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1998 Pontiac Grand Am Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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What does it say about a car that generates so many reliability complaints and yet still manages to be the top-selling brand of its automaker? More precisely, what does it say about the other cars this automaker offers? The 1998 Pontiac Grand AM is an affordable four-door sedan or two-door coupe that has an adequately kicky engine and attractive styling, but has suffered from a series of unaddressed problems.
No changes for 1998, as the Grand Am prepares to unveil its fifth generation cars in the coming year. Both the SE and GT sedan and coupe come standard with a 2.4-liter, Twin Cam, 150-hp I4 or an optional 3.1-liter, 155-hp V6. A 5-speed manual is standard on the I4, a 4-speed automatic on the V6 (or optional on the I4). With the auto tran comes standard traction control. Other standard features across the line include ABS brakes, dual front airbags, air conditioning, interior consoles, and an anti-theft system.
For such a long list of complaints about the 1998 Grand Am, it's hard to see why it is GM's top selling car, but there seem to be many owners who love its deceptively sporty styling, responsive acceleration power, and a pricetag and gas mileage that make it an inexpensive car to own. That is, if you don't experience the myriad of mechanical difficulties other 1997 Grand Am owners complain about, most notably with the alternator, intake manifold leaks, and easily worn brake pads. Though drivers like the roomy trunk and the way the dash is laid out, others complain that cheap plastic parts break off too easily and the seats are too body-hugging to be comfortable on long trips.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Pontiac Grand Am
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by Brenda A
Jan 19, 2015
It's a really good car for fuel economy, doesn't waste much gas especially on long trips, it's a reliable car it will take you to work safely, but it's not a very good car for big families 5 people can fit in the car relatively enough spaceJan 19, 2015
by Kenny O
Oct 02, 2012
biggest P.O.S. I ever owned. Was a Headache from the moment I began driving it. The 3.1 V6 is the worst motor GM ever conceived. I will never even dream of buying another. I wish I still had it so I could set fire to it.Oct 02, 2012
by Travis P
Feb 28, 2012
Mild acceleration, weak braking, aggressive cornering, blah interior. It's really hard
to find aftermarket parts, anything performance parts wise is nothing but a
headache. You'll have to spend a ton of money to get a lot of power or just deal
with the fact of not having any. Prices are cheap, fairly reliable. Overall not bad
for a cheaper used carFeb 28, 2012
User rating:
by Brenda A
Jan 19, 2015
It's a really good car for fuel economy, doesn't waste much gas especially on long trips, it's a reliable car it will take you to work safely, but it's not a very good car for big families 5 people can fit in the car relatively enough spaceJan 19, 2015
by Kenny O
Oct 02, 2012
biggest P.O.S. I ever owned. Was a Headache from the moment I began driving it. The 3.1 V6 is the worst motor GM ever conceived. I will never even dream of buying another. I wish I still had it so I could set fire to it.Oct 02, 2012
by Travis P
Feb 28, 2012
Mild acceleration, weak braking, aggressive cornering, blah interior. It's really hard
to find aftermarket parts, anything performance parts wise is nothing but a
headache. You'll have to spend a ton of money to get a lot of power or just deal
with the fact of not having any. Prices are cheap, fairly reliable. Overall not bad
for a cheaper used carFeb 28, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2011
Not Much to really to dislike it gets me all over for work and vacation trips with no problems go back and forth everywhere and it still gets comment cause now these cars are disappearing...pontiac fan for life lol..:)Dec 22, 2011
by Craig J
Oct 07, 2011
Performance- acceleration is average, braking needs improvement, handling is
pretty good.
