split-grille nose. Our test coupe, a GT, benefits from a front spoiler,

lower body cladding, and spoiler-mounted driving lights.

The subtly contoured hood encloses one of two powerplants. The base

2.4-liter Twin Cam four-cylinder engine comes with a five-speed manual

or optional four-speed automatic.

The optional 3.1-liter V6 offers slightly more horsepower (155 vs. 150)

and significantly more torque (185 vs. 155 lb.-ft.) than the 2.4-liter

engine. The V6 comes standard with a four-speed automatic.

The Grand Am's generous greenhouse is balanced by a relatively high

belt line and low seating position. The roof pillars are thin, minimizing

blind spots for driver and passengers.

At the rear, a short deck lid conceals 13.4 cubic feet of luggage space,

good-sized by the standards for this class. This area is expandable via

a folding rear seat when the sport interior option is ordered.

The Grand Am's sporty styling still stands out in a field of family

sedans, even though its basic look is more than 10 years old. The front

and rear fascias, redesigned last year, successfully freshen the overall

body shape.

We prefer the look of the SE model (from $15,159, including destination)

with its cleaner lines. The GT Coupe (from $16,399) comes with lower body

cladding, a rear deck lid spoiler and other aerodynamic touches that give

it that Pontiac flair. But it's a look that's becoming a trifle dated in

a new age of uncluttered exterior designs.

The GT Coupe also comes with a suspension tuned more for spirited driving,

including more aggressive tires on 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and larger

anti-roll bars that reduce body lean in corners.