1996 Pontiac Grand Am Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$13,999 to $15,999

Original MSRP

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expert review

3.9

avg user rating

(40 reviews)
1996 Pontiac Grand Am Preview summaryImage

How does a car with so many problems continue to be Pontiac's top seller for so many years? Perhaps because its flaws are outweighed by excellent highway performance and handling and a comfortable interior, according to 1996 Grand Am owners. For 1996, the Pontiac Grand Am gets more aggressive styling, with a new front end, including a new grille and headlights. Taillights and some body trim also get a new look. Inside, the dash has been redesigned, with the parking brake moved to the center console from the foot well. Now standard on both SE and GT models are ABS brakes, dual front airbags, anti-theft locks, variable effort power steering, and daytime running lights, in addition to the already standard power locks and fog lights.
A new Twin Cam 2.4-liter I4 engine replaces the now defunct DOHC Quad 4. It hits 150-hp and is paired with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. It is standard on both SE and GT trims. The optional 3.1, 155-hp V6 is unchanged in the 1996 Grand Am and still only comes with the auto tran. A new feature is traction control, which comes bundled with the auto tran option. The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am is a roomy family sedan that also makes a good commuter car because it drives well and has decent fuel economy, while still loaded with sufficient creature comforts. Drivers like its highway performance, sporty handling, and the sleek styling of the coupe. The Grand Am has suffered from a long list of repaithe car holds up well over the years, they note significant problems with the intake manifold, steering column, and early brake wear. There is also annoying rattling and squeaking from the dash, despite its redesign.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1996 Pontiac Grand Am

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by Anonymous
Feb 13, 2014
engine blew at 140miles, prolly because of the oil guy being a loser and failing to do his job.... everything else is really goood on it.... parts are cheap and there is alot of fiberglass on the fabrication of the car. makes it much more stable. it doesnt get scratched easy at all in my opion... im about to get a new engine w 10,000 miles on it so itll be new all over again ... yipeee ... so worth it yo p.s.im a chick but i know a decent amount about this car specifically lol its good to meeeeeee p.s imFeb 13, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 21, 2011
The acceleration is great, as well as the breaking and handling of the car. My car has needed repairs, but nothing major; at the most for a single repair was around $300. The appearance, especially when cleaned is almost like new, with a scraped patch of paint on the rear bumper that was there prior to my ownership. The maintenance for this car is average for a car as old as it is, maybe less due to its low mileage of only a bit over 88,000 miles. My car is great to drive around, simply because its a v6 and drives(handles, accelerates etc.) like a car half its age.Jun 21, 2011
by Jeffrey N
Oct 27, 2010
its nice and fast and nice and fast and nice and fast and nice and faster than yous the interior is nice it runs like a champ but the only problum with this car is it has a 3.1 in it that is not affraid to blow a head Oct 27, 2010

1996 Pontiac Grand Am Pricing

Original MSRP
$13,999 to $15,999
Price range
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Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Pontiac Grand Am price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Equalizer: graphic · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Equalizer: graphic · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)

Other years

1996 Pontiac Grand Am For Sale