44/100
1985Compact CarsRegular

1985 Pontiac Grand Am

EPA ID: 365
21
City MPG
25
Combined MPG
25MPG· Average
31
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1985 Pontiac Grand Am achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1985 Grand Am produces approximately 355 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Grand Am performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions355 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,400
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.6
Impact vs EPA
+$37
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$547/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
42.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,500
32.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.1%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,800

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #06E043000·2006-10-18
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Campaign #87V124000·1987-08-27
critical
Component: STRUCTURE

SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.

Campaign #86V030000·1986-03-07
advisory
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL PREVENTING THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.

Campaign #84V146000·1984-12-27
advisory
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

THE SWITCH USED MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR. THIS SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH FUNCTIONAL, IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEM". THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED MAY REMAIN NEARLY CONSTANT WHETHER IN HIGH OR LOW SPEED MODE. THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW SPEED MUST BE AT LEAST 15 CYCLES PER MINUTE TO ACCOMODATE A VARIETY OF RAIN, SNOW, OR WHEEL SPRAY CONDITIONS.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: WIPER SWITCHES WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

Campaign #84V124000·1984-10-01
moderate
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

THE TIE RODS ARE PART OF THE STEERING LINKAGE AND TRANSMIT TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS. THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE TIE RODS TO THEIR ADJUSTERS MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TIE ROD TO LOOSEN AND DETACH ITSELF FROM THE ADJUSTER.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: THE TIE ROD END BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Pontiac Grand Am configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1985 Compact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,400
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined25 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

71.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 88 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.9 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.