1999 Pontiac Grand AM SE engine hesitating
1999 Pontiac Grand AM SE starts fine, but has a miss to it, will only go to 10- 15 miles per hour
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1999 Pontiac Grand Am Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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As though ambushed by the Extreme Makover crew, the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am gets a new body, more Grand Prix-like styling, and a whole new set of trim styles for its fifth generation. Though shorter in overall length, a longer wheelbase and pushed-out wheels help provide a sturdier, more stable ride. Bigger front brakes add extra safety, and an all-new stiffer chassis with four-wheel independent suspension guarantees less highway shudder than previous models. New ribbed lower cladding and body-colored moldings beef up the attitude and sporty styling. The interior has also been reworked, with a whole new dash design and seats that are set higher for better comfort and visibility. Still available as a coupe or sedan, the 1999 Grand Am adds some new trim names, whose differences lie mainly in their standard feature offerings. SE and SE1 share the old 2.4-liter, Twin Cam, 150-hp I4 engine. The SE2, GT, and GT1 are powered by a new 3.4-liter, 170-hp V6. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available in 1999. Standard across the line are ABS brakes, traction control, power locks, tachometer, and daytime running lights. A rear spoiler, cruise control, and power windows are added as you go up the line. The looks and style of the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am earn praise from owners, who like the new engine power and improved acceleration response. Traction control has also been improved. Unfortunately, the Grand Am is still saddled with a long list of repair problems, including the quickly worn brake pads and rotors, and a new problem with window regulators. Overall build quality is heavily criticized. More minor complaints focus on the poor cupholder placement and a not particularly roomy interior.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
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by Anonymous
Feb 21, 2013
over all not a bad car, Ive had my ups and downs with it . the few things that have repeatedly gone wrong were a little pricy but not horrible.. makes a decent family car for sure pretty spacy.. but im not a fan of the quad 4 engine......Feb 21, 2013
by Danny S
Oct 30, 2012
this is my first car ive ever bought and i do not regret it it runs great and its very spacious and cool looking but there are some issues with it but that just comes with all the cars overall though this is a very good car and its better on gas than i thought it gives me about 30-35 MPGOct 30, 2012
by Kyle V
Mar 28, 2012
Pretty quick car stock. Nothing spectacular. Enough to have a little fun in it. Good build quality. Electrical is kind of a pain. Gas mileage is really good. Fun to drive and interior is nice. Comfy and exterior looks good.Mar 28, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 21, 2013
over all not a bad car, Ive had my ups and downs with it . the few things that have repeatedly gone wrong were a little pricy but not horrible.. makes a decent family car for sure pretty spacy.. but im not a fan of the quad 4 engine......Feb 21, 2013
by Danny S
Oct 30, 2012
this is my first car ive ever bought and i do not regret it it runs great and its very spacious and cool looking but there are some issues with it but that just comes with all the cars overall though this is a very good car and its better on gas than i thought it gives me about 30-35 MPGOct 30, 2012
by Kyle V
Mar 28, 2012
Pretty quick car stock. Nothing spectacular. Enough to have a little fun in it. Good build quality. Electrical is kind of a pain. Gas mileage is really good. Fun to drive and interior is nice. Comfy and exterior looks good.Mar 28, 2012
by Meryelin T
Feb 29, 2012
The handling is great. The brakes are decent but doesn't seem to last long. The car is really fun to drive, it have a Great Car Apperance, great car in the snow, because of the power.
I have a V6 which means extra power.
The interior it's ok, but the seats are not too comfortableFeb 29, 2012
by Dustin F
Nov 03, 2011
The Grand Am is a great small family starter car. Do not get the 4 cylinder, its
under powered and the V6 gets better mileage because of the extra power. We
have had some bad luck with engines but other than that it has been a good car.
