(opinion updated at bottom on Nov 22, 2000; Jan 7, 2001; Dec 31, 2003; and the final update on March 12, 2004!)
182,259 miles was what I had on this vehicle when I traded it in on March 12, 2004. Read below my original review and updates, beginning in November of 2000.
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My brother bought a 1995 Grand Am SE two years ago, used. It was a one-owner vehicle who took care of the car very well, which for any vehicle, can make a good car a lot nicer.

I purchased it in June for $4000. It has about 90,000 miles, although it runs excellent.

When I first saw it, it came off as a somewhat sporty, but nothing eye-catching normal car. But when you sit in the drivers' seat, its a lot nicer.

My car, which has a 4 cyl. Automatic, has decent pep, but more importantly, provides an extremely efficient and smooth ride. It does good, but not great, on gas. It does about 21-25 mpg, and it needs a fill every 4-5 days -- which is pretty good, considering the price of gas these days! I must also add that I drive almost 600 miles in a week.

There are a few negatives:
* low ride. I like a low ride, but a lot of people don't. Anyone, even in a Dodge Neon, can look down at you!
* rear view is a little small. The back window is small, I think, but its better than a Ford Mustang's view.
* not a great take off. If you're racing, this would be important I guess :)
* backseats are comfortable, but not for a long trip. The front bucket seats, on the other hand, are very nice. Lots of leg room in the front, pretty good in the back (this is a 2 door model, by the way).

But for a good, reliable vehicle, the Pontiac Grand Am is that. Its good on insurance too. In the 90,000 miles, it went to the shop at about 80,000 miles to replace a hose of some sort, which I think is wear and tear.

Besides that, the car has never been near a shop.

I bought this car, once again, because its a 1995 in good condition and $4,000. I think the car goes for around $6,000 at dealerships, which is also a great deal. A good first car for students, or for anyone who commutes a not-so-long trip to work everyday.

It only seats five people, but I like it that way ... less like a taxi.

Plenty of trunk space. I can almost fit an adult-sized bike in it (it sticks out a bit), and groceries are a breeze to put in it. An automatic gas and trunk opener on the side of the driver's seat is a nice little feature. While I know more and more cars have it, its something most sedans and vehicles of this type really don't have.

The factory radio and speakers are just fine. My brother replaced it with a sound system of his own, but overall, I thought the original speakers and radio were good.

Overall, I say buy one if you're looking for something inexpensive to both purchase and keep up, and if you're looking for a comfortable ride. Its not a Lexus, but you shouldn't expect it either.

I have watched the new Pontiac Grand Am's drive by (the 2000 models), and they are very nice. I think it will be another year or so before I make a new vehicle purchase, but if the quality is as good as the one I own now, I won't be hesitant to think about buying another Pontiac Grand Am.

ABOVE THIS LINE -- WRITTEN JUNE 3, 2000
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BELOW THIS LINE -- UPDATED NOVEMBER 22, 2000

My car now has 102,000 miles on it, and I was almost thinking of selling it and purchasing a new VW Jetta. But I don't know, I'm almost in love with this 5 year old car. Still no problems, and plenty of room for me. I understand that Pontiac has not a good reputation, nor a bad one. Just a regular car.

And I like it. It is just regular. It's comfortable, smooth, and no major problems. The only problem I am now having, that I consider minor, is my manual driver's window is off track a bit. So as a fair warning, it is possible that the cables in the Grand Am windows wear out after 105,000 miles, which I suppose should be expected. The window still closes completely (no leaks when it rains), but it is hard getting up there.

Still, I can't complain -- I paid $4,000 and it is worth every penny so far.

ABOVE THIS LINE, NOV 22, 2000
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BELOW THIS LINE, JAN 07, 2001

The New Year started to turn my optimistic joy into an expensive realistic wake-up when my transmission began making some strange noises each time I slowed down (it is fine when I speed up). Apparently, the transmission itself is beginning to come apart.

Mind you, I have 106,000+ miles on this car, and prior to this, the biggest problem I had was my window not rolling up with ease. I've been quoted by three different transmission services (including Pontiac) $1,500 - $2,400. I think after I do get it fixed, it may be time to sell this car or trade it in, which has given my family over 3 years and 50,000 miles of no-hassle driving.

I will miss the car, but I don't think I will buy another GM the next time. It is not that I lost faith in GM, it is just because I am looking for something even more sleeker than the 1995 Grand Am I have, which was pretty sleek in 1995, especially given the price.

I continue to recommend this car, even with the trainy problem. The fact is, if people could get 105,000 great miles out of a car, there would be far less complainers and worriers.
JANUARY 07, 2001 ABOVE THIS LINE
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APRIL 28, 2001 BELOW THIS LINE

Okay, so I still own this car! The transmission was rebuilt at 105,000 miles, and now with a 114,000, the car is going strong. A plow backed into my car, but after it gets repaired, I still plan on holding on to my Pontiac Grand Am through the summer.

It still is a great car. I've sat in some other coupes, even newer ones, and I still can't find a better deal.

I'll keep you posted.

APRIL 28, 2001 ABOVE
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JULY 10, 2001

I've had this car for over a year now. Not much in terms of time, but I've put close to 30,000 miles on it. One negative I forgot to mention in the past is the windows. I have manual windows, and they seem to cave in after a long while. I don't think the pulley mechanism is of good quality. I had it replaced in April following an accident (in which I was blindsided by a plow), and the window is now starting to cave in again. This will be the second caved in window on this car.

I love my car, but that is a pain -- I now, in the back of my mind, think about whether to roll down the window to go through a drive-thru or park and go inside. Kinda sad really!
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DEC 31, 2003
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Okay, I admit it ... I'M CHEAP! Everytime I go to buy a new car, I keep thinking that $0/month for a car that runs great is much better! The Grand Am now has over 185,000 miles on it, and has had very few problems. I did have to replace a battery cable and the battery itself, as well as an alternator ... all together, under $200. I still highly recommend it!!

I've bumped the rating up from a 4 star to a 5 star -- it still has flaws. But any car that can give a driver or family 180,000 miles over 8 years (1995 Grand Am), in snowy and rough New England, deserves 5 stars. It still has a great looking exterior, no rusts spots or anything like that ... just take care of your car and it will take care of you :-)
JTN
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MARCH 12, 2004

Two days ago, I took a final ride in my 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. I admit -- it was weird. This car has been with me through college, through several key career moves, through weddings and funerals ... its amazing how far $4,600 really paid off. I drove my car to a dealership as apart of a tradein deal, and it ended with 182,259 miles. There were a few leaks beginning, and tons of sensor lights on the dashboard lit. After a mechanical check, it really is just the sensors ... my sensors were worn out, but the engine is still fine.

182,259 miles. That's right ... a taken-care-of, American car. I had so much satisfaction with that 1995 Pontiac Grand Am, that on March 10, I purchased a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. Pontiac gave me 182,259 strong miles... and hopefully many more to go.
JTN