1990 Pontiac 6000 LE 3.1 MPFI V6 from North America

Summary:

This car will last longer than me

Faults:

The only things I've had to replace are things that you would expect to on a 12+ year old sedan. The alternator, starter, battery, fuel pump, brakes, and the simple stuff. (Fluids etc.) The one big thing that went was the transmission, but after 175,000 miles, there's no way I can complain. Besides, I got another one for $500.

General Comments:

This car's strength is absolutely amazing. The odometer is pushing 205,000 miles and the car still starts right up every time, doesn't hesitate or burn oil, and has excellent power. I have restored the car quite a bit, replacing bumpers and repainting it. Out of all the people I know who own 6000's or any A-body, they all speak of the hardiness of these cars. There is no way that I'm getting rid of mine, and yes, they're probably going to bury me in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2003

5th Dec 2006, 02:07

I own an 84, and I love it. The 6000 LE is a wonderful car, and it will not die. Mine has just needed routine maintenance, and it's at least 200k miles. I agree that it's the car I want to be buried in.

16th Mar 2007, 06:44

A-bodies are wonderful. My father's 90 Century made it to 250,000 miles before the transmission went (only major thing that has EVER gone wrong with it), and my Celebrity made it to ~160k before I totaled it. Great, great cars...

16th Mar 2007, 14:42

My dad had an '89 Pontiac 6000 LE station wagon that he bought for $350 because the "check engine" light was always on and the previous owners were scared off.

For that cheap price, he just taped over the light so it wouldn't be so annoying and kept driving it.

He loved it, and it was the most modern car he'd had in years. He drove it between Wisconsin and West Virginia several times and it ran great.

At about 225,000 miles the transmission finally locked up, so it wouldn't go into any gear out of park. It always had a jerky transmission, like you'd put it in gear and five seconds later it would slam into gear, or sometimes you'd put it in reverse and nothing would happen, so you'd have to shift back into Park and then try Reverse again.

Certainly no complaints on a $350 car with over 200,000 miles.

1990 Pontiac 6000 LE 2.5 liter from North America

Summary:

A very dependable car

Faults:

Brake pads, shoes, rotors replaced twice

Tune-ups, plugs, and plug-wires every 30000 miles.

Computer replaced at a 100000 miles.

Crankshaft timing sensor replaced twice.

Muffler and Exhaust.

General Comments:

This car is still very powerful for a four cylinder.

The paint is peeled real bad, and needs to be repainted.

The interior is still good, except the front seat has broken down on the driver's side.

In 1994, I paid $2800.00 for it, I sure wish I could find another car this dependable for that price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2003

1990 Pontiac 6000 S/E 3.1 MPFI from North America

Summary:

An M-1 Abrams has nothing on this car

Faults:

The thermostat went kaput at 89000.

It got new tires soon after that.

The fuel pump died at 147000.

The starter went at 115000.

Passenger front seat's bolster is bad.

Several seals around the doors deteriorated and fell off. Not cool with the ladies.

General Comments:

This car has had so much trouble that wasn't even its fault. The alternator went bad twice within a week because some idiot at Sears forgot to bolt the battery back down. The battery would move around, and when the positive terminal touched the body, it shocked the whole system. That's how my starter went out too.

Driver's view was excellent. It feels like your deep down inside the car;very safe. The guages are excellent; one sweep left to right is all it takes to know the vehicle's speed, engine RPM, temperature, and fuel level. They also look cool at night. Green background with orange needles. Too cool. I can see everything well to the rear and sides, with no real blindspots.

The engine note is excellent, always promising more than the 140 horses she has. I loved it when the muffler was off, but to pass inspection it had to be on so...

Changing that back row of spark plugs was always a 3 hour chore; the fronts take about 10 minutes.

Handling leaves something to be desired. Not as sporting as I would like, but feel is pretty good, and despite what some say about big cars, if I'm in a hurry I can burn into a parking spot at 30 MPH.

The painted (white) wheels look great Although the sun might set on you while cleaning them. A toothbrush is required.

The taillights are one of my favorite parts of the car. They look as if they're blacked out during the day. The real lenses are encased by smoked plastic covers.

Mine being an S/E, it has optional ground effects. Mine were damaged in THE WRECK, and I'm currently searching for more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2001