The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am sits squarely in the late-1980s front-wheel-drive sport-coupe and sedan era, when trim level and suspension package could noticeably change a car’s stance and road feel. That matters here because the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am uses three different radial tire sizes across its sub-model lineup: 185/80R13, 215/60R14, and 205/55R16. The choice is not just about replacing worn tires, but about matching the correct wheel diameter and selecting the sidewall look and tire character that suit the car. Some options lean toward traditional whitewall presentation, while others bring a more performance-oriented blackwall or raised white letter look. Start by confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing a replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am uses three different tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Those sizes span 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch radial fitments, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an LE, LE w/WS6, or SE and then checking the actual wheels on the vehicle. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and the kind of road use or appearance you want.
185/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, this size serves as a narrower 13-inch fitment with a traditional radial profile. Available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments from Maxxis, BFGoodrich Silvertown, and Coker Classic across series such as Maxxis Radial, Silvertown Radial, and Star Series. This size is the right place to look when the car retains its original 13-inch wheel setup and a more classic sidewall presentation matters.
215/60R14 is a metric radial size that uses a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, it represents a wider, lower-profile radial than the 13-inch LE fitment and appears on specific sub-model configurations rather than across the entire lineup. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich Radial T/A with raised white letters, giving it a distinctly late-1980s performance look. This size deserves careful attention when matching an LE w/WS6 or an SE that uses 14-inch wheels, since the wheel diameter must be correct before moving ahead.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, this size is tied to a 16-inch setup and carries a more modern low-profile look than the other available fitments. Choices include blackwall performance-oriented series from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with a wide whitewall option from American Classic. This size is worth confirming carefully on an SE, especially if the car has changed hands or seen wheel swaps, because 16-inch fitment is visually and dimensionally distinct from the other Grand Am tire sizes.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am because tire size changes across the lineup rather than staying uniform. Identifying whether the car is an LE, LE w/WS6, or SE is the quickest way to narrow the correct rim diameter and tire selection path.
1
1989 Pontiac Grand Am LE
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am LE uses a single 13-inch radial tire fitment, making its tire search more straightforward than the other covered sub-models. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the main choice becomes the kind of sidewall presentation you want, especially among narrow and wide whitewall options.
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am LE w/WS6 moves to a 14-inch radial tire setup, which separates it clearly from the standard LE. That makes wheel confirmation important, and it also gives this sub-model a more performance-themed tire appearance through the available raised white letter option.
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am SE can use either a 14-inch or 16-inch radial fitment, so this is the sub-model where checking the actual wheels matters most. Tire selection depends on confirming which diameter is on the car first, then choosing between a more performance-oriented blackwall look or a whitewall presentation where available.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Pontiac Grand Am Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Pontiac Grand Am tire choices range from whitewall 185/80R13 radials to a raised white letter 215/60R14 and several 205/55R16 blackwall and whitewall options. Brands represented here include Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, and Coker Classic across several distinct tire series.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, how sub-models affect fitment, and what to compare when choosing between whitewall, blackwall, and raised white letter radial options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am?
A 1989 Pontiac Grand Am can use 185/80R13, 215/60R14, or 205/55R16, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. The LE uses 185/80R13, the LE w/WS6 uses 215/60R14, and the SE is associated with either 215/60R14 or 205/55R16.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter already on the car. A Grand Am that has been modified or fitted with different wheels over the years may not still match its original configuration, so checking the actual rim size before ordering tires is an important step.
What size rim does a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am use?
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am uses three different rim diameters across its covered fitments: 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch. Those diameters correspond to the three tire sizes used on this model year, so rim size is directly tied to which tire size belongs on the car.
The practical takeaway is simple: the tire must match the wheel diameter exactly. If the car is an SE, extra care is needed because both 14-inch and 16-inch fitments are in play, and if the car has aftermarket wheels, the current setup matters more than assumptions based on trim name alone.
Why does the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has more than one tire size because tire fitment varies by sub-model and wheel package. The standard LE uses 185/80R13, the LE w/WS6 moves to 215/60R14, and the SE appears with either 215/60R14 or 205/55R16.
That variation changes more than just width or profile; it also changes wheel diameter, sidewall shape, and the kinds of replacement tires that make sense. Instead of choosing by appearance first, identify the trim and check the actual wheels on the vehicle, then compare available products within the correct size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact 1989 Pontiac Grand Am sub-model and wheel diameter, because this car uses 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch radial fitments. After that, compare construction details such as rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the overall character of the available tire series.
Appearance also plays a real role on this model because options include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, blackwall, and raised white letter styles. A buyer restoring an LE may focus on traditional sidewall presentation, while someone selecting for an SE may lean toward the lower-profile 16-inch fitment and the tire series available in that size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am tires?
The 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is represented by several sidewall styles, depending on tire size. Available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in 185/80R13, raised white letter in 215/60R14, and both blackwall and wide whitewall in 205/55R16.
Those sidewall choices can change the look of the car as much as the wheel itself, especially on a late-1980s coupe or sedan. Pick the sidewall style after the correct size is settled, not before, since each size has its own visual options and the right presentation depends on whether the goal is sporty, understated, or more restoration-oriented.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am?
Tires for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am are available here from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Brand availability depends on size, with some fitments offering several choices while others are represented by a single tire line.
That makes the correct size the first filter and the brand the second. A 185/80R13 buyer can compare multiple whitewall-oriented options, while a 215/60R14 buyer is looking at a more focused raised white letter choice, and 205/55R16 opens up several blackwall performance-style alternatives plus a whitewall radial.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Pontiac Grand Am?
A period-style 1989 Pontiac Grand Am tire choice starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the visual direction varies by setup: whitewall radials are available in 185/80R13 and 205/55R16, while 215/60R14 is offered with raised white letters.
The right choice depends on how the car is being presented rather than a single universal look for every Grand Am. A more stock-appearing LE may suit a whitewall presentation, while a WS6-themed car may feel more natural with raised white letters. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque-specific references and surviving examples.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Pontiac Grand Am?
Tire construction is less of a visual dividing line here because the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am fitments in question are radial sizes across the board. The appearance change comes more from profile and sidewall treatment, with taller 13-inch fitment, lower-profile 14-inch performance styling, and 16-inch low-profile choices each giving the car a different stance.
That means a restoration-minded owner should look closely at wheel diameter, sidewall height, and sidewall style together. A whitewall can shift the car toward a more formal presentation, while blackwall or raised white letter tires create a sportier late-1980s look. Matching the tire to the sub-model and wheel package keeps the finished result believable.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, especially because this model already spans 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch wheel diameters. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or previous owner conversions can all change what size is currently practical on the car.
The best approach is to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle before choosing a replacement tire. It also helps to look at clearance around the fenders and steering components, since a Grand Am that no longer matches its original setup may need closer measurement rather than a quick sub-model-based assumption.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am on new tires, check that the tire size matches the wheel diameter and that all four tires are properly inflated and seated. A general visual inspection should include sidewall condition, any obvious cuts or bulges, valve stem condition, and the basic condition of the wheels themselves.
It is also smart to confirm clearance at full steering lock and over suspension movement, particularly if the car has non-original wheels or the SE’s 14-inch or 16-inch options. After the first drives, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.
How should tires on a collector-era 1989 Pontiac Grand Am be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Cars that are driven infrequently can still develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, or slow air loss even when the tread looks barely used.
Storage conditions matter on a low-use Grand Am, so keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires. It also helps to move the car periodically, inspect for uneven wear, and verify that the wheel and tire combination still matches the intended sub-model fitment before longer road use.
