Cranks but won't start
2002 Pontiac Grand Am won't start unless you spray starting fluid in it and stayed running
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2002 Pontiac Grand Am Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Since its redesign in 1999, the Pontiac Grand Am has fared somewhat better in the reliability department, while increasing its cache as a sporty, dynamic yet practical family car. As a sedan or coupe, its styling has become much more sleek, and engine performance and overall handling have been improved with a more rigid body and expanded wheelbase.
The 2002 Grand Am comes in four trim levels, all as either a coupe or sedan. In 2002, the SE and SE1 receive a new engine, the 2.2-liter, 140-hp 4-cylinder EcoTec engine. This is a drop in ten horsepower, but reviews say it's not significant, and its lighter weight improves fuel economy. The SE1 can have an optional 3.4-liter, 170-hp V6. This engine is standard in the GT and GT1 trims, though it's rated at 175-hp. The V6 comes only with a 4-speed automatic, while the I4s have the added option of a 5-speed manual. Standard features on all include ABS brakes, dual front airbags, power locks, tachometer, and air conditioning, and the offerings increase with each successive trim. GT models also feature bigger wheels, larger anti-sway bars, and a sports-tuned suspension.
Also new in the 2002 Grand Am is a redesigned console. Drivers already liked the convenient ergonomics of the restyled interior, especially the red-lit cockpit dash, as well as the fold-down rear trunk pass-through. Most owners comment on the powerful V6, which makes the driving experience zippy and fun, with good acceleration and crisp handling. They also like the jazzy exterior styling and roomy interior. Some negatives include lack of side impact airbags and a need for more horsepower and a manual option in the V6. Though improved over the earlier generation, the 2002 Grand Am still needs lots of repairs, say owners, including frequent brake pads and rotors. This leaves many disappointed with their purchase.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Kevin C
Jul 23, 2022
This car is in great condition ☺️ and the price is good too.Jul 23, 2022
by Lisa L
Dec 06, 2021
My 02 grand am SE1 2.2 cylinder has been one of the most dependable cars
I have ever owned. Bought it used at a very reasonable price 8 yrs ago and still driving it! Now the undercarriage is rusting out so bad Walmart wouldn’t jack it up to put new tires on so that kind of thing will eventually limit her
life but dang she’s been a good car. Dec 06, 2021
by Jeff K
Aug 15, 2013
I owned this car during my college years. It got me through many 300 mile trips to and from college, as well as trips across the country. It sounded great after installing a magnaflow cat-bat exhaust. The only downfall was the ever increasing maintenance as it reached the 100,000 mile mark. More maintenance than other cars I've owned at the same mileage.Aug 15, 2013
User rating:
by Kevin C
Jul 23, 2022
This car is in great condition ☺️ and the price is good too.Jul 23, 2022
by Lisa L
Dec 06, 2021
My 02 grand am SE1 2.2 cylinder has been one of the most dependable cars
I have ever owned. Bought it used at a very reasonable price 8 yrs ago and still driving it! Now the undercarriage is rusting out so bad Walmart wouldn’t jack it up to put new tires on so that kind of thing will eventually limit her
life but dang she’s been a good car. Dec 06, 2021
by Jeff K
Aug 15, 2013
I owned this car during my college years. It got me through many 300 mile trips to and from college, as well as trips across the country. It sounded great after installing a magnaflow cat-bat exhaust. The only downfall was the ever increasing maintenance as it reached the 100,000 mile mark. More maintenance than other cars I've owned at the same mileage.Aug 15, 2013
by SaFiyaa M
May 22, 2013
I love the COLOR and the Looks of the car. It's quite comfortable and seats 5 comfortably as well. The gas mileage is good and maintenance is inexpensive.
Performance on this car is pretty good! It accelerates, brakes and handles well on the road. I felt safe and in full control while driving!
This car is Simply cool and fun to drive!! May 22, 2013
by Alan D
Jan 12, 2013
This has been an amazing car for cause it has never let me down yet. It is a all around good car to drive any where you need to go with it. Yes it is a fun car to own cause it has enough power to make anyone happy.Jan 12, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 28, 2011
I like the overall looks. It has many features found in more expensive cars. The engine and drive train are standard GM. Parts availability is good and local shops can make repairs.