Best part is that its now paid for!Nov 03, 2011
by Matt T
Oct 31, 2010
Car has 160,000 mile on it with only little problems. My wife drives tyhis car every day and she loves it. Its good on most all road conditions. The only thing that went wrong with the car is I had to put a power steering hose on and a ABS box in it. Car has all around good performance with good acceleration, good braking, and it handles like a race car.Oct 31, 2010
by Leo M
Dec 29, 2009
Good car, it hugs to the road nicely. It is a very fast car for a V-6. It has cost me a bit to maintain because of the amount I drive and the previous driver had poor maintence skills. This is overall a very affordable car that has that power when needed.Dec 29, 2009
by Matt F
Nov 11, 2009
Performance: 7.5 0-60 amazing handling, great braking
Build: 4 of 5, needs paint
Appearance: front bumper is wrong color, interior great, exterior
Cost: $350 to buy, not much to fix 23 mpg
Fun: ok to drive a little girly being redNov 11, 2009
by Marcus W
Oct 06, 2009
Its a decent car. Its pretty fast for what it is. I have beat many of cars that i didnt think i would. Like a new lincoln an impala a cavilier with an eco-tech 2.2 5 speed manual. I think it is a great car and i would definatly buy another one but i would not beat it as hard because it can only handle it for so long. I only had 145000 on mine but it had a hard life.Oct 06, 2009
by Jake S
Sep 30, 2009
Its an amazing car. It looks great, has decent performance, the quality is great, havent had to fix anything. Cost of ownership is low, I have the 4 cylinder engine, and it is a very fun car to drive and well worth the money.Sep 30, 2009
by Nessa C
Aug 09, 2009
Ok i really dont know what to say so.... its got speed to it, handles really well, isnt really that good on gas....mainly cuz its a 3.4 L.... but other than that its my baby and i love itAug 09, 2009
by Shaun B
Jul 09, 2009
This has been a great everyday car. Decent performance for its time. Overall observed fuel economy is around 25 MPG in the summer and 22 MPG in the winter. With over 193K miles, cost of ownership has been very resonable.Jul 09, 2009
by Dustin O
Jul 06, 2009
3800 turbo swap 600+hp this car is nowhere near stock and can never return to stock. check it out on cardomain look for zerogt and the 3800 turbo grand am. check it out for build pics and other projects. Jul 06, 2009
by Tyler T
Mar 27, 2009
Nice, quick affordable American 2 door. Gets mid 20's gas mileage. Once they get near 150k miles though they tend to have problems with power steering and heating or cooling systems along with window problems. This is a great starter car for someone.Mar 27, 2009
by Kyle H
Mar 18, 2009
Likes:
Good condition
Room to sit with comfort
Parts are cheap
Lots of aftermarket parts
American made
Only one like it in my area
Dislikes:
Front wheel drive
Needs a 3.8L or a Supercharger/Turbo
345,569KM nough said
Not 5-speedMar 18, 2009
by Dave B
Jan 26, 2009
The engine was really peppy in the city and passing on the highway. The handling was great. The brakes were pretty decent but didn't seem to last long. The front bumper is pretty low to the ground. The rims were alright but a little expensive to replace. The car was fun to drive around but the suspension was a little tough. The seats weren't very comfy and the ABS sensor was $300 to replace which broke because a rock kicked up. It was a great car in the snow. Jan 26, 2009
by Taylor R
Dec 28, 2008
fast acceleration and braking. Has a rod knocking and
power steering out. Before the needed repairs the car
had great performance. Is very fun to drive. Approx 23
MPG HWY. Had to replace front left and right struts.
Other than that it is an awesome car.Dec 28, 2008
by Dale G
Dec 11, 2008
Brakes wear out fast. I Like the fit, I'm 6'4" and have plenty of room. I like the spacious trunk, and fold down seats. Car handles well, low maintenance, great everyday driver. Good power for jumping ahead in traffic, but still gets reasonable mileage. Looks sharp, and still drives like it's new after almost 10 years. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend. Dec 11, 2008
by Matthew H
Sep 25, 2008
Good looking car. Fun to drive. Fairly good handling.
Horrible Cost to Own. Terrible resale value. Ok Gas Mileage. Always needing repairs to keep on the road. I really miss this car, but the cost and time time to fix it was a bit ridiculous. Poor motor design! 4K a year in repairs to maintain.
