Daytime running lamps with automatic lighting control were newly standard on all Grand Ams. 1997 models featured standard air conditioning. The Grand Am

1378-496: The SE and SE1 and was standard on all other trim levels. For 1999, all the Grand Ams featured a 4-speed automatic transmission. The GT and GT1 also included 4-wheel disc brakes, and all Grand Ams until 2003 included standard ABS and Traction Control (made optional on SE from 2003). The GTs also had a Ram Air induction system, providing an extra five horsepower and 5 lb/ft of torque over the 3.4 L V6 when installed in any of

1431-668: The SE-level trims. GM A platform The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body ) was an automobile platform , and was GM's original, and oldest, platform used by all early GM products, beginning with the Chevrolet Superior . From this platform, all North American platforms B , C , and D were developed. Starting in 1926 through 1958, GM used four different designations based on different wheelbase dimensions used which helped Fisher Body standardize coachwork provided for various bodyshells/platforms with

1484-454: The V6 and standard 3-speed powertrain were effectively replaced by GM's new 3.1 L 3100 series V6 engine and new 4-speed automatic transmission. A driver's side airbag also became standard for 1994, but the door-mounted automatic seatbelts remained. In 1995, the Quad 4 engines received balance shafts and direct driven power steering off the intake camshaft. The 4-speed automatic that was mated to

1537-600: The automatic transmission. They noted large amounts of torque steer from a dead stop. This was also the last year that the Buick sourced 3.0 L engine would be available in the Grand Am, as it was discontinued in mid-1987. New for styling were composite front headlights, but only on the LE models. For 1988, front seat belts were moved from the b-pillars to the doors, to meet the passive restraint mandate for 1989. The LD2 engine became available for Grand Am's in 1988, replacing

1590-526: The base engine, and a new Turbocharged four-cylinder engine taken from the Sunbird GT. The 2.0 L turbo engine became the base engine for the SE model for 1987. Cars with the turbo engine received a turbo boost gauge in the place of the voltmeter. A test by Popular Mechanics for quarter-mile acceleration with the Turbo engine resulted with the 5-speed manual taking 15.73 seconds and 16.02 seconds with

1643-959: The bumper. Engine and transmission offerings were the same as 1973, but four-speed manual transmissions were no longer offered in California, where only the Turbo Hydra-matic automatic was available. Inside, the genuine African crossfire mahogany trim on the instrument panel was replaced by a simulated material due to delamination problems on the 1973 models but the real wood was continued on the center console, optional console clock, and radio bezel. Engine choices were 400 cu in (6.6 L) 2-barrel single exhaust producing 190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS), 400 cubic inch 4-barrel single exhaust producing 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS), 400 cubic inch 4-barrel dual exhaust producing 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS), and 455 cubic inch 4-barrel dual exhaust producing 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS). Sales were down more than 50 percent due to

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1696-518: The center console between the front seats. Grand Ams also were among the first U.S.-built cars with a turn-signal mounted headlight dimmer switch that had been common on imported cars for decades. Other standard equipment included concealed windshield wipers, a 1.12 in (28 mm) front stabilizer bar, and an in-the-windshield radio antenna. Upscale options included air conditioning, tinted glass, power windows-locks-seat, rear defogger, various sound systems, and tilt-steering-wheel. AM/FM stereo with

1749-418: The engine to the less powerful LD2 Quad 4. The 16-inch wheels moved from the option list to standard equipment for the SE's this year. The LE gained a 'Sport Performance Package' (RPO: W32) late in the 1990 model year run. The W32 option included SE ground effects (minus wheel well flares), the same standard (as well as optional) "SE" drive train, 14-inch aluminum wheels, a larger front larger sway bar, and

1802-632: The first year of production. The Grand Am could be had with a standard 2-bbl 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engine with single exhaust producing 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS), an optional 4-bbl version of this engine with single exhaust producing 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) that was only available with a 4-speed manual transmission, an optional 4-bbl version of this engine with dual exhaust producing 230 hp (172 kW; 233 PS), or an optional 4-bbl 455 cu in (7.5 L) with dual exhaust 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS). The engine displacement, expressed in liters,

1855-488: The first year that the Grand A-inch could be ordered with either 16-inch wheels or a factory-installed CD player. NHSTA safety ratings for frontal crashes are as follows: Driver: 3-stars; Passenger: 4-stars. Changes were minor for 1990 and 1991; For 1990, a new High-Output version of the Quad 4 (mated to only a 5-speed manual) became the standard engine for the SE. Opting for the automatic transmission changed

1908-502: The four-barrel Pontiac 301 V8 with 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) the only engine offered in 49 states or, in California, the 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) Chevrolet 305 V8. Slow sales of the Grand Am led to its discontinuation after the 1980 model year. In the first year of the NASCAR Busch Series (1982) the championship was won by Jack Ingram in a 1980 Grand Am. For the 1985 model year, Pontiac reused

1961-511: The fuel economy. Described as "The mid-sized Pontiac with Foreign Intrigue ... American Ingenuity" on the front cover of the four-page 1974 Grand Am brochure that featured a green four-door sedan, only minor styling changes highlighted this year's model including a redesigned nose and grille with 12 openings with horizontal bars. The 1974 Grand Am's rear-end styling was redesigned for the new 5 mph crash standards and had vertical rear taillights with relocated license plate and fuel filler above