It sucks and it needs to be better. Not worth the price paid for it. No it is not fun to
drive. Suck it lol my car sucks l.Oct 07, 2011
by Rick O
Sep 23, 2010
very good family car and very good mileage. would trust this vehicle on any given road trip. low mileage makes this vehicle well worth having. appearance of this vehicle is in great shape considering the year. a very fun car to drive, has plenty of pick for a 3.0 6 cylinder engineSep 23, 2010
by Austin M
Jun 04, 2010
The performance is incredible, coming from the age of the car. The 2.4L engine really has the kick it needs. The build quality is nice. The appearance is nice, not as sporty as the newer Grand Am's or Grand Prix's, but its still a Pontiac! The gas mileage is alright, about 27ish highway. It did need some maintenance when I first got it, but that was just an oil change, and that cheap easy stuff. All in All this car is pretty good.Jun 04, 2010
by Alex P
Dec 04, 2009
This car was a nice solid car for the highway. Had good accelleration, very comfortable. The repairs although parts were very cheap were becomming far to frequent. This car looked fabulous and could be pretty fun to drive. started to degrade near the 175k markDec 04, 2009
by Andrew I
Nov 05, 2009
Despite being a compact car, the Grand Am still has the feel and power of a midrange sports car while being economical at the same time. The 3100 SFI V6 has plenty of power to get you where you need to go quickly; it even sounds good, too. It handles remarkably well, although despite the ABS, the braking leaves a little bit to be desired. High quality brake pads are recommended.
This car is of a solid build quality, and despite GM's goofy layouts, the car is still easy enough to work on by yourself. It's a strong, solid performer and has tirelessly stood up to LONG trips, deep snow, and hard driving without batting an eye!
It is a 2-door, and although it's slightly lacking on interior room, the exterior styling is clean and aggressive. It has lots of trunk space. The interior room is minimal, but for a two door, it can still comfortably fit 4 people.
The Grand Am gets decent gas mileage, especially when driving at a constant speed for prolonged periods of time. On a full tank of gas, it can easily make 350 miles of easy driving.
This car is lots of fun to drive with the exception of it being a front-wheel-drive platform. It can take quick, hard turns; loud, tire-squealing take-offs; spirited highway driving; and easy, Sunday morning rides while still being completely comfortable. There isn't a whole lot of aftermarket support for 4th gen. Grand Am's, but for what is available, this car can instantly become very exciting.
It hasn't needed any major repairs since I've owned it, other than simple maintenance (brake job, oil change, air filter, etc.). This car is very easy to maintain, and if properly cared for, it will last a LONG time.Nov 05, 2009
by Mitchell R
Oct 18, 2009
I've been thru alot with this Car..Has both a rebuilt motor and tranny! Ive replaced number of things on this car, and done some cosmetic work to it.
As Far as Performance It has a 2.4 Twin Cam I-4 Motor..Before the rebuild, it was making 150hp and 160tq..Now..After rebuild, with a taller compression ratio, K&N Cone filter and performance muffler..I'd say 180hp and about 190tq to the most..Not bad for a car with ECU limits, and exhaust restrictions. But dont judge this car..It can beat my Dad's Stock BMW 325i, i've beatin every honda i've ever raced.. Only cars that ive raced and lost..Were A Cobalt SS (turbo) And Subaru WRX (Turbo, with mods)
Now for Build Quality..Sucks ass..Like major..And i dont mean things break..I mean things are really hard to work on and replace when needed..Pain in the ASS!
Appearance...I'd give the outside a 6 (maybe) of 1-10, and Interior, a 7-8..Its really clean and no tears or random stains ;)
Cost of Ownership? As far as Insurance..For me is about 110 A month..And gas is really good..But the way i drive..It sucks. I normally get 280 miles to a tank.
Fun factor? No..Its a FWD car with an auto tranny, and things break to easily..so no..No fun..