Wheel hub sensors, Lower intake manifold gasket leaks are major problems on this vehicleSep 25, 2008
by Frankie M
Sep 11, 2008
I love the car. Just that it has had its problems. I have replaced the engine twice it now has an 04 grand am engine in it and it runs pretty well. If u overlook the problems than its a sick car. very comfortable i have a good sound system in it.Sep 11, 2008
by Willie H
Jul 19, 2008
I got this car for my 16th birthday. Bought it with about 140,000 miles and it was in good shape. It ran pretty good, but i decided i wanted it to perform better so i put a cold air intake and a chip in it to make if perform better. It handles really well and it looks pretty good too. It gets around 23 mpg even when i have the gas pedal on the floor. I love driving this car because no one that i am friends with have a better overall car....looks, performance, and quality.Jul 19, 2008
by Candace S
Jul 14, 2008
I did not have a car at all and God blessed me with this one so I am very thankful for it and I feel its a great car. My husband bought it for 2thousand and it runs great and gets pretty decent gas mileage!Jul 14, 2008
by Ben D
Jun 19, 2008
Its a 4 cylinder grocery getter not the car for a single guyJun 19, 2008
by Aaron C
May 08, 2008
The car is awesome, I customized it when I worked at a body shop in college. Not black any more, but metallic black with coarse blue pearl. Interior trim is painted a metallic blue/purple, and not spray paint, but baked in the body shop oven. Kenwood deck, infinity speakers, kenwood amp, and infinity subs. Tinted windows also of course!! 3.4L V6 too making it even better! Its quite the car, and will always love it!May 08, 2008
by Paul H
Apr 06, 2008
Car has over 200, 000 km - still runs great.
One of the bast cars I've owned - was always reliable and was awesome in the snow. Apr 06, 2008
by Nick G
Mar 28, 2008
Good car. Reliable. Bought for better gas mileage.Mar 28, 2008
by Shaun L
Mar 26, 2008
As I said; it was nothing like the previous Grand-Am I owned. The sturdy distributor-less 2.4L 4-cylinder engine got between 35-38 MPG and still performed better than my V6 '95. It never had any problems, was fun to drive (despite not having cruise), and get this: it had 160,000 miles already on it when I bought it, and ran as if it were brand new. Good job, previous owners.Mar 26, 2008
by Daniel J
Mar 25, 2008
I have 167k on this little guy and et me tell you this car still has it. If you plan on getting this ride do your self a favor and buy the 2.4L ECOTec. Mar 25, 2008
by Miles V
Mar 20, 2008
Ignition went haywire on me and I've had to replace the alternator and egr valve and a couple odds and ends, but overall we love it! Good car.Mar 20, 2008
by Eric S
Mar 10, 2008
GM's build quality on passenger cars was way up on this model year, you usually can't buy the first model year of a car without problems. This car had them, but they were far less than any GM make I had ever owned. Two major flaws were the door seals and the placement of the alternator. The car tended to leak in heavy Florida rain and the heat along with that of the engine tended to bake the poor alternators to death in record time.Mar 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2008
This car has been a great fit for me. Sportier than other options in my price range, rides well, parts are cheap and easily found, ok on gas (25-28mpg country), decent stock speakers, looks surprisingly sharp when clean. Good internal layout and multidirectional vents. Had to get used to the key going in the dash instead of steering column, but I kind of like it now. Always starts within a second or two, even on the coldest Iowa day (is garaged). You do want the V6 for sure, runs great and I've heard there are fewer issue than the V4s.
Only significant non-maintenance repair I can recall is the A/C compressor clutch coil and seal which was over $300 total (not going to dealer again, ugh).
The side mirror's plastic cracks and mirror can eventually fall off (had a friend with same issue) but that's only $60 or so even with the electric ones.
Has a cigarette lighter fuse-blowing issue I haven't bothered to track down.
Underside front spoilers scrape on curbs and such and get torn up or broken easily. Dad has them bolted on pretty tight now.