2014-423: The hood, but the option was dropped due to the inability to pass federally mandated drive-by noise standards. A few functional Ram Air systems were sold over the counter. The twin-scoop NACA hood was an option for any Pontiac A-body for all three years, but was non-functional. In a Popular Mechanics Owners survey, 67% rated the build quality as good to excellent and 79% liked the handling. However, 22.1% disliked

2067-411: The link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grand_Am&oldid=615427140 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Pontiac Grand Am The platform began development intended to be

2120-408: The next generation GTO , but the muscle car era was drawing to a close. Pontiac decided to make this model America's answer to European luxury sports sedans . The Grand Am name was derived from two other Pontiacs; "Grand" signifying Grand Prix luxury, and "Am" for Trans Am performance. The first generation Grand Am featured innovations that included a deformable urethane nose (an evolution of

2173-417: The normal trim revisions and the demotion of the standard powertrain to a Buick 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 and floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. The 301 V8, rated at 135 hp (101 kW; 137 PS) with a two-barrel carburetor or 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) with four-barrel, and Turbo Hydra-matic transmission were now optional. In terms of appearance,

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2226-551: The only difference was that the park/signal and marker lenses were changed to amber ones. New for 1979 was a four-speed manual available with the 150-horsepower 301 four-barrel in 49 states. In California, only an automatic transmission was available and engine offerings included the standard Buick 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 engine with two-barrel carburetor and 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) or optional Chevrolet 305 V8 rated at 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) with four-barrel carb. The wood-grained instrument panel

2279-576: The previous model year's 3.0 L V6 on the options list. It is worth noting that 'Sport buckets' borrowed from the Trans Am GTA, were added to the options list this year for SE's. Other options included a Driver Information Center, an electric trunk release, and a moon roof. The base model was dropped after this model year. A totally new front and rear fascia along with an interior redesign for 1989. The 2.5 L gained balance shafts and an increase of power. The 2.3 L 'LD2' Quad 4 replaced

2332-404: The rollover standards (that were not enacted). In addition to Federal emissions regulations, new safety 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 1973 oil crisis caused a dichotomy of buyers: total luxury or total economy. Since Grand Am

2385-500: The standard roofline with louvered rear side windows, Grand Am coupes with the optional vinyl roof could be ordered with a full triangular rear side window or a vertical opera window similar to that found on the Grand Prix. Inside, the Strato bucket seats received revised vertical trim patterns, the adjustable lumbar support controls were dropped, and only the passenger seat had a recliner, a "safety practice" which would continue at GM for

2438-628: Was a 4-bbl 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) version, along with numerous extra cost items such as snowflake wheels, whitewall or white-lettered tires, power windows and seats, tilt steering wheel, sunroof, and cruise control. In California, where more stringent emission regulations made Pontiac V8 engines unavailable since 1977, Chevrolet V8 engines were substituted including a standard 135 hp (101 kW; 137 PS) 305 cu in (5.0 L) V8 with two-barrel carburetor or optional four-barrel version with 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS). Very few changes were made for 1979 other than

2491-437: Was an "in-between", its sales declined and the model was discontinued in 1975. 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 America's answer to European luxury/sport sedans and available as a four-door Colonnade sedan or a two-door Colonnade coupe . A total of 43,136 Grand Ams were built during

2544-415: Was displayed on the bootlid in an effort to accentuate the car's supposedly European character. All engines were available with a Turbo-hydramatic 400 automatic transmission as standard equipment. A 4-speed manual transmission was available with the 400/4-bbl engine in 1973 and 1974, but this was not popular. The 1973 Pontiac Grand Am style had a unique flexible urethane front fascia center nose (known as

2597-586: Was later replaced by the Pontiac G6 , so named as it was intended to be the 6th generation of the Grand Am. All 1973 through 1975 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant. The 1978-1980 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant and in Atlanta, Georgia at GMAD Lakewood. All Grand Ams between 1985 and 2005 were built in Lansing, Michigan at

2650-620: Was one of only three GM cars to have standard radial tires and appropriate suspension tuning in 1973, with the others being the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon and Chevrolet Monte Carlo S. The Grand Am included Strato bucket seats upholstered in Naugahyde vinyl or corduroy cloth featuring manual recliners and adjustable lumbar supports - both features common on European-style sports/luxury sedans, but unusual for American cars of that time. Also included were an instrument panel from

2703-471: Was redesigned for 1999. Available engines: Available transmissions: Available in late spring 1998, the basic design of the fifth-generation Grand Am was shared with the Oldsmobile Alero (also new for 1999) and Chevrolet Malibu (introduced in 1996). The length was shortened slightly, but the wheelbase grew by more than three inches (76 mm). The suspension was now fully independent, with

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2756-420: Was replaced by brushed aluminum trim, while the gauge faces changed from silver with black letters and numbers to black with white letters and numbers. The same seating choices in either cloth or Morrokide trims were offered including the standard notchback bench seat, or optional 60/40 bench or Strato bucket seats with console. An AM/FM CB radio combo was available and a heated rear window was optional. In 1979,

2809-534: Was standard, while a 3.0 L Buick V6 was optional. A 5-speed manual was standard, and a 3-speed automatic was optional, the latter required if the V6 engine was ordered. In 1986, a sedan and sportier SE trim were added. The SE trim had the V6 engine standard, lower body cladding, composite headlamps, a slightly revised interior with the different cloth used on all seats and door panel inserts, analog instrumentation (base and LE models had digital), and included 14-inch aluminum wheels. 1987 models brought more power to

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