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Pontiac Grand Am

1999-2005 models

results also apply to: 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Poor

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Pontiac Grand Am was redesigned for the 1999 model year and the Oldsmobile Alero was introduced in the 1999 model year. Note: 2005 model Grand Am sedans were sold as new cars only to fleets and were discontinued altogether after the 2005 model year. The Alero was discontinued after the 2004 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, which had bowed outward, and its head hit the window sill. Then the head moved up and back and hit the B-pillar. Plus there was too much upward movement of the steering wheel.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the neck and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the B-pillar, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the window sill hit was low.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test -- plus footwell intrusion and door sill crushing -- indicate the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well.
Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar during rebound, producing a high head acceleration.
Footwell intrusion contributed to the possibility of injury to the lower right leg.

Additional features:

Antilock brakes (optional on 2003-05 models, standard on 1999-2002 models)
Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4-door
Class: Midsize moderately priced car
Weight: 3,080 lbs.
Side airbags: none
Wheelbase: 107 in.
Length: 186 in.
Width: 70 in.
Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
EPA ratings: 22 mpg city | 30 mpg highway

See all test results for Pontiac Grand Am | Oldsmobile Alero

Last updated: April 10, 2006