1994 Pontiac Grand Prix GT review from North America

The car is currently on its sixth alternator, the most recent of which has finally received a lifetime parts and labor warranty from the dealer.

The entire power steering system has been gradually replaced: First the Pressure line, then the Pump (twice), then the whole rack and pinion.

The A/C Compressor has been replaced.

All engine mounts have been replaced.

The rear brakes froze up entirely and they had to be replaced at a cost of $700 (calipers, rotors, pads, etc.

Currently, at about 105,000 miles, the entire coolant system is in the process of "self-destruct", not dissimilar to what had happened to the power steering system about two years ago. The radiator may be plugged, but the thermostat and water pump and heater core surely are in need of replacement.

This 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix was my father's when it was new, and passed on to me at around 85,000 miles. Our family has kept all of the dealer service records, and has maintained the car impeccably, but to no avail. The G.P. has always managed to find a way to fail on us one way or the other.

I tell friends that the car is so unduly complicated (this means that it looks fancy and high performance, but actually the appearance is just a result of a poorly planned out engine design... I believe the other engines like the 3.1 and 3800 for these GM body styles to be far superior in performance and reliability), that if the tire pressure gets low, then you'll probably have to replace the #2, 3 & 5 spark plugs, followed by a gentle hand washing of the interior of the catalytic converter. Otherwise, expect the necessity of a complete engine overhaul if you fail to use the turn signal gently.

My previous car was an old 1986 Volkswagon Golf GTi, and you could drive it at high speed into a wall (if you were into that sort of thing) and pretty much only expect to paint it and knock out some dents. And it only ever needed one, not 6, alternators.