Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Pontiac Grand AM H 3.4 i V6 GT (173 Hp)
Overall Rating
Pontiac Grand AM:
The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that the Pontiac division of General Motors produced in various years between 1973 and 2005. The first and second generations were RWD mid-size cars built on the LeMans GM A platform. The Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for the third- and fourth-generations. The fifth-generation versions was enlarged to a mid-size car.
The platform began development intended to be the next generation GTO, but the muscle car era was drawing to a close. Pontiac decided to make this model America's answer to European luxury sports sedans. The Grand Am name was derived from two other Pontiacs; "Grand" signifying Grand Prix luxury, and "Am" for Trans Am performance....(Read more on Wikipedia)
H Overview:
Pontiac Grand AM (H). With 294 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.4 i V6 GT (173 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong performer for its class, this V6 provides robust acceleration and ample power for highway cruising and spirited driving, transforming the Grand Am's character.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is acceptable for a V6 of this output, but it's not a segment leader. Performance comes at a slight cost to efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive sporty styling for its era
- • Generally reliable base engines (Iron Duke)
- • Comfortable ride quality
- • Affordable entry into a sporty compact
- • Good interior space for its class
Cons:
- • Underpowered base engines
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Handling not as sharp as European competitors
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Limited advanced safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(H: 1992 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Grand AM |
| Generation: | H |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.4 i V6 GT (173 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 173 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 294 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LA1 More details about the engine LA1 |
| Engine displacement: | 3350 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 12.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 121 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 205.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 57 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4730 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2718 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Behind the wheel of the Pontiac Grand AM. How does it handle on the road?