Segment:
Mid-size sedan/coupe
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a stylish, sporty, and affordable American-made vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina, Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Design:
Distinctive sporty styling, often with aerodynamic cues and unique Pontiac design elements.
Performance Options:
Available V6 engines offered a good balance of power and efficiency for the segment.
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling package of features and style at a competitive price point.
Instrument Panel And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard gauges, warning lights, indicators, and control buttons.
Lighting Systems:
Operation of headlights (low/high beam), parking lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, interior lighting.
Climate Control:
Instructions for operating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including fan speeds, temperature, air direction, and recirculation.
Audio System:
Operation of the factory-installed radio, CD player, and speaker system.
Power Features:
Operation of power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and cruise control.
Safety Restraints:
Information on seat belts, airbags (front), and child seat installation recommendations.
Tire And Wheel Information:
Recommended tire pressures, tire rotation advice, and information on the spare tire and jacking procedures.
Fuel And Refueling:
Information on fuel type recommendations, fuel capacity, and proper refueling procedures.
Maintenance And Care:
Basic checks like fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on what to do in case of a breakdown, flat tire, or other emergencies.
Starting And Driving:
Instructions on how to start the engine, shift gears, and operate the vehicle.
Parking Procedures:
Guidance on parking the vehicle safely, including brake application.
Windshield Wiper Operation:
How to operate front and rear wipers, including intermittent settings and washer fluid activation.
Fluid Level Checks:
Step-by-step guidance on checking essential fluid levels and topping them off.
Tire Changing:
Detailed instructions for safely changing a flat tire using the provided tools.
Jump Starting:
Instructions for safely jump-starting a dead battery.
Fuse Replacement:
Information on locating and replacing blown fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Basic guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Cleaning And Care:
Recommendations for washing, waxing, and interior cleaning.
Depth:
Consumer-focused, covering user operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions.
Engine Code Common:
LD9 (2.4L DOHC I4)
Displacement Ld9:
2.4 Liters (146 cu in)
Horsepower Ld9:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Ld9:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Configuration Ld9:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Engine Code Common:
L36 (3.8L V6 '3800 Series I')
Displacement L36:
3.8 Liters (231 cu in)
Horsepower L36:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque L36:
225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Configuration L36:
V-configuration, 6 cylinders, OHV, 12 valves
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as specified in manual, typically 87 octane minimum)
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
Likely 4-star (based on similar GM vehicles of the era)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
Likely 4-star (based on similar GM vehicles of the era)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models or optional
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Optional on some V6 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point active-locking seat belts in all seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific details and oil type).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (severe use may require more frequent changes).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (extended life) or conventional green ethylene glycol based coolant (check manual for compatibility)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III (check manual)
Head Gasket Failures:
The 3.8L V6 (L36) engines, while generally reliable, can be prone to head gasket failures over time, especially if not properly maintained.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Some GM vehicles of this era with V6 engines experienced coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators could be a point of failure.
Suspension Components:
Wear and tear on suspension components like ball joints and struts are common with age.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its 'performance-oriented' image within General Motors, often offering sportier styling and engine options compared to Chevrolet counterparts.
Third Generation N Body:
The 1997-2003 Grand Am was part of the third generation of GM's N-body platform, sharing its underpinnings with vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Generation:
1992-1998 (for the second generation), with the 1997 redesign marking the start of what is often considered the 'third' N-body generation that continued until 2003.