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Pontiac Grand Am fortified with perks added inside and out
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Push pedal to carpet in any variation of Pontiac's best-selling compact coupe or sedan and feel more thrust from a new base engine.
Grand Am surges off a stoplight's starting line now, adding goosy throttle action throughout lower gears.
Despite this muscular expansion, don't expect to hear the deep-throat bravado because Grand Am carries a new instrument panel and extensive sound-deadening systems designed to make the interior environment far more quiet than previous issues.
Changes for 1996 models go even further, though, because designers at the sport-skewed Pontiac Division of General Motors addressed a number of previous problems inherent in Grand Am.
Pontiac's most popular car carried problems?
To be frank, Grand Am did have a few, although for the most part consumer gripes about this car could be classified as minor complaints.
For instance, last year's editions provided but one airbag up front (as if protection of a front passenger wasn't as important as for driver), and front riders had to contend with pesky door-mounted seatbelts rather than more convenient belts that attached to the car's center pillars.
Also, instruments seemed difficult to read, controls for such items as the climate system felt cumbersome to operate, the foot-operated parking brake was a carry-over from yesteryear, while audio packages were not competitive with contemporary alternatives.
Too many powertrain choices littered the order forms for Grand Am, and one engine even had an outmoded 3-speed automatic transmission which sapped performance.
Test any of the 1996 Grand Am models, and you won't encounter such problems.
Instead, with subtle improvements what Grand Am serves up are pleasing combinations of power, comfort, performance -- and price.
Models for 1996 come down to a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan equipped with base SE or sporty GT trim elements.
Within this range, Grand Am can be many different cars.
With base 4-cylinder engine and standard 5-speed manual shifter in 2-door coupe configuration Grand Am SE provides a competitive economy model where the sticker figure totals to $13,999, plus $500 for freight to a dealer.
With optional V6 engine and smooth 4-speed automatic transaxle, the Grand Am SE 4-door sedan suggests practical family transportation for a figure that falls below $16,000.
With Grand Am GT you get a sport-tuned suspension, big 16-inch tires mounted on 3-spoke cast aluminum wheels, rear decklid spoiler and aero-style exterior elements, plus additional interior perks like air conditioning -- all for a base price of $16,500 including freight fee.
Improvements for 1996 issues fall into the categories of exterior trim changes, interior conveniences and an extensive list of safety items added.
Check out Grand Am's outward appearance and you may detect the addition of new fascias fore and aft, a new front grille with horizontal vents, along with subtle changes in front hood and tail design for a smoother and cleaner look.
In addition, new halogen headlamps, constructed with clear polycarbonate lenses in front of chromed parabolic reflectors, integrate four optic functions into a single unit that looks clean and sleek.
For increased visibility, new daytime running lamps mean headlights operate at low intensity anytime the vehicle moves in forward gear.
To foil thieves, Grand Am gets GM's PASSLock ignition system whereby the engine locks up unless activated by a special electronically-coded key.
And for the first time this car requires but a single key to access engine as well as door and trunk locks.
Inside, Grand Am's new instrument panel, strengthened with tubular steel for greater rigidity and less squeaks, houses a second airbag added for front passenger.
A package of analog gauges in the new panel includes a bold tachometer mounted to the left of the speedometer, with flanking fuel and temperature gauges and warning lights.
Clever ventilation outlets now use spherical ball and socket devices which move through the range of motion without rattle-prone louvers.
Ergonomics play an important role in the placement and function of all knobs and controls for new Grand Am models. Controls for climate system and optional power windows and standard power door locks now have back-lighted illumination during nighttime operation.
Thankfully, a hand-operated parking brake lever was included with the new center console, where new integrated dual cupholders are positioned for front riders.
What about Grand Am's driving attributes?
It's actually quite fun to drive with either engine.
The new 2.4-liter in-line-4, with dual overhead cams and balanced shafts, earns a power rating of 150 hp.
This one snaps off the line in easy-shifting sequences when using the manual stick due to increased torque in lower gear ranges.
An optional 3.1-liter V6 with 4-speed automatic produces only five additional horsepower, although its strength stems from even more zip with off-the-line action and smooth operation through all speeds.
Rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes add to the lively performance of Grand Am.
My Texas trials of both engines and transmissions installed in pre-production editions occurred in suburban reaches of San Antonio with little traffic around so I could let 'em rip and see what happens with hard-corner steering, severe braking and quick-to-move acceleration tests.
Improvements over previous Grand Am versions were obvious: These Pontiacs now rival import competitors in terms of performance, handling, interior comfort and conveniences provided, plus incorporated safety features.
The fact that Grand Am beats the pack with value-added pricing seals the bargain.
1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM Specs |
| Description: |
Compact coupe, sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact coupe, sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
103.4 inches |
| Overall Length: |
Coupe: 186.9 inches
Sedan: 187.3 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.4-L I-4
OHV 3.1-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4
V6: Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Disc/drum |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I-4 M/5: 23/33 mpg
V6 A/4: 21/29 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 14,500 to $ 16,500 |
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