1995 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8

Summary:

One of the best I have ever owned in 37 years

Faults:

I had the transmission replaced under warranty at 36,000 miles.

Had the transmission rebuilt at 165,000 miles due to the torque converter going out.

Replaced the motor mounts at 56,000 miles due to a clunking in the front when accelerating.

Have replaced front disk brake rotors numerous times due to warping.

Rear hatch handle broke off and is very hard to replace if you do it yourself.

Radiator had to be replaced at 120,000 miles and is starting to leak again at 208,000 miles.

Drivers side door handle broke, apparently someone tried to open the door when it was locked and the die-casting broke from the force.

General Comments:

This is one of the most versatile vehicles that I have owned. I often use it to haul items from the lumber yard and garden center.

It is a fun van to drive and with the body being made from plastic it has kept that "new car" look.

It is easy on gas mileage even when driving aggressively.

The seat belt retractors don't retract as they should and the shoulder harnesses keep twisting in the guides.

If the engine does ever give it up I will probably have the dealer install a new one because that is cheaper than having a new car payment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2003

1995 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8L

Summary:

This is my second new Trans Sport in a row, and my last. Do not buy one of these!

Faults:

I had to replace 4 power window motors.

I had to replace transmission at 78,000 miles.

Carpet had to be replaced because A/C drainage kept backing up into van interior. Seasonal problem!

A/C vents had to be replaced due to poor design.

Motor mounts had to be replaced at 80,000.

Shocks had to replaced every 50,000 miles.

Rear trunk lid lock arm had to be replaced as it breaks easily.

Paint on top of entire vehicle has blistered, faded and peeled.

Steering wheel control buttons have lost indication all I have now is red push back lighted buttons with no markings. A very poorly designed coating!!!

General Comments:

I have had several weird electrical system faults.

The design of the manual A/C vents are pathetic. Each one of the vents had to be replaced before warranty expired.

Van is shuttle like and offers great frontal viewing, but does give a driver side blind spot that has almost gotten me hit several times.

In it's defense this tank will not stop running but expect to shell out money to keep it on the road!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st February, 2003

14th Jun 2007, 21:10

Honestly, aside from the tranny it doesn't sound like you've had much trouble considering you put 176K on it.

1995 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.1

Summary:

Good buy, can last a long time

Faults:

Wiper motor had a bad contact.

Air conditioner had a stone hit the connector on the road, and had to have connector replaced.

General Comments:

It handles very well. The seating arrangement is superb. Dash and lighting are very good. This car seems like it will or could last forever. The reason I purchased it is that rust will never rust the body away, so maybe a motor or transmission to replace sooner or later, but definitely cheaper than another van.

Also I noticed that other manufacturers are imitating the looks of this van, like a more forward sloping front and high rise rear lights. I really enjoy it so far, and do recommend it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2002

1995 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8 gas V6

Summary:

Cheaper than imports - lower quality than imports!

Faults:

Two transmission's have been replaced, one at 120,000 and the other at 160,000.

The door handles keep breaking, along with other small parts such as rear window wiper, rear brake lights, the driver's side window mechanism is broken etc..

General Comments:

Don't purchase this vehicle unless the mileage is very good or you're getting an exceptional deal, look for the current wider selection of import automobiles such as Honda, Toyota etc...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2002

1995 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.1

Summary:

Good value, when maintained properly will last for years

Faults:

Wiper motor at 99,000km.

Transmission at 99,000km.

Rear hatch lock at 99,000 - 101,000 - 124,000km.

Ball joints & upper control arms at 120,000km.

Rear air switch at 125,000km.

Replaced all shocks at 115,000km.

General Comments:

Due to the plastic body panels, the van squeaks.

Lots of wind noise when driving, poor weather striping on doors, hard to adjust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2001

19th Jan 2003, 16:07

Transmisson replaced 53000 WHY?

23rd Nov 2003, 07:43

Comment concerning the 115,000 km Shock replacement:

If I am correct, that would be about 71,500 miles - which is really really good wear for a set of shocks! (C:

7th Aug 2010, 10:50

I too would like to know why the transmission went out at 53K miles?

8th Aug 2010, 11:56

On an import yes, but none of my domestics has ever had the shocks replaced before 150,000 miles. One was driven over 300,000 with the original shocks, and two had right at a quarter of a million miles with the original shocks. Our current GM has 90,000 miles and has not even had a brake job yet, let alone shocks. Shocks should last way longer than 70,000 miles, unless all the driving is on very rough roads. I have virtually never had ANY repairs on my domestic vehicles in 100,000 miles.