Key Takeaways at a Glance

• The 2002 Pontiac Grand Am was offered in three primary trims — SE, SE Sport, and GT — spanning both coupe and sedan body styles.
• Three engine choices were available: a 2.4L DOHC inline-4 (150 hp), a 3.4L OHV V6 (160 hp), and a 3.8L OHV V6 (170–180 hp depending on output tuning).
• All versions featured front-wheel drive with a 4-speed automatic standard; a 5-speed manual was offered on select 2.4L models.
• Fuel economy ranged from approximately 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (2.4L) to 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (3.8L V6).
• The Grand Am shared GM's J-platform architecture with the Oldsmobile Alero and Chevrolet Malibu/Cavalier of the same era.
• The 2.4L Ecotec engine is widely regarded as the strongest powerplant in the lineup for reliability and driving engagement, while the 3.8L V6 delivers the smoothest cruising experience.

Overview: Where the 2002 Grand Am Stands in GM History

The second-generation Pontiac Grand Am (1999–2005) represented GM's midsize strategy on the J-body / N-body-derived platform. By 2002, the model had completed a full redesign, benefiting from a longer wheelbase, sharper styling cues, and significantly improved interior ergonomics over its predecessor. The Grand Am directly competed with the Ford Taurus, Chrysler Sebring, and Honda Accord in a segment defined by value-oriented transportation.

For enthusiasts and buyers evaluating a used Grand Am today, understanding the complete spec breakdown is essential — not every trim or powertrain tells the same story. This guide examines every major specification tier so you can make a data-driven decision.

Engine Specifications

General Motors equipped the 2002 Grand Am with three distinct powerplants, each targeting a different buyer profile. Below is a detailed technical breakdown.

2.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (LE8)

• Displacement: 2,384 cc (2.4 L)
• Configuration: DOHC, 16-valve, inline-4
• Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 157 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
• Block Material: Aluminum
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual (M5N2) or 4-speed automatic (4T40-E)
• Recommended Use: Daily commuting, best fuel economy, engaging drivetrain character

The LE8 Ecotec was lauded by automotive journalists for its responsive throttle mapping and refined mechanical sound. It remains one of GM's more durable inline-four designs when maintained properly, though timing-chain tensioner wear is a known failure mode on high-mileage examples.

3.4L LH9 V6

• Displacement: 3,351 cc (3.4 L)
• Configuration: OHV, 12-valve, 72° V6
• Horsepower: 160 hp @ 5,200 rpm
• Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Block Material: Cast iron
• Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic (4T40-E) only
• Recommended Use: Balanced daily driving, moderate towing capacity, family hauling

The 3.4L V6 offered a meaningful torque bump over the 2.4L inline-four, making merges and hill climbing noticeably easier. Its iron block construction provides long-life potential, though it lacks the modern efficiency characteristics of later Gen III/IV V6 designs.

3.8L LN3 V6 (Series II)

• Displacement: 3,790 cc (3.8 L)
• Configuration: OHV, 12-valve, 72° V6 (Series II)
• Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5,200 rpm (some sources cite up to 180 hp on tuned variants)
• Torque: 210 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Block Material: Cast iron
• Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic (4T40-E)
• Recommended Use: Highway cruising, maximum available power, smoother NVH profile

The Series II 3.8L V6 was the top-tier engine option and delivered the most composed highway manners. Improvements over the earlier Series I included revised cylinder heads, better valvetrain components, and enhanced durability of the intake manifold gaskets — a chronic issue on prior-year L67/L36 applications.

Dimensions, Weight & Capacities

Body Style Variants

The 2002 Grand Am was sold as both a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan, each with slightly different dimensional outputs.

Coupe Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 105.5 in (2,680 mm)
• Overall Length: 189.6 in (4,816 mm)
• Overall Width: 71.3 in (1,811 mm)
• Overall Height: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)
• Front Track: ~60.5 in
• Rear Track: ~60.8 in
• Curb Weight: 3,020 – 3,215 lbs (depending on trim/engine)
• Passenger Volume: ~96 cu ft
• Cargo Volume (Coupe): ~14 cu ft

Sedan Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 105.5 in (2,680 mm) — identical to coupe
• Overall Length: 191.3 in (4,859 mm)
• Overall Width: 71.3 in (1