Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Grand Am trails their 24.5 mpg average by 1.5 mpg, about $103 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 2.2L 4-cyl (2002–2005), does 25.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1985–1987), 20: $414 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Grand Am engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 22 / 31 | 2002–2005 | $1,506 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 20.9 / 31 | 1988–1995 | $1,574 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20 / 30.3 | 1985–1987 | $1,600 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19.2 / 28.8 | 1996–2001 | $1,655 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 18 / 26.6 | 1994–1998 | $1,829 | |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 18 / 27.4 | 1999–2005 | $1,829 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 26 | 1992–1993 | $1,873 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 24.7 | 1985–1987 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 26.3 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28.3 mpg and the Mitsubishi Galant 21 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2005 Grand Am.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | +$103 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,763 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Am gives up 9 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 20 in the city, $596 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Grand Am changed over the years
The Grand Am peaked in 1988 at 26 mpg (22 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1999 at 21.5 — 4.5 mpg apart, or $309 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2004 | 20.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2003 | 19.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2002 | 20 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 29 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 18.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1998 | 19 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1997 | 18.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1996 | 18.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1995 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1994 | 19.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1993 | 19.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1992 | 19.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1991 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1990 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1989 | 21 / 32 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1986 | 18.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 38 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Grand Am — 8 engines across 1985–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,763. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Am get?
23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 25. Across every year since 1985 the Grand Am has averaged 22.7 mpg.
Is the 2005 Grand Am more efficient than the 2004?
No: 23 against 24 mpg combined, about $70 a year more to run.
Which Grand Am year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 26 mpg combined (22 city, 33 highway).
Does the Grand Am get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 23 mpg for the 2005 Grand Am against 26.3 for the 2006 Ford Focus, about $210 a year more to run.
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