Some drinks (24oz pop, thermos mug, etc) put in the left cupholder will stop the floor shifter from going all the way into Park. Only an issue if the other cupholder is unavailable.
Do get some good tires, can make all the difference with road noise and handling. I found Fuzion HRi's look good and work well for me, but the mileage rating is low. Feb 27, 2008
by Mark W
Feb 25, 2008
Altenator went twice in it . Also the intake gasket went lots of glitches in it Feb 25, 2008
by Dan O
Feb 11, 2008
When i got this car, i was kinda surprised to find that its little 3.1 v6 is pretty peppy, and that its not leaking oil like crazy, which is a common problem for those motors. The car is 2dr and green with grey interior. Feb 11, 2008
by Kyle L
Jan 11, 2008
handles great...can turn on a dime good breaks good get up and go for a automaticJan 11, 2008
by Josh D
Dec 27, 2007
Good Solid Car To Own.... Not Many Modifications / Aftermarket Accessories Available But This Gives You The Opportunity To Customize Pieces And Make Your Grand Am Your OwnDec 27, 2007
by Heather C
Dec 14, 2007
sportier looking than the grand prix se, handles pretty wellDec 14, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 31, 2007
problems with lights blowing,shorting out,engine light allways comes on its an all around headacheOct 31, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 06, 2007
The car looks great but has had more than its fair share of mechanical problems. This is my second Grand Am and my last.Oct 06, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 12, 2007
i have problems with coolant system often have changed water pump and thermostat is needed for change ..... wondering if it will stop now that it has begun to snowballAug 12, 2007
What users have asked
1999 Grand Am GT cranks no start
1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT that shut off randomly while driving, was filled to full shortly before shutoff. Spark at each plug/ignition coil. Fuel pump primes audibly and i got splashed a little while testing spark on one of the plugs so I believe the engine is getting fuel. Fuel relay is good. Saw online that an ac fuse can cause problems but all fuses test and look good. Also saw online that security system can cause problems and the security light on the dash is solid(people who have this issue typically have a flashing security light), tried to reset by leaving in ACC position for ten minutes, turned off, turned back to ACC for ten minutes, turned off, and tried to start again to no avail. OBDII reading shows no stored codes and the MAF is reading flow, RPM on the dash is still but OBDII shows rpm info going to the ECM. The car sounds like its on the verge of starting when at 5% throttle. Starting fluid in the airbox intake has no effect. Running out of Ideas and don't have the money to shotgun parts without certainty that it will fix the problem.
39 views
ac is not blowing cold
ac work for about a week after putting 2cANS OF R134 AND STOP LEAK IN AC UNIT
35 views
I have a 99 pontiac grand am se 3.4L V6. The issue is that it starts and idles fine but as soon as I go to accelerate it just shuts off. It did have overheating issues but right after I fixed those it started doing this. I replaced the cam position sensor and also the engine coolant temp sensor and it didnt help. I was thinking of replacing the ignition coil packs and housi g but not sure if that would fix it. There are no check engine lights or stored codes .
I have a 99 pontiac grand am se 3.4L V6. The issue is that it starts and idles fine but as soon as I go to accelerate it just shuts off. It did have overheating issues but right after I fixed those it started doing this. I replaced the cam position sensor and also the engine coolant temp sensor and it didnt help. I was thinking of replacing the ignition coil packs and housi g but not sure if that would fix it. There are no check engine lights or stored codes .
193 views
Coolant leak
I have a coolant leak on my pontiac Grand Am. I checked the hoses from the reservoir and the radiator but I can’t see where it could be leaking from those. Looking underneath it looks like it dripped down the front part of the trans pan and is dripping from there. Any other spots it could be leaking from? Or is there a hidden hose somewhere?
680 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am?Compare this car
1999 Pontiac Grand Am Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,595 to $21,495Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: 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
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
Shift knob trim: leather · 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
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
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
Shift knob trim: leather · 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
Shift knob trim: leather · 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
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
Shift knob trim: leather · 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
Shift knob trim: leather · 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent