Pontiac Grand Am GXP (2004)

Pontiac Grand Am GXP

Available in late spring 1998, the basic design of the fifth-generation Grand Am was shared with the Oldsmobile Alero (also new for 1999) and Chevrolet Malibu (introduced in 1997). The length was shortened slightly, but the wheelbase grew by more than three inches (76 mm). The suspension was now fully independent, with a revised MacPherson-Strut design up front. The rear suspension is a more refined Multi-link design. The new Grand Am was offered in five trim levels: SE, SE1, SE2, GT, and GT1. The 2.4 L Twin Cam engine was carried over, with 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque. GM's 3400 V6, previously exclusive to their Minivans, became available as an option on the SE and SE1, and was standard on all other trim levels. For 1999, all the Grand Ams featured a four-speed automatic transmission. The GT and GT1 also included 4-wheel disc brakes, and all Grand Ams until 2003 included standard ABS and Traction Control (made optional on SE from 2003). The GTs also had a Ram Air induction system, providing an extra five horsepower and 5 lb/ft of torque over the 3.4 L V6 when installed in any of the SE-level trims. The 2000 models added a Getrag five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with the four-cylinder. On GT models, the badge on the front fenders now read "RamAir V6", instead of "V6H.O." on 1999 GT's. ASC Creative Services designed the Grand Am SC/T for the SEMA show circuit, which was the concept design for the Ram Air hood and body package. The SC/T later became an appearance package, beginning in 2003. A road test by Car and Driver showed a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds in a GT sedan with an automatic.

For 2001, the SE2 trim level was dropped, a new family of Delco stereos and new wheel designs was introduced. The radio size in 2001 also changed from a 1.5 DIN size to a full 2 DIN size. Half way through 2002, the Twin Cam 2.4 L engine was replaced by a new 2.2 L Ecotec four-cylinder, which had improvements over the engine it replaced, but produced less output; 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) and 150 lb·ft (203 N·m) of torque. Changes for 2002 also included a stationary cup holder in the center console as opposed to a removable one.

The body cladding on SE models was removed in 2003, a change which affected other models throughout Pontiac. Anti-Lock Brakes and Traction Control were made optional on the SE in 2003 as well. An MP3 player was added to the uplevel CD player in 2004. In 2005, Pontiac began phasing out the Grand Am lineup for the new G6 replacement. SE sedans were retained for fleet sale and GT coupes were the last Grand Am model available for public sale.

The last Pontiac Grand Am rolled off the line at Lansing Michigan's, Lansing Car Assembly plant on May 10, 2005, shortly before the Lake Orion, Michigan plant began assembling G6 coupes. This was also the last car to be made at Lansing's old Fisher Body plant.

Engines

• 1999-2002: 2.4L DOHC Twin Cam L4 (LD9 model) engine: 150 hp (110 kW), 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque
• 2002-2005: 2.2L DOHC Ecotec L4 engine: 140 hp (100 kW), 150 lb·ft (200 N·m) of torque
• 1999-2005: 3.4L 3400 OHV V6: 170 hp,(175 for GT) 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) of torque (205 for GT)

Transmissions

• 1999-2005: 4-speed automatic with overdrive (4T40-E for four cylinder engines, 4T45-E for V6 engines)
• 2000-2005: Getrag 5-speed manual with overdrive (four cylinder engines only)

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 1999-2005 Grand Am a "Poor" rating in its frontal crash test for marginal structural integrity, a possible head injury, a potential right leg injury, and poor dummy control.

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