The 1985 Return Of The Pontiac Grand Am

General Motors' decision to launch a new Pontiac Grand Am for the 1985 model year, came about as a result of the success of the STE 6000. It was clear that America was ready for a more compact range of cars, and that the Grand Am - a revered and much loved brand name - would be an ideal base for such a vehicle.

It came powered by a technologically advanced 2.5 liter engine as standard, with a 3 liter available as an option, these smaller motors reflecting the changing trend in the USA for more compact and economical engines, a far cry from the mighty 7.4liter V8 of the original 1973 Grand Am.

This smaller, very neat and stylish car, produced in four door sedan and two door coupe body styles, was an instant hit, despite the limitations of only 90bhp in the smaller engine and 125bhp in the bigger option. It seemed America was not interested in power anymore, but in a decent car, and the Grand Am was certainly that.

The problem of lack of power was addressed in 1987 when a turbocharged engine, of only two liters, was introduced that gave the driver 160bhp, this engine eventually replacing the 3 liter option. More drivability came with this option, and the popularity of the Grand Am seemed secure.

The model continued, little changed, through to 1991, with additions such as the availability of a manual gear change being the only major alterations, before a complete redesign of the Grand Am brought about the new model range for the 1992 model year.

This model, which remained in production until 1995, was a very attractive car with more curving design, a trend becoming apparent throughout the automotive world, and with a minor redesign for 1996 the Grand Am would continue in this very popular form until 1998, when the new Grand Am - the latest range - entered production.