The GAOwnersClub.com site is active with many owners. They have knowledgeable people and DIY threads with pictures so you can at least see what the solution is. Handy to know when a repair shop is trying to sell unnecessary repairs.Dec 28, 2011
by Tyler S
Sep 14, 2010
SFI 3.4L V6.
175 hp
205 lb-tq
Its a blast!
the car has a great sound.
typical gas mileage.
easy to mod.
transmission needs to be stronger.
quiet and smooth ride quality.
Drive one if you dont believe me.
Best car ive owned.Sep 14, 2010
by Nick P
Apr 29, 2010
This car is a great car for the family person that wants a little sport. Accelaration is enough to get you going with a 3.4 V6 engine that has 175 horsepower its of the highest grade of stock GA's. This car comes stock with a SC/T package which includes a Front to back kit with fog lights and a s poiler and Chrome rims. gas milage is estimated at 20 city I think so its okay. No major maintence problems in the 5 years my mother has had the car just some electronical issues which was a quick fix. This car is a ton of fun and a looker. Apr 29, 2010
by Jesse K
Nov 07, 2009
It has pretty good get up and go. Performance tires suck for winter, but I threw on some Firestone Firehawks and that made it 10 times better handling in the snow. Overall , it's a pretty good ride. Too bad GM shut down Pontiac, I was gonna stick with them for the rest of my life...lol. Oh well, I guess if I don't get a truck, i'll have to settle for a Lincoln MKS or a BMW.
Nov 07, 2009
by Roger F
Sep 22, 2009
i love the acceleration of the grand am i can bet most cars that pull up to me the only dislike that i have is 3 rd gear it legs really bad but other then that i love it grand am gt1's ruleSep 22, 2009
by Brandon F
Jan 09, 2009
the pontiac grand am i owned was great at taken high speed corners with the widebody design. the only thing i didn't like is 93 days after i got it the whell bearing came lost and i wrecked the car. if anybody wants a good street car a grand am is an awesome off the line and the v6 under has the power to stay with the best of them treat it wellJan 09, 2009
by Tiffany B
Sep 07, 2008
the only thing i have found that i dislike about my car is that its a two door whitch makes it so hard to find parking place in the city. other than that its a smooth driving quiet can with power and great on gas. and it matches my style!Sep 07, 2008
by Brian W
Sep 01, 2008
My car is really sporty, but its quality typical of General Motors car from that era. It has really quick acceleration for a 170-hp V6 car. It has a low cost of ownership and the only "cost" has been to replace the power window motor. The car is very fun to drive.Sep 01, 2008
by Jerry V
Jul 11, 2008
This car has alot of potential... if you have the patience for it. I bought this car for $10k w/ 35k miles. Since then I added a little bit at a time to make it mine. (Why keep a car stock?) Maybe I watched Fast and the Furious too much. Main color is Red and Black as the accent and a theme of Dragons. This is what I added to the car so far:
New mirrors
Altezza Style Taillights
Dragon Floor Mats
Aftermarket Front Bumper
Dragon Decals (Hood, Fenders, Sides, windshield)
15% tint
Borla Exhaust
Drilled/Slotted Rotors & Ceramic Brake Pads
Kuhmo Tires
Blue Xenon lights
Front & Back Strut Bars
Gages (Oil Pressure, Air/Fuel, Volts)
Red Underlighting
Red Interior Lighting
Red painted Calipers
This is not the easiest car to work on or to find things for(and kinda expensive), but in the end it's worth it.Jul 11, 2008
by LeeMichael C
Jul 07, 2008
I have had my car since March of 2005. Its a 2002 four cylinder Grand Am SE. Its fun to take in the country and coast along the open road. Its fun to drive and if Pontiac brought them back, I would totally get another one. Jul 07, 2008
by Lisa C
Jun 30, 2008
I love it, it's my 3rd Grand Am. It handles well, has never needed any major repairs. It's a well built car that gets good gas mileage. I now have over 108000 miles on it and it's still going strong. Jun 30, 2008
by Joe M
Jun 17, 2008
it has really good power and looks pretty good, also it is really good quality for the money and the sound system is good for being stock. my dislikes are it is really common car but other than that i cant complain Jun 17, 2008
by Jessica C
Jun 02, 2008
This is my second Grand Am and I still love it. Despite a few bumps in the road, it's been a decent and reliable car. And even at 6 years old and having hit 2 deer with it, it's still a good-looking, attention-getting car. Jun 02, 2008
