1989 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Great car to own

Faults:

Alternator, temperature sensor.

I fried the radio, and also some interior wear, expected...

General Comments:

My first car. It has been very good. It's not a Porsche, but it goes pretty good, even after 195,000 miles. Just wish they put a little better trannies in them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2001

6th Aug 2001, 22:43

Hello, I am looking at an 89 Grand Prix, I was wondering if it is possible to replace the radio with a custom store one?

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2.8L from North America

Summary:

A great car to own, would get another anytime

Faults:

Alternator.

Brakes.

Power steering hose.

General Comments:

Great car, very reliable, never plugged it in once and starts every time.

Lost the alternator and the battery died getting it home, so I it changed it on the spot where it died and even with an almost dead battery, it had enough juice to turn over and start.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2001

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

A wonderful first car

Faults:

The W body brakes were the worst thing that GM ever built. We have had many problems with the braking sysytem on this car. Over $2000 probably.

We have had 2 alternators go, 3 rotors, 1 caliper, the trunk rattles, and the emergency brake does not work.

General Comments:

This is a great car when it comes to reliability and economics. However, little things tend to go wrong with it. The little things are not major, but can be very annoying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2001

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Amazing reliability, fun to drive

Faults:

Alternator.

Battery.

Ball joints.

Brake pads.

Knock sensor.

Leaked transmission fluid when I bought it, turned out to be a bad gasket.

The previous owner had replaced the power steering pump, battery, and one brake caliper.

General Comments:

Nice kick off the line, economical, comfortable, and cheap to maintain. This car has been really nice to me, and has had less then $1,000 in repairs done in it's life.

I honestly can't see myself selling it, it even starts with the temperature below -30 celsius without being plugged in. Grand Prix's rate highly in my books.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2001

2nd Oct 2005, 21:46

That's good to know about starting in -30 celsius cause I'm in southern Ontario where - 30 is quite often in the winters.

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Great performance but too many repairs

Faults:

Replaced all the following:

Brakes - replaced all the callipers and pads too many times to remember.

Alternator.

Ignition switch.

Door latch.

Transmission.

Starter.

Water pump.

Battery.

Fuel pump.

The little orange thing that shows what gear you are in broke off.

General Comments:

The car was loaded, looks great except in the end the headliner was falling down, back seats were ripping, carpet on sides of the doors was starting to come off and the pinstriping was peeling.

Even with 131,000 miles the engine was sound. I finally got rid of her to buy a mini van. I just couldn't see myself spending another 200-300 dollars on brake repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2000

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix 1.8 from North America

Summary:

I'll never buy a Pontiac again!!

Faults:

This car was great in the very beginning, but it was all downhill from there. Let me give you a small idea of what I've been through with this piece of, shall we say, "JUNK!!!"

I had to replace the following:

- Brakes

- Engine (yes the whole thing)

- Two alternators

- Two power steering pumps

- Coil

- ECM (Computer)

- Lower power steering rack

- Fan

The rest I didn't replace, but there is a definate problem:

- Paint is peeling

- Ceiling clothing is pulling away from roof

- Seats are tearing

- interior paneling is pulling away

- cooling system is on the 'fritz'

General Comments:

Don't ever allow yourself to buy this vehicle; unless of course you like a car that requires tons of work, and will eventually nickle and dime you to death. Having to replace an engine at 80,000 miles is unacceptable!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th August, 2000

29th Nov 2000, 15:26

My car has had a few problem but nothing major. I have had to replace the rotors and pads, alternator, fan, and one strut as far as I can remember.

The performance lacks a little, but that is because the engine and tranmission have over 192,000 miles and have never been rebuilt.

It is still running sound and is very reliable. I would buy another if I had the option. I love the performance and the options.