Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1979 Grand Am.
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Am is a distinct entry in the model's lineage, though specific details regarding its body, platform, and engine configurations are not included in the available data. Instead, the provided records focus on the model's later complaint history, which spans from 1990 to 2005 and completely bypasses the 1979 model year. Within that documented window, the model experienced a significant reliability peak with 909 complaints in 1999, contrasted by a much lower 56 complaints in 1990. Because the 1979 Grand Am predates this tracking period, it sits entirely outside the documented reliability spectrum, meaning researchers must look beyond these specific complaint figures to accurately assess its historical durability.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 201.6 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 53.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3228 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Grand Am of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Coupe 4.9L V8 | 11.00 sec | 18.10 sec | 145 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.