Following what must have been a long list of complaints about the high output Quad 4, Pontiac drops this engine choice in the 1995 Grand Am. The two-door coupe and four-door sedan now have the option of a retooled I4 designed for a smoother, quieter ride, or the holdover V6 from last year.
The new 2.3 I4 now gets 150-hp and is standard in the SE and GT with a 5-speed manual transmission. For more power, owners suggest the optional 3.1, 155-hp V6 with 4-speed automatic avaialable with the GT. There is no manual option for this engine. Also new for the 1995 Grand Am, the GT gets variable assist steering, and the rear suspension has been reworked for a sturdier ride. Base model SE coupes and sedans come with such features as fog lights, power locks, and driver front airbags, but air conditioning and ABS brakes are part of the option list. These come standard in the GT trims, which add a rear spoiler and center console. The coupe makes it even sportier with a tachometer and ground effects. Drivers of the 1995 Grand Am say it is a fun ride, especially at highway speeds. Acceleration with the V6 is immediate, and there is an overall sporty feeling behind the wheel. Lots of passenger and trunk room, comfy seats, and a stylish look make up the list of plusses for the Grand Am. One of the biggest complaints seems to be persistently maddening squeaking and rattling in the dashboard. Others report problems with the lower intake manifold.