1990 Pontiac Grand Prix LE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

GREAT CAR

Faults:

Nothing has gon wrong with my car, but today I changed the tires and bought new ones.

General Comments:

This car I hope I can make performance go up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2007

1990 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Stylish lightning storm

Faults:

- ABS master cylinder had a leak, and the hydraulic pump ran on.

- Gas tank leaked.

- The signal switch didn't work.

- Water pump went after 1000km.

- Alternator went twice.

Here is the big thing that makes me hate the car:

all the exterior lights went on the car. Two days later, when I started the car, the starter stayed on when the engine was running. I took the key out of the ignition, and the starter kept running, so I had to disconnect the battery.

I took it to Canadian Tire. They put in a new starter and ignition switch, which was $600. Three days later, the starter stayed on again. I got it to run by bump starting it.

Later that day, it was in my driveway, the starter kicked on when I was inside my house (the keys were not in the ignition), and it drove into my garage door (it's a standard, it was in 1st gear) and caused $1000 damage.

I took it to the GM dealership, and they said it couldn't do what it did, because it stopped doing it when it was in their shop. They didn't know what was wrong with it.

Many more little things went on this car as well.

General Comments:

This car has been an electrical nightmare. It is horribly designed.

I bought it as a fixer upper; it had a new engine put in it, no rust, and many other nice things.

It constantly broke. I put my money and blood into this car, and it gave me nothing but serious and dangerous problems.

I got about 20000k out of it, and now I am going to scrap it.

You will regret buying one of these cars.

The car has OK acceleration and handles very well, looks nice, and when it runs, I like this car, but it just isn't worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th January, 2006

31st Jan 2006, 20:12

Dear friend.

I just wanted to comment on the Grand Prix. Your story is very unique and tells a good lesson on buying a used car designed with electronics of this magnitude. In fact, I own a 1989 SE model. This car has more buttons for the front bucket seats than I have on my cell phone. Occasionally, the buttons don't work. I had a big problem with all the lights flickering and alternator not charging the car enough. I have since taking care of those problems and have become very proud of the car.

I also have done lots of research on these (1988-1990) Grand Prixs. When these cars first hit the scene in fall 1987, they literally were way ahead of their time. Even today, these cars are very modern to other cars that are brand new. Because of their state-of-the-art-for-1988 features, it is highly likable that some of these cars will have electrical drama (what I call it). Your experience with this car is very unusual, but very true. You just happen to pick that lucky Grand Prix from the bunch and it is a shame. In actuality, these cars will still out perform a lot of new cars today. The 2.8 and 3.1 liter V-6 will last a good 250,000 to 300,000 miles upon proper maintenance. It truly is a wonderful automobile, maybe except for the electronics.

1990 Pontiac Grand Prix Turbo 3.1 TurboCharged Intercooled V6 from North America

Summary:

This is a very fun semi reliable car

Faults:

Tape deck at my tape.

It had random acts when it wouldn't start, then just would.

Remote Keyless Entry doesn't work, sodering joint problem.

Check gages light stuck on, once again, sodering joint problem.

Brakes horrible, needs replaced.

Rust.

Electrical Problems, mostly just grounds.

General Comments:

This is a great looking, very very fun car. With 205hp and 225tq out of a Turbocharged version of the 3.1 Multiport fuel injected V6. This car sounds great, has a great sound system stock, and is a rare car! I love this car, and if you ever find one, buy it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2005