It's odd that GM would discontinue Pontiac's best-selling car, but that's just what it did with the Grand Am. The 2005 Grand Am is the last production year for this model, which would be refashioned into the G6 sedan for 2006. For this reason, all Grand Am sedan models were discontinued in 2005 except for fleet use. Only a GT and GT1 coupe were available to the buying public.

Since it now came only as a GT, the engine was the 3.4-liter, 175-hp Ram Air V6 with four-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented coupe featured a sports suspension, 16-inch wheels, and large anti-sway bars, but a new SC/T package for the GT1 added a lot of superficial extras, such as a spoiler, sunroof, leather seats, chrome wheels and exhaust tips, and SC/T badging. Other standard features included ABS brakes, traction control, dual front airbags, power driver's seat, daytime running lights, and remote entry. Being a coupe, the rear legroom was a bit tight for adults, as was access to the backseat. The trunk was adequately sized, however, and could be expanded with fold-down seats.

The 2005 Grand Am was as popular as ever, so perhaps Pontiac was simply trying to refresh its lineup by getting rid of the 32-year-old classic name. Owners liked the fast and peppy V6 as well as the sporty handling. They also loved the car's aggressive look, the roomy interior, and the cockpit-like front seat. An affordable price attracted a lot of first-time buyers. But the Grand Am has long suffered from mechanical problems, particularly with brake pads and rotors that wear out too easily and coolant leaks due to a faulty intake manifold. Other complaints focus on the small trunk lid, uncomfortable seats, and the need for more horsepower.