But it gets me to point A to B :)Oct 18, 2009
by Bill N
Oct 12, 2009
it runs great its real real fast for hte most part it dont run anywhere near to a camaro or anything but for what it is it is fast its very fun to drive since its 5 speed ive only had few problems with it since i bought it to Oct 12, 2009
by Lori C
Jul 13, 2009
I loves this CAR!!! It was my very first, and I cried when I had to watch it being pulled from a Ditch... :( This car was great on gas, and awesome handled well in the winter... Hooked on Pontiacs for sureJul 13, 2009
by Alex O
May 15, 2009
I was VERY rough on this car. It handled surprisingly well,
and it definitely wasn't slow. The transmission started to
go out fairly quickly, but it wasn't surprising considering
how rough I was on it. It got fairly good gas mileage, and
at a time when gas was $4.00 a gallon that was important.May 15, 2009
by Ryan W
Dec 30, 2008
good strong engine but lacks being realiabley ,to replace a water pump in this car it cost me over 300 bucks for a 50 dollar part. i had the 2.4l which was very strong and fast in a 5 speed.Dec 30, 2008
by Amelia L
Dec 11, 2008
I love my car because it is so fast!! The way I push in the peddle and it just rides makes me giddy. It only cost me 2 grand! Unfortunately for me the breaks blew and now I sadly have no more vehicle. :( Dec 11, 2008
by Josh F
Aug 10, 2008
Im loving it so far. im having a fun time driving stick shift, and she has fast acceleration. I love the interior and exterior design of the car, and the color black is sweet for a car. I enjoy and am so far having fun driving this magnificent beast around town.Aug 10, 2008
by Ben P
Aug 09, 2008
its an ok car, nothing to specail. is pretty fast of the line with no upgrades or turbo. the color and the seats could diffinitly be new. it has 182,000 miles and hasnt needed to many repairs. its a fun car to screw around in if you have nothing better to doAug 09, 2008
by Clay C
Aug 06, 2008
strut is bad on front right need to replace it and over all prefonmance it does pretty good it holds up and always gets us through i got i from a friend for free and the car is very fun to drive my dad and family call it the blue rocket!!!Aug 06, 2008
by Gene G
Jun 24, 2008
Around for 30 years before getting the axe, the Pontiac Grand Am was one of GM's best-selling vehicles. As much of a seller as it was, the Grand Am was plagued with poor resale and trade values, for reasons I am unaware of. Biggest problem I found was brake and fuel systems, which seemed to need constant maintenance. Other than that, the car experience a wide array of wear-and-tear problems at only 40,000+ miles. Styling and sportiness was nice. If you don't mind the occassional trip to the garage, and not much money back when you trade in, this is the cool, underrated, sporty car for you.Jun 24, 2008
by Avery Y
Jun 21, 2008
very good car if it's lasted ten yearsJun 21, 2008
by Bill N
Jun 13, 2008
its just okay...Jun 13, 2008
by Josh V
Jun 06, 2008
its very nice and clean for age
Jun 06, 2008
by Alex S
Jun 02, 2008
great car for the priceJun 02, 2008
by Cassandra W
May 29, 2008
Everything in it is breaking slowly. I am up to my neck in repairs for this car. I have now noticed rust forming under the wheel fenders. I had to replace the driver's side window-and that still does not work properly. I have noticed that my performance is decreasing with age and the amount of repairs needed. My favorite part of my car is the seats, they are in great condition. My car can be pretty fun to drive when she really wants to give me all shes got!May 29, 2008
by Shawn F
May 17, 2008
This car was good, but i soon realized that the cars sat way to close to the ground.May 17, 2008
by Todd E
May 13, 2008
i miss getting in trouble behind the wheelMay 13, 2008
by Kelsey F
Apr 23, 2008
A piston broke on this car so we scrapped it out, everything that could go wrong with this car did. There was a computer malfunction, so it would randomly die on me while driving. I got really good at putting it in neutral flipping the key, restarting then putting it into drive again while driving still. It was pretty bomb how fast I was. :)Apr 23, 2008
by Casey K
Mar 24, 2008
More comfortable then the Cobalt, more leg room, 4 door, i have this beast broken in!!!Mar 24, 2008
by David M
Feb 02, 2008
Well, its a grand am, but it was quick after a Supercharger and a few mods. It was lowered and had the 18" Enkei rims on it. I Put Underglow Neons on it.Feb 02, 2008
by Eddie M
Jan 10, 2008
ive had it since november and it runs greatJan 10, 2008
by Kevin Y
Jan 08, 2008
dosnt look like much but put the 6 in her and she can screamJan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2007
Like this car, just a low frills car.Aug 20, 2007
What users have asked
Will a 4 cylinder transmission adapt to a v6 98 grand am
Will a 4 cylinder transmission adapt to a v6 grand am?
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Why won't my car start?
I changed my plugs and coil under the intake because it was skipping. After I put it back together and tried it, it backfired and wouldn't start. Now it just spins and spins. The injectors are firing it has plenty of fuel pressure. It just won't crank. It has a 2.4
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1998 Pontiac Grand Am Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,399 to $16,999Price 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
Comfort Features
Shift knob 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
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
Shift knob 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 · Headlights: Auto on/off
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
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