1989 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD (Special Touring Editi review from North America

Rear struts were bad at purchase.

Alternator went bad at 88,000 miles.

Tires went bad because the struts were bad.

The car drives extremely well. It doesn not have the soft suspension as the other 6000 models. The reason for this is the independent rear suspension, which gives it a rock solid feel, which lets the driver feel very confident in taking corners.

Comfort is beyond anything I would have expected. The 12-way power seat is something almost unheard of by even todays standards. With three different lumbar adjustments, made by a push of a button which activates a small air compressor, to inflate the three separate areas. The same air compressor also controls the air adjustable headrest. The rest of the seat is controlled like a standard power seat.

The motor is very reliable. Although I have only owned this vehicle partially a year, I have owned other vehicles with the same motor. I also own another Pontiac 6000 LE that has just turned 160,xxx miles. It's powerful, and I feel very confident getting out on the highway and accelerating with no problems.

The transmission I cannot speak very much about. Although this transmission is almost the same as you would find in a standard front wheel drive, it is still substantially different. If it holds up just like the one in my front wheel drive 6000, which has needed no repairs, I will be very happy.

I do have a few complaints about the vehicle. First, there are no cup holders. Which to some is not that big of a deal, but to me it is. Secondly, parts are nearly impossible to find in regards to the all wheel drive system. Third, and lastly. The factory-sized tire is no longer available. Which means you have to play around with tire sizes, and hope you find the right combination, without having the tire rub on the fender well, or drastically altering the correct speed on the speedometer.