2005 Pontiac Grand Am | Review | Buying Guide
As Pontiac begins to introduce its new-wave car, the G6, the Grand Am finds itself heading in the other direction. After a long and satisfying run, it is now time for the Grand Am to take its final bow, which it will do in 2005.
For its swan song, the Grand Am will only be offered as a coupe. There are two trim levels for the final go-round: GT and GT1. The latter is quite well apportioned, providing a variety of comfort amenities for you to remember the line by.
Driving pleasure is a hallmark of the Grand Am, and 2005 sees no change in this Pontiac policy. Both GT models come standard with a Monsoon speaker system for impressive sound and speed-rated blackwall P225/50R16 tires and aluminum wheels for maximum grip. GT1 models also sport a sunroof and steering wheel-mounted audio controls as standard equipment.
Under the Hood
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Am keeps the same tested engine as last year. It is a 3.4-liter V6 that produces 175 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 205 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It is a Ram Air version with cold-air induction and lower-restriction exhaust that boosts performance.
All GT models feature a 4-speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy of the 2005 Grand Am is also quite nice, rounding in at 20/29 mpg (city/highway).
Contributing to the ride quality is a four-wheel independent suspension system. The aluminum suspension knuckles reduce unsprung weight and dampen all sorts of unpleasant road surfaces. Torque-axis powertrain mounting uses two mounts to support the mass of the engine and transaxle and two others specifically tuned to resist torque and reduce vibrations while idling.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
2005 sees a SC/T Special Edition group on the GT1 solid value model. The package includes a performance composite hood, a rear aero wing, chrome Tech wheels, leather-appointed seating with “SC/T” embroidered on seat backs, an SC/T emblem on deck lid, a custom chrome-tipped exhaust system and XM Satellite Radio.
The available XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 ( U.S.) a month.
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