2002 Pontiac Grand Am

A new console for 2002 has an integrated cupholder, GT models get new 16-inch five-spoke aluminum "torqued" wheels, with chrome tech wheels offered as an option. As before, GT coupes and sedans feature all-disc brakes, variable-effort power steering, and a tauter suspension with firmer bushings, solid anti-roll bars, and specific spring rates. Naturally, GTs look the part, with their color-keyed body cladding, decklid spoiler, twin-post outside mirrors, and unique front/rear fascias.

Mildly updated for '02, the Grand Am remains a 5-passenger front-driver in either coupe or sedan configuration. The four-cylinder offering is new while the V-6 carries over.

All Grand Am models feature antilock braking, air conditioning, programmable door locks (with lockout protection), and a tilt steering wheel. Battery-rundown protection also is provided. The EcoTec engine turns out to be quite energetic, as well as a smooth operator, except when attempting to accelerate along an uphill stretch. Pontiac's excellent automatic transmission also reacts smoothly most of the time, with no lurching or uncertainty. It nearly always seems to be in the correct gear for the occasion.


Quiet running is another bonus from the latest Grand Am, unlike the previous model, whose four-cylinder engine tended to unleash a rather harsh blare during aggressive acceleration. Ride and handling in the SE edition are pleasing thanks to the Grand Am's fully independent suspension which easily absorbs a fair share of pavement imperfections, though not as many as some rivals manage. Large bumps and holes can deliver a jolt, but the car recovers smartly, transmitting minimal annoyance to occupants. SEs are easy to drive, with predictable steering responses, but no one should mistake them for seriously sporty machines. Corners are taken well enough, but these cars aren't the most nimble of the lot. Even the boldly styled GT, with its tauter suspension components, has its limitations when the road starts to twist and turn.

The lone interior update is a console/cupholder redesign. Standard features include air conditioning, programmable door locks (with lockout protection) and a tilt steering wheel.

A cockpit-like interior features large gauges that are fully calibrated and exceptionally easy to read at a glance. Front occupants enjoy plenty of headroom on somewhat firm seats. The driving position is satisfying, though over-the-shoulder visibility isn't the best. Trunk space is good, but it's necessary to raise luggage rather high for loading.


Grand Ams face plenty of competition in the compact-car segment, but only a handful of rivals come in two-door coupe form as well as the four-door sedan body style. Dramatic and expressive styling was one goal for the current generation, but so were value and fun-to-drive qualities. Consumers continue to fall for the second-smallest Pontiac, making it the company's best-selling model by far—though sales dropped by more than 8 percent during 2000. (www.pontiac.com)