1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE review from North America
"It's good to get you from point A to point A and a half, if you have the money"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have replaced the Alternator three times in about 2 years when we first received the car. I have also replaced the starter twice. Note: The starter is not easy to get too... It leaks every fluid except for transmission. It has gone through too many brake pads to remember. I have replaced the head gasket at about 180,000 miles. I had to replace a valve after a spark plug came apart and went through it causing no compression in that cylinder. A spark plug became stuck in another cylinder causing it to break off while still inside. We drilled it out and have problems with it ever since. The MAP, Oxygen, water temperature, Crankshaft Position, and Throttle Position Sensor Has failed, along with the computer. The EGR valve failed at about 182,000 miles. The Catalytic converter failed and made it sound like I was dragging a fleet of cans behind me at 186,000. The rear shocks and the front struts are gone making it buck when I stop and making it unstable at speed in excess of 65mph. The back window blew out when we were getting in to it one day even though there was more than one widow open. (Explain that?) When ever I take a turn that is even close to sharp, The oil light comes on inside. The dome light would come on by itself some times also, along with the horn. The dash board as stretched in the sun causing it to pull away from the dash in several places. Other than this it was a pretty reliable car.
General comments?
The car would have trouble passing at about 60mph. So I guess what I am saying is that this car doesn't have a whole lot of power. Not to mention that it would go from 0-60, in about a minute.
The car was comfortable though. I like the seats.
Recommended reviews
| 1991 - Sunbird LE 96-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder It's an ugly little car with some problems, but it's not bad for a cheap student/first car |
| 1991 - Sunbird SE Convertible 2.0 Practical, reliable fun |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 187000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Windstar |
| Date of Entry | 16th May, 2002 |