1995 Pontiac Grand Prix SE review from North America

Had to replace alternator once. Same with starter.

At 174K miles, the oil and coolant began mixing and the car would stall at corners. I wound up replacing the engine with a newer (used) 3.4L. Quite an unexpected $2000!

Brakes seem to need work every 6 months. Had them replaced at 183K.

Heat takes 20 minutes (minimum) to warm up. Took it in once, repair shop said it was a coolant problem, but I haven't seen any improvement since they "fixed" it. Not fun in Michigan.

Kept it outdoors and I cannot believe the rust that's developed in 2 years. There were two quarter-sized spots when I bought it. Now the driver's side running board is being held on mostly by duct tape, there's rust on all 4 wheel wells, etc. Rust has completely avoided the doors and trunk lid, though.

Dome light burns out quite frequently.

Low beams are not bright enough in rural areas. Sometimes I wonder whether the headlights are even on.

Light behind the gas gauge burned out, but I can still read it at night.

You have to press the driver's window switch really hard to roll it up.

Recently, the transmission has become slightly unpredictable at 45-60 mph.

Sporty, fun to drive, and great acceleration. I've taken it up to 95-100 mph a few times and only the first engine gave the slightest sign of protest. It loves to go fast!

This car steers perfectly. There's no other way to describe it. I've avoided more than one accident by swerving fast enough.

The interior is in almost new condition. It even smells like it's only a couple years old. Controls are simple and easy to find (except the hazard flashers, because my switch was missing). Everything is plastic but it doesn't look "cheap." One nice bonus is the bulge on the inside of both front doors. It's the perfect place to store a 20 oz. bottle. There are two little cubbies on the dash as well. I put my phone in one. The trunk is big enough to squeeze a snowboard in diagonally. I do wish this car came with a folding rear seat...and a trunk relase button, for that matter.

I'm 6'2" and the driver's seat has plenty of room in every direction. The backseat is the same with the possible exception of legroom. I do get a little sore after driving for 6-7 hours, thanks to a teeny bit of wear in the driver's seat cushion.

Gas mileage is much better than I expected. I get about 27 mpg highway when the entire car is packed with passengers and luggage...and I'm a speed demon.

This is my first car. I'm getting rid of it this summer because it doesn't have cruise control or ABS, the heater is a joke, and it's getting covered with rust. I'll miss it a lot. Fix these 4 issues and make it more reliable, and the '95 Grand Prix is the perfect car.