This time, Pontiac Grand Am receives a bolder, more aggressive look. The 1996 Grand Am has a new front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlamps, taillamps, and exterior trim treatments giving it a slightly cleaner, smoother look. It also comes with a new base engine dubbed the Twin Cam, which is a 150-horsepower, and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while the 3.1-liter V6 remains optional. These engines both come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs and long life, 5-year/standard 100,000-mile engine coolant. Another highlight for the 1996 model is the traction control feature which comes when the automatic transmissions is selected.

 

It is also has added safety driving features with its daytime running lamps and a passenger side air bag that joins the driver's side bags and the antilock brake system that comes standard. The interior design of the 1996 Grand Am has its ups and downs though. Compared to its competitors, Accord and Dodge Stratus included, the Grand Am's cabin may feel smaller especially for adult passenger although it has comparable legroom and headroom as Pontiac said. To mention, Grand Am's interior fabrics and plastics has been improved to be pleasant enough. However, the two big round vents in the middle of the dash became less pleasing.

 

This year's Grand Am comes with a standard safety features which includes side door impact protection, a five-mph bumpers, and a body mounted driver and passenger safety belts. There are also options, which includes cruise control, power glass sunroof, electric rear defogger or defroster and a leather seating options. In addition, there is a remote keyless entry system to spice up your options. General Motors, for this year, recalled vehicles with defects involving steering wheel and handle bar, hazard flashing warning lights, interior lightings and ignition switch. These problems were believed to cause an accident if not attended to, so GM replaced all defected parts for the benefit of its buyers.