by Shanna L
Mar 19, 2008
-got to drive this baby around alot in high school except it was a 4 door and it had great acceleration and a good systemMar 19, 2008
by Nick P
Mar 19, 2008
only drove in it a couple time, has a smooth ride, This trim is the 30th annivery edition so it has a sun roof,Nice stereo system and 17-19 chrome pontiac rims and a spoiler and custom hood also and flare kit. Powerful v6 gives it the feeling of a muscle car. has qucik responsive handling and has something called low track I belive that kicks on when the vechile is in rain or snow.Mar 19, 2008
by Chris M
Jan 06, 2008
Bought this in 05 and delivered pizza in it for 2 years putting but 60,000 miles on it. Loved the car until little things started to go and that pissed me off alot. Brakes were always goin on it, windows always coming off track. The car didn't have alot of HP, but it sure felt like it did.Jan 06, 2008
by Steven D
Jan 04, 2008
This is my 2002 Grand Am GT, It has torque cast wheels, 5% tint on rear, 20% on front, I have some nice audio upgrades as well. The car is nice to drive but a tad small for me. It handles great and has some nice get up and go. But the down side to this car is its build quality, I have had lots of problems from trans breaking to fuel pump, to steering and more small annoying things as well, not a car to buy used or without a warranty. Jan 04, 2008
by Ben J
Jan 01, 2008
Awesome performance with good looks and decent mileage. Jan 01, 2008
by Thomas M
May 29, 2007
this car is very versitile. it has great looks, good response, and a smooth ride. it can get 34mpg and be very economical if driven right. but can also be fast and sporty if driven right. the interior has great comfort and room.May 29, 2007
What users have asked
What is the difference between Grand Am SE1 & Grand Am SE
Wondering what the difference was. Have bought a Grand Am SE with motor blown and searching for engine have been seeing SE1's listed. Also wondering if the motors are interchangeable between the two.
1651 views
I have a 2002 Grand Am my car had issues and kept just shutting off while driving down highway I am going down the highway and now my abs light comes on and about 5 min later my battery light comes
On then get jump but car dies anther jump car dies so I get it towed battery is dead bring down bad battery so I replace it come home and install start car no problem then the battery light comes on have had my alternator check it's fineHELP please
192 views
My car won't start after it has been started recently.
This began about two years ago. It starts fine in the morning, or after it has been sitting a while, but if I drove it for a short distance, it wouldn't start again. Sometimes it would start and stall, other times the engine would crank but not turn over. Sometimes it would turn over, then the engine would keep cranking as it died. At first, I would wait ten minutes, then it would start, then wait times grew to 30 minutes, an hour, etc. I think it's up to 3+ hours now. You get the idea. A few weeks ago, it turned over, then there was a loud scraping noise, then it was completely dead. Dead dead. No battery. Mind you, the battery was new. I took it to my mechanic, and he replaced the whole ignition mechanism, including the tumbler and security panel, and outfitted me with new keys which he programmed. I picked it up,and it started fine, but the next time (about 2 hours later) nada. Just cranked. Here is a list of the items that have been replaced: starter, 2 batteries now, cam shaft sensor, and the aforementioned parts. Anyone who solves this gets a million life points.
14815 views
Could I use an engine from a chevrolet 2005 equinox 3.4L v6
I have a 2002 Pontiac grand am gt 3.4L v6 that needs an engine Could I use an engine from a chevrolet 2005 equinox 3.4L v6? Can't be compatible the transmission?
19 views
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Have you driven a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?Compare this car
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,745 to $22,930Price 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
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
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: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
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 · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
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
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent