Orlando Sentinel's view

For Pontiac, the new Grand Am is a grand slam.

With its excellent all-round performance, long list of standard equipment, nifty styling and superb quality, the ’99 Grand Am has all the bases covered.

The Grand Am has been one of General Motors’ top-selling nameplates for years. The new ’99 version – a total redesign – should ensure that that tradition continues.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

The Grand Am is available as a coupe or a sedan and in two trim levels, SE and GT, on both body styles.

Our GT coupe came with GM’s lusty 3.4-liter pushrod V-6, an engine that cranks out 175 horsepower. The Grand Am SE comes with either a 150-horsepower Twin Cam four or a 170-horsepower version of the 3.4-liter. A four-speed automatic transmission is the only one available, though a five-speed manual is said to be in the offing for next year.

I expect plenty of Grand Am buyers to opt for the GT version. Grand Am’s solid foundation is a superstrong, superstiff body. Pontiac engineers have done an excellent job of matching the performance of the drivetrain to the tuning of the suspension system. They have created a nimble compact with plenty of power.

The engine makes pleasant sounds as it sucks in air. The dual exhaust system, with four round chrome tips poking out of the rear bumper, emits a deep rumble when the engine is revved.

Grand Am GT is a car with a decent bite, not just a loud bark. Motor Trend magazine recently tested a four-door model and logged a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds, not bad for a $20,000 car that will be used mostly to move families from Point A to Point B.

The GT comes with a specially tuned, four-wheel independent suspension system that delivers a slightly firmer ride compared with the Grand Am SE, quicker steering and better brakes.

This car is quiet over the road, with very little noise from the suspension system finding its way inside.

For the money, the Grand Am GT outperforms, outstyles and outvalues just about everything in its class.

FIT AND FINISH

One thing I can’t stand about most foreign cars, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, is the pricing structure. They start out reasonably enough, but by the time you add such necessities as a decent radio and anti-lock brakes, the price has bloated to Marlon Brando proportions.

There’s none of that foolishness with the new Grand Am.

Simply put, you get almost everything standard and for one very reasonable price. Our test car had no options and didn’t need any.

Power windows, remote-controlled door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning and traction control are at the top of a long list of standard features.

The Grand Am has two comfortable bucket seats that offer excellent lower back support. I made several long trips and felt comfortable during the extended time behind the wheel. The rear seat area is a pleasant surprise. Sure, you have to twist a little to get to the back seats, but once situ ated you’ll find plenty of legroom and headroom. The rear bench, which splits and folds forward, is firm but comfortable.

Pontiac’s designers have created an interior every bit as sporty as the Grand Am’s sleek body. The dash is a swoopy, curved affair with analog instruments that are bathed in red light.

The dimensions of the interior fit me well. The rotary knobs for the air conditioner were nicely labeled and easy to reach, so easy that I could change the temperature without taking my eyes off the road.

Grand Am has a spacious trunk that is easy to load and can hold at least six grocery bags.

To these eyes, the Grand Am looks like a slightly smaller version of the red-hot Grand Prix. The styling is superb when viewed from any angle. The muscular stance and aggressive look convey exactly what the Grand Am is: a sporty machine that’s a blast to drive.

1999 Pontiac Grand Am

Base price: $19,070.

Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock disc b rakes and d aytime running lights.

Price as tested: $19,745.

EPA rating: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway

Incentives: None.

Truett’s tip: The new Grand Am is a very sporty compact with great performance, plenty of standard equipment and excellent quality.