1981 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Coupe 5.0 305 V8

Summary:

Best $500 I've ever spent!

Faults:

Nothing so far.

I bought this car used for $500, from a little old lady who was getting too old to drive. She was sad to let go of it, which I completely understand, it was her baby for years.

The car has over 335000 km on it, which is a lot, but it still runs like a top with the original drivetrain.

Transmission still has a lot of torque.

Some minor problems include sagging headliner, broken side view mirror, and rust on the rear bumper.

For a 30 year old car, it is in amazing shape; pillowtop Brougham interior is MINT!

General Comments:

This is the best $500 I have ever spent on a car.

They do not build cars of this quality anymore.

The ride comfort, handling, and visibility are superb, and this car was designed with the driver in mind.

The frame, doors, and panels are so solid, I feel very comfortable and safe, even with all the bad drivers on the road these days.

The car is absolutely beautiful with real chrome bumpers, chrome trim and lots of little details like the hood ornament, which you never see on a newer car.

Rear wheel drive is very easy to drive, and makes turns very easy to handle.

The Pontiac Parisienne was built in Oshawa, Ontario by union labor. I feel very proud to own a car built in my own country. The car was branded "Bonneville" and Catalina in the US, and had a few exterior differences in design.

I absolutely love this car, and would not trade it for a 2010 whatever.

So many of my friends have spent so much money on imports in the hope of saving on fuel economy, but with the costly repairs and monthly payments, they have spent way way more on operating costs than anticipated, and have not saved any money in the end.

Buying a new car is not a way to save money, no matter what advertising wants you to think.

My car may cost a bit more on fuel, but it gets about 26 mpg on the highway, which is not bad at all.

It also seats 6 adult passengers comfortably and has a massive trunk. Try finding a minivan that seats 6 and has as much cargo room as my car; you won't.

If you want a nice, problem free car that is a pleasure to drive, consider one of these.

My only plans for the future are to add some Cragar 5 spoke rims, a sound system with subs, and some rear window tints. I doubt this car will need any mechanical work for a while, it purrs like a kitten.

Can anyone help me with some information? I would like to know how many Pontiac Parisienne 2 door coupes were built. I can't seem to find this information anywhere online, and would like to know.

I know the 2 door Parisienne coupe is very rare and few were made, would like to know if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th November, 2010

30th Nov 2010, 02:52

I'm not sure of the exact number of Pontiac Parisienne 2 door coupes that were made in 1981, but it was the last year of production for the 2 door model.

7th Jan 2011, 03:06

Original poster here : The car is still being driven daily, runs like a charm, what a great daily driver! It certainly does not feel or look like a $500 car, and my friends love to get a drive in it, pure luxury!

23rd Aug 2012, 09:18

Morning, I worked in the plant at the time. I bought the last one made. It has 1982 colors and interior. And a color-coded moon-roof. Then the 2 door was cancelled, and the 4 door was moved to Que.

24th Sep 2012, 03:32

I just recently bought the exact same car for 700$. Mine does not have the headliner gone; it was, but was replaced. Are there any other problems you have found with the car? I haven't seen many of these 2 doors, but would like to know how many were made as well. If you have found this out, it would be helpful.

Thanks. B.

4th Mar 2024, 19:46

Do you still have the 1982 Parisienne?

Peter.

1981 Pontiac Parisienne Base 5.0L 305 c.i.

Summary:

A comfortable and luxurious car that that is well worth the extra cost in up-keep

Faults:

Besides the regular...

Heater core replaced.

The cruise control transducer went at 165000.

The air conditioning has been charged several times over the years.

General Comments:

The interior is very luxurious and comfortable.

Interior is also very durable and not prone to stains.

The car is very poor on tight turns in parking lots.

The car is very quite, especially on the highway, you never tire of driving it.

This car definitely gets lots of looks, especially since it used to be my grandmothers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2009