1992 Pontiac LeMans SE review from North America

Hydraulic arms on hatchback were inoperative when we purchased it.

Replaced brake pads when purchased.

Headlamp switch failed at approximately 110,000 km.

Heater motor failed at 115,500 km.

Four years of very reliable motoring! We purchased this car for $1200 from the original owner and only very reluctantly sold it when we moved to the country and required a truck.

Very little went wrong with the car and what did go wrong was very easy and cheap to fix. Parts could only be sourced through a dealer, but were much, much cheaper than our previous car (Volvo 242). For example, the heater motor was only $110 and the headlamp switch was only $35. The only hassle was the parts generally needed to be ordered in, resulting in a delay of a day or so. Although not mechanically minded, I managed all the repairs quite easily.

The seats were very comfortable and supportive. Other interior trim was of decent quality and did not deteriorate at all during our ownership. The instruments on the dash were laid out in a logical fashion and were easy to read.

The car was very peppy to drive, the four speed transmission shifted very smoothly and provided lively acceleration.

The handling was excellent, with the car cornering extremely well. Brakes were more than adequate, stopping the car on a dime.

There was also copious storage space available if the rear seat was folded flat; I even brought home a full-sized refrigerator in the back (with the hatch open of course).

Overall we found the car to be among the best we've ever owned. If another good example comes up I'd buy it for a second vehicle in a heartbeat!