Looking at a Specific 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Pontiac > GRAND AM

2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT
Coupe
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used PONTIAC.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


Let us do the work!
Be the first to know about 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT vehicles just listed for sale in your area.

Heading Graphic Print the Report

NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
Divider image
 
Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 1 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/Safety Cage   M
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   A
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   M
Restraints/dummy kinematics   P
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Pontiac Grand Am was redesigned for the 1999 model year and the Oldsmobile Alero was introduced in the 1999 model year. Note: 2005 model Grand Am sedans were sold as new cars only to fleets and were discontinued altogether after the 2005 model year. The Alero was discontinued after the 2004 model year.</p> Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, which had bowed outward, and its head hit the window sill. Then the head moved up and back and hit the B-pillar. Plus there was too much upward movement of the steering wheel. Measures taken from the neck and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the B-pillar, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the window sill hit was low. 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4-door 3080 none 107 186 70 2.4 L 4-cylinder 22 30

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 114 Average
Collision Index 114 Average
Theft Index 111 Average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
Divider image

NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 12-20-2004
Units potentially affected: 92,863
NHTSA campaign number: 04V528000
Defective part or component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Description: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124, Accelerator Control Systems. In hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm may stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the accelerator pedal. Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.


This 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Heading Graphic Print the Report

J.D. Power Ratings
Divider image

Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
Divider image
Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Ignition Lock Cylinder and Housing Assembly. This failure engages the antitheft system and prevents the engine from starting. The cost to repair the Ignition Lock Cylinder and Housing is estimated at $289.65 for parts and $78.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Accessories An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Power Window Motors. This can cause the power window to become inoperative. The cost to replace a Power Window Motor is estimated at $182.17 for parts and $104.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
Divider image

Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Grand Am GT 2 Dr Coupe:
Depreciation $12,534
Financing $2,803
Insurance $7,615
State Fees $406
Fuel $3,953
Maintenance $2,476
Repairs $756
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $30,543

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
Divider image

Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance Extended warranty covers engine, transmission, roadside assistance and it is transferable.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Includes surface corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Includes courtesy transportation, roadside assistance, transferable, no deductible. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
Divider image

Category: Review:
Summary:

Leaner, trimmer and more contemporary.
By Mitch McCullough, editor-in-chief, NewCarTestDrive.com

The Pontiac Grand Am is slimmer and trimmer this year, something many of us would like to say. However, it's no wallflower, with bold styling that ensures you won't look Toyota bland everywhere you go. Grand Am GT coupes and sedans, meanwhile, flaunt their increased performance with ribbed body trim. Coupes and sedans are the same price. The two-door coupe is more stylish, while the four-door sedan is better for rear-seat passengers.

Regardless, the Grand Am is loaded with convenient interior features. It's easy to jump in and out of this car and getting it going requires a minimum of fuss. Once underway, it offers competent road manners. It isn't the most refined car in the class, but delivers style and value.

Overview:

The Pontiac Grand Am's flashy styling is toned down for 2003. Pontiac calls the Grand Am "sports car excitement with room for everyday life." It is practical, particularly in sedan form. Obviously, this combination appeals to a lot of people because the Grand Am is one of the 10 best-selling vehicles in the U.S.

The Grand Am has long relied on overstated styling to make a strong first impression. It shouts Pontiac excitement with its road-hugging lines and extroverted styling cues. There's no confusing this car with other compact cars and, at a quick glance, it could be mistaken for the bigger Pontiac Grand Prix.

For 2003, however, Pontiac has stripped the aggressive body cladding from the sides of the Grand Am along with the ribbed bumpers. The new look is lighter, cleaner, and more appealing in our view. We still wouldn't call the Grand Am understated.

Also, Pontiac this year is focusing more on the four-door Grand Am sedan, less on the two-door coupe. A loaded SE2 sedan has been added this year that should appeal to buyers who want a little more luxury in their lives. All Grand Am coupes this year are GT models (SE coupes are history).

Hot rodders should not despair, however, as GT models come with aggressive body cladding, a ribbed bumper with large intakes and integrated fog lamps. More important, the GT models come with a cold-air induction setup (more horsepower) and a sports suspension. An optional composite ram-air hood and spoiler ($1100) indicate the GT's intent in no uncertain terms.

Read the complete 2003 Pontiac Grand Am review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
Divider image

View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



Unauthorized Usage Disclaimer

CARFAX DEPENDS ON ITS SOURCES FOR THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS INFORMATION. THEREFORE, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY CARFAX OR ITS AGENTS FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS REPORT. CARFAX FURTHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

SYSTEMATIC RETRIEVAL OF THE CONTENT OR OTHER DATA FROM THIS SITE TO CREATE OR COMPILE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, A COLLECTION, COMPILATION, DATABASE OR DIRECTORY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CARFAX IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE CARFAX SAFETY & RELIABILITY RATINGS IS SUBJECT TO THE CARFAX.COM TERMS OF USE.

© 2009 CARFAX, Inc., an R.L. Polk & Co. All rights reserved.