Abstract: An amorphous polyamide having a high heat distortion temperature is produced by reacting toluenediamine with isophthalic acid, and optionally terephthalic acid, in the presence of either an aliphatic diacid, an aliphatic diamine or a mixture thereof. The polyamide provides the combined properties of a high heat distortion temperature, low shrinkage upon cooling, high levels of chemical resistance, is processable at temperatures below its degradation temperature, and has a high flexural modulus. With these combined properties the polyamide is particularly suitable for fiber reinforced automotive applications requiring exposure to excessive heat in conventional automotive paint bake ovens.