1999 Grand Am Delivers Responsive Performance in a Bold, Sporty Package

DETROIT, Mich. - The all-new 1999 Pontiac Grand Am is for demanding, style-conscious drivers who want bold, sporty styling and a spirited driving experience in a reliable, well-executed package.

Building on Success
Since 1992, the Grand Am Pontiac's volume leader has ranked in the top 10 of most popular cars in the U.S. with more than 200,000 units sold every year. For the past five years, Grand Am has led the compact segment for most retail registrations.

The 1999 Grand Am continues its established winning formula while offering an all-new car inside and out.

Bold, Athletic Design
The Grand Am has long been a standout in its class for its "notice me" styling. In fact, the more than one million owners say they bought their Grand Ams because their cars make a bold statement about them - that they are demanding, style-conscious drivers. They don't blend into the crowd; nor do their Grand Ams.

Immediately recognizable with its classic bold Pontiac design cues, the 1999 Grand Am sports cat's-eye headlamps, a twin port grill, round driving lamps and a wide stance.

Likewise, the rear of the 1999 model is as distinctively Grand Am as the front, with its integrated taillamp assemblies and bold exhaust outlets. The 1999 Grand Am adds round cornering lamps in the rear to match the round driving lamps in front. Cornering lamps help Grand Am drivers avoid obstacles when backing up.

Athletic Stance
Much of the 1999 Grand Am's dramatically expressive styling lies in its significantly changed proportions that give the Grand Am the appearance of a sprinter about to dash from the starting blocks.

The wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than the model it replaces, but overall length is slightly reduced. Grand Am's 107-inch wheelbase is the longest in its class. Front tread has increased by 3.3 inches while overall width at the center of the car has increased only 1.5 inches. As a result, the Grand Am has wheel-at-the-corner proportions giving it an aggressive, sporty appearance and providing substantial passenger and cargo space. The flush tire-to-body relationship and its lean shape accentuated by well-toned curves add to Grand Am's athletic build.

Exterior Execution
The bold exterior of the 1999 Grand Am features a well-integrated headlamp assembly, an integrated decklid CHMSL and seals around the headlamps and taillamps. Body color door handles and moldings enhance Grand Am's polished appearance, while gloss black mirrors add style to the overall execution.

Driver-Focused Interior
It's obvious the 1999 Grand Am is a driving enthusiast's car. The circular motif of the instrument panel includes the gauge cluster, speedometer, tachometer and air outlets. True to its Pontiac pedigree, the 1999 Grand Am features easy-to-read gauges with warm red Pontiac backlights. Center instrument panel controls for the audio and climate are angled toward the driver for easy access. Additionally, Grand Am's thin A-pillars and lower cowl, along with a higher seating position, contribute to enhanced driver visibility.

In addition to standard dual Next Generation air bags, Grand Am's front passenger restraint system includes active, body-mounted three-point shoulder/ lap belts. Seat belts also have a height adjustment feature designed to provide maximum comfort and safety to occupants of many sizes or shapes.

Interior Execution
Like the exterior, the interior was designed to be bold and sporty but also harmonious and occupant-friendly. Materials are soft-touch and low-gloss like those used on expensive luxury sports sedans. The instrument panel skin is a one-piece design of high-quality, well-integrated materials with no exposed seam lines. Storage areas are lined with sound deadening mats. Electronic climate control knobs are round and easy to use.

These and other unexpected amenities reveal the 1999 Grand Am to be more closely matched in execution and features to more expensive cars.