Pontiac Grand AM models has been improving each year since the 1991 model. Each one turns out to be better than its predecessors. And while new models are just the innovative version, each offers a new feature for the consumer to enjoy, just like the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM. Pontiac's Grand Am 1999 is said to be a vast improvement over the previous model. It's a totally new Grand Am with new exterior styling, a redesigned interior, a re-engineered chassis and suspension, a bigger optional V6 engine, and more convenience features.

 

While 1998's Grand Am is a look-at-me styling, the 1999 model takes a step further with Pontiac's trademark; ribbed body cladding. In this model you can find ribs just almost everywhere! Starting at the front bumper, wrap around the front fenders, along the doors, down the rear fenders and around the rear bumper are ribs. This design is even carried out through the side mirrors and the optional rear spoiler. This ribbed body work is designed to draw more attention to its sporty appearance, but there's some more! The bold, new styling is expected to boost its new appearance as well. It all works together, making the new Grand Am sportier, more attractive than the '98 model. Body-colored door handles and side moldings enhance the sporty look, in addition to its cats-eye headlamps, a twin port grille, round driving lamps and that wide track stance.

 

The boldness of this model is carried through its exteriors. Inside is a sporty retro-dash; circular hoods shroud the instruments and ventilation ducts. Illuminating the large and easy to read instruments is a warm, red light. For easy access and heating, audio and climate controls are angled toward the driver while ventilation and air conditioning are adjusted with big round knobs.

 

Reviews had it that the best news for the Grand Am is its re-engineered chassis and suspension tuning, which improve handling and ride comfort substantially over previous models. Its ride quality has been improved substantially and the suspensions seem to control the wheels more precise than the previous models. A 150-horsepower 2.4-liter twin-cam 16-valve 4-cylinder engine comes standard but an optional 170-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 offers substantially more power than last year's 3.1-liter V6.Of course, all Grand AMs come equipped with electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions.

 

One more good thing about this model is the bigger front brakes which reduced braking distances by 14 percent, according to Pontiac. New aluminum brake calipers also reduce unsprung weight, which should improve handling in bumpy corners. All Grand Ams also come standard with antilock brakes (ABS) and electronic traction control, which both make the car easier to control in limited traction situations. It also has a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system and dual airbags, which ensures safety.

 

In general, the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM's new redesigned interior is more attractive and makes it more comfortable while new features add convenience, making life a little easier. In 1999, there were recalls made due to problems involving steering wheel and handle bar like the previous and problem involving body structure. There were 217 and 487,400 units affected respectively. The problem in steering is that it can come loose from the shaft because of an improperly tightened retaining nut. This could result to loss of control and an increased risk of a crash. The second recall was made because the vehicles involved is said to haven'€™t complied with the occupant protection requirements and in the event of a crash could result to injury in the occupants. Due to this problem, they have replaced the console latch mechanism of the vehicle.