1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

I'd never own anything else!

Faults:

Needed new alternator at 80,000 miles.

Had to buy new power window motor at 100,000 miles.

Intake gasket started leaking at 150,000 miles.

Needed new alternator again at 160,000 miles.

Temperature adjustment knob fell off at 170,000 miles. About the same time, the driver's side seat was no longer able to recline.

Head gasket started leaking at 194,900 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been great in protecting me from all the deer (8) I've hit in the past 9 years. I've never been hurt in any of these accidents.

The car handles great! I can zoom around curves on country roads at top speed (which is probably why I've hit so many deer).

The car is comfortable and dependable. I often drive 30,000 miles a year over lots of dirt roads and then through the city as well. It never had to be towed unless it was in an accident. It was a great deal for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2003

1994 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.4 Liter DOHC from North America

Summary:

For the price, you cannot beat what this car offers

Faults:

The crank angle sensor went out at 32000 miles.

The wiper motor failed at 32,002 miles.

The alternator failed at 38,000, but my dealer at the time replaced it at no cost.

Alternator failed again at 82,300 miles.

Timing belt broke at 85,980 miles.

Have had emission problems since around 80,000 which resulted in new plug wires, oxygen sensors, mass air flow sensor.

Trim anchors began giving out and need replacement 120,000.

General Comments:

I have throughly enjoyed owning this car. Yes, it is expensive when it comes to fixing problems if you have to rely on a shop, but no car is really cheap to maintain.

The alternator fails due to the nature of the engine compartment design. I have had zero alternator problems since installing a simple ventilation duct that pushes cool air from the front of the car to the alternator.

I am currently having an idle problem where the engine revs high, and stalls unless the gas pedal is attended to. I believe there is a vacuum leak involved, but have not had the time to sniff it out. Also, the transmission seems to not want to down shift once it has changed out of first, and shudders down until I stop. Shift up through the gears fine. I am clueless here unless it involves the same vacuum leak.

Other than that the car has great acceleration, handle well, and looks good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2003

9th Dec 2003, 08:13

I had the same idle problem around 80,000. I replaced the O2 sensor, the vaccum tubes. It turned out to be the manafold gasket was bad and leaking air into the manafold causing what your describing.700$ that was at the dealer though.

15th Nov 2004, 08:24

I just went through the same thing. The rough idle is due to a vacume leak. The gasket in the upper plenum usually goes out. Also you might have bad valve cover gaskets which leaks oil into the spark plug wells and causes a miss-fire.

I just went through the same thing and it ended up costing about $1,100. And the shift problem is probably the negative battery cable.

1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

A well built car

Faults:

Rear brakes replaced. Paint chipping off of rear spoiler. Retractable antenna motor stopped working.

General Comments:

This car is holding up well for a nine year old car. Paint, body, interior and mechanics are doing well for the age of the car. The car rides and looks good for its age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2003

1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

A sharp looker that has been good to me

Faults:

Most recently I had to replace the right front caliper.

This busted off and then I also needed new front brake pads and a new right strut.

Recently had to replace back brakes and struts.

Have had problem with left side tires for some reason.

General Comments:

This car handles great!

I feel very safe in it on the road, and even today its still an eye catcher.

After this car I will definitely buy another Pontiac.

The interior features are great, and I love my 2 door RED SE!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2003