1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE review from North America

The 3.1L V6 has always had a noticeable whine to it from idle up to around 3500 RPM. I don't know if this is just because of the high miles or if this is inherent to this specific engine. Any others noticed this same sort of thing?

Both rear struts were replaced at 126,000 miles.

The starter, for no apparent reason, just stopped working around 128,000.

At 133,000 miles, the outside driver-side door handle broke off. The replacement was about $25.

I've noticed very unusual wear on the right rear tire. The rears were in identical shape, about 90% tread, when I got it, but the right rear is now almost completely worn smooth around the outside 2 inches. The left rear is wearing normally.

Whenever I'm driving slowly around town with the windows down, and the car hits a bump in the pavement, I hear a compressing sound in the front end. It sounds like a hydraulic cylinder being compressed then released. My mechanic hasn't been able to find anything relating to that.

At idle and low speeds, turning the steering wheel off-center about 1/4 turn to the left produces a snapping/clunking sound. Any ideas on what this might be?

Acceleration from a standstill is pretty good considering the miles. Fuel economy has ranged from 19-24 MPG. Outside the exhaust has a nice throaty sound to it.

It handles great around curves. I find myself often taking a particular one marked at 35 MPH at over 60, and there's absolutely no sign of body roll. The Goodyear Eagle RS-A's on it stick to the road very well.

I've never had any trouble with any of the interior items, aside from the markings on the window and door lock switches wearing off.

This Grand Prix is my first car so I don't really have much to compare it to. I think it's been a good car to start out with... and I love the medium grayish-teal color... I've never seen another one like mine.