The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am is a hard car to get excited about. It’s not as powerful as a Crown Vic, it’s not as efficient as a Camry, but it’s kinda good at just about everything. If you want a well-rounded mid-size at a great price, the Grand Am is hard to beat.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – A middle-of-the-road mid-size with no glaring problems, and nothing to make it anyone’s dream car, either.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Roomy and comfortable, but the trunk space is a bit limited compared to some of the car’s competitors.
- Reliability 7/10 – You can count on the powertrain and the engine to reach the mid-200,000 mile range, but you may have to shell out for some expensive repairs along the way, like a new gas tank starting at around a thousand bucks.
- Safety 6/10 – Safety features are adequate, but outdated. Crash test scores are unimpressive, but the car itself is nice and sturdy.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The 2.2L i4 models deliver very good mileage at 26/37 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The V6 models are decent, at 20/29.
- Value 8/10 – It may not be anyone’s dream car, but the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am is one of the best options running at under four thousand bucks. If you just need a reliable vehicle for getting to work and picking up groceries, the Grand Am is hard to beat at this price.
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am?
Edmunds liked the generous standard features and crisp handling, giving special praise to the 5-speed manual transmission. They were less impressed with the car’s middling crash test scores.
Kelley Blue Book users praised the fun, sporty feel of the car, the reliable powertrain and engine, and the sleek look. But they note that when something does break it’s usually something expensive like an intake gasket.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Have?
Electrical issues make up nearly half of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am’s 293 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A major recurring problem here sees the ignition switch turning off without warning. The issue led to a recall in 2014, but complaints persist years later.
A 2004 recall addressed a bad weld in the gas tank, which could lead to a fuel leak and potential engine fires. The recall was issued for just under 3,000 units, so rate of incidence isn’t incredibly high but you should still run the VIN to make sure you’re in the clear given the severity of the issue.
Engine and powertrain complaints are thankfully scarce, but there have been a few reports of sudden unintended acceleration followed by smoke coming from under the hood and total engine failure below 150,000 miles.
The 2004 Grand Am has just 4 recalls on file with the NHTSA after twenty years on the road, which, combined with the relatively low number of driver complaints, makes the Grand Am more reliable than many cars in its size class.
How Long Will the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Last?
Drivers generally report a minimum mileage of 200,000 before the expensive repairs start to pile up, while some have passed 300,000. Expect to hit anywhere from 225,000 to 250,000 on the original engine and powertrain before your Grand Am is ready for retirement.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of just $311 for Grand Am owners, with the most expensive common fix being a new fuel tank starting at $952. Front cover gaskets may need replaced, as well, starting at around $593.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is satisfactory for a 2004 mid-size car. You get a CD player in the base model, while higher trim levels come with a few extra speakers and an MP3 player.
Safety technology is pretty good. Anti-lock brakes and full airbags come standard, with some models packing traction control. You won’t find any modern gadgets like rearview cameras, but the equipment here is not bad for 2004.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am a Good Value?
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am is a very good value. An entry level SE typically lists at around $3,301. Combine that with a fairly low cost of ownership and a life expectancy in the mid-200,000 range and you’ve got a pretty good deal on your hands.
A high-end GT model typically lists at just a few hundred dollars more than the entry level SE, at around $3,876, so if you’re shopping for a Grand Am you might as well spend a little extra for the premium model.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am?
The 2004 Grand Am is available in five trims total, including three SE models and two GTs.
With the entry level SE you’re getting:
- CD player with four speakers
- Manual air conditioning
- Fog lights Cloth seating
- PASSLock security system
Next up is the SE1, adding:
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
- Cruise control
The mid-range SE2 adds:
- Traction control
- Premium cloth seating
With the high-end GT you get:
- Eight speakers
- Carpeted floor mats
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- 4-way power driver seat
Finally, the top-of-the-line GT1 adds:
- Power sunroof
- 6-way power driver seat
What Engines Come In the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am?
- In the SE you’ll find a 2.2L inline-four producing 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, configured in front wheel drive, and averages 26/37 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Available in the SE1 and SE2, and standard in both GT trims, is a 3.4L V6 delivering 175 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic, configured in front wheel drive, and averages 20/29 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am?
The 2004 Grand Am boasts 52 inches of rear hip room, which is more than some SUVs can offer. There’s plenty of headroom and elbow room, and there are only seven suspension complaints on file, meaning that the ride should still be as smooth today as it was twenty years ago.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Have?
The 2004 Grand Am has 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, or about four medium sized suitcases, and that’s firm. You can grab a bungee cord to hold the trunk shut if you have to stuff something awkward in there, or you can stack it on the roof.
There’s plenty of room inside the cabin, however, with lots of cupholders, pockets, nets, and slots to tuck whatever it is you’re bringing with you.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Grand Am was the sixth model year for the nameplate’s final 5th Generation, running from 1999 to 2005.
2002: The only big change for 2002 was the addition of a stationary cup holder.
2003: 2003 saw the addition of optional anti-lock brakes and traction control in some of the lower trim levels.
2004: MP3 players were new for 2004.MP3 players were added to the higher trims for 2004.
2005: No major changes for 2005. Pontiac were phasing the nameplate out at this time.
How Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Compare to the Competition?
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am is sort of a middle-of-the-road mid-size. What really makes the car appealing is that it’s a pretty good car at a really good price. You could call the Toyota Camry the class leader for 2004, being a little less powerful, a little more fuel efficient, and a bit pricier than the Grand Am, listing for around $5,070.
If you’re after something more luxurious, the 2004 Crown Victoria typically lists in the same price range as a high-end Grand Am, and it’s a little more powerful, with an LX delivering 224 horsepower compared to 205 in the Grand Am. It’s a bit of a “grandpa car” but that’s to be expected in a mid-range cruiser.
The 2004 Grand Am may be the most well-rounded mid-size car for its model year. That is to say it doesn’t really excel at anything, but it gets you where you want to go in relative comfort for a low price, and that’s hard to argue with.
