Rediscovering the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE: A Blast from the Past on Bring A Trailer

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Pontiac
Pontiac (Credits: Kelley Blue Book)

In about a week, the year 1994 will mark its 30th anniversary. For those of you who were around during that time, it might be a surprising realization—consider this your friendly nudge to schedule a health check-up, including a cholesterol test. But before you prioritize your well-being, take a trip down memory lane with this teal-colored gem.

Today’s featured vehicle from Bring A Trailer, a platform affiliated with Hearst Autos alongside Car and Driver, is a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE, standing out as a rare survivor. Typically, it’s the more distinguished Pontiacs from the 1990s that have been preserved, and this 115-hp four-cylinder Grand Am coupe might easily have met the fate of being used up and discarded like a forgotten Capri Sun pouch. Yet, against the odds, it persists.

1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE
1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE (Credits: Edmunds)

Only those who experienced the ’90s firsthand will recall the popularity of teal-colored cars during that era. Purple ones, too. However, these vibrant hues are now a rarity on the roads, with the exception of a Dodge Challenger. Cruise up to your local 7/Eleven in this Grand Am, and the teal will evoke a nostalgic snap and crackle reminiscent of a mouthful of Pop Rocks.

In the 1990s, Pontiac still exuded excitement with its tagline, “We Build Excitement!” The Quad 4 engine boasted up to 180 horsepower in high-output trim, and if you find the Grand Am’s plastic cladding to be a quirky marketing ploy, just consider the annual sales figures of Subaru Crosstreks. The Grand Am’s 1992 debut marked the beginning of a run that lasted until 1998, consistently selling over 200,000 units annually, except for its final model year.

While this Grand Am isn’t a high-trim version—leaning more towards basic or even rental-spec—it embodies a pitch-perfect throwback. As a somewhat forgotten driving experience, it serves as a nostalgic link to the past and makes for an ideal choice for events like Radwood. For the complete 1990s experience, don’t forget to don your flannel attire.

Settle into those comfortably worn seats, shift the slushy three-speed (!) automatic into gear, and play Coolio’s “Fantastic Voyage” on the cassette stereo. This particular model has undergone air-conditioning recharging, ensuring that the A/C vents will blow refreshingly cool air, even if your cool factor hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years.

The bidding has been gradually increasing in $100 increments, indicating that this Grand Am is likely to be acquired at a budget-friendly price—just as it was back in the day.

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