1989 Pontiac Tempest 2.8 litre from North America

Summary:

It was a good runner, but the paint and interior had durability issues

Faults:

Replaced the muffler x3.

Headliner sagged.

Paint peeled.

E-brake handle broke.

Centre console arm rest broke.

The carpet was cheap and wore through in several places.

General Comments:

The running gear was excellent, super strong engine, no problems whatsoever. My Tempest had a 5-speed standard transmission, the first factory clutch was too light. Changed it to a heavier clutch and it performed much better.

Lots of get up and go. I buried the speedometer once well past 160 km/h.

The lack of gauges was always annoying to me.

Seatbelts in the door were very convenient, but didn't hug your body very well.

The Goodyear tires installed by the factory were very poor; they were worn out at 30,000 km.

The suspension was too soft.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2016

1989 Pontiac Tempest LE 2.8L Multi Port from North America

Summary:

Tough, and a Diehard; I miss it terribly

Faults:

Transmission (170000 Km).

Alternator (2).

Thermostat.

Water pump.

Front struts and rear shocks.

EPROM.

Fuel pump.

General Comments:

Excellent, could be the coldest day, and first turn of the key, and it would start.

Original radiator, original starter, original A/C, and it worked until I sold it for parts; A/C never was serviced or recharged.

Sold it for parts, because at 306000 km, the body was rusting, it needed a fuel pump, new gas lines, two fuel injectors and a head liner.

For the mileage and the years I had her, I could challenge anyone with an import to challenge me on the reliability. Every car, import or domestic, needs TLC, and that's how I treated her and every car I own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2011

1991 Pontiac Tempest V 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Great first or family car

Faults:

Headliner was very saggy.

Brakes needed to be worked on.

Water pump needed replacing.

General Comments:

This was my first car, and it has a special place in my heart. I learned to drive on it, so I have to start with the handling. The turn in at any speed was neutral and quite sharp, which was good for learning the twisty roads.

Mine had the 3.1 V6 engine. This gave great gas mileage and very respectable performance. It was a very comfortable car as well; the suspension was a bit on the soft side, and the seats were very supportive.

This car gave me my first motoring memories. I drove it hard, and it never needed anything back in return. When I reached its top speed on the highway, the water pump blew, so that was my fault. Unfortunately, when an Ex was driving it, the oil pan was ripped to pieces, so I had to get rid of her.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2011

1990 Pontiac Tempest 3.1L from North America

Summary:

An excellent, safe, and relaible car

Faults:

Breaks need replacing

CV joints are wearing out.

The wiring to the CD deck was VERY difficult to figure out. I had my whole dash pulled apart for at least a week.

Faulty wiring to the interior lights. They only work if you unscrew them from the roof.

General Comments:

This car is amazing! The v6 engine makes it fairly cheap on gas and quick on the get-go. Very smooth performance.

I have very high mileage on this car, and still no leaks of any kind. It runs like new.

I only spent $495 on this car, but it was well spent! It is a great winter beater. Safe, reliable, and cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st November, 2007

2001 Pontiac Tempest 2.2L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Not likely a good used car buy as maintenance might run high after 5th year

Faults:

Electrical problems for which the dealer could not help. This resulted in 4 starter motors until I finally figured out myself that the green wire was not connecting at the neutral safety switch.

Problems of corrosion of gas line and brake lines started in about 8th year (despite several undercoating treatments).

Front brake rotors wear often, but are not expensive to replace.

Interior lighting is great. Lots of lights.

I still love this car after 14 years!

General Comments:

A/C failed after 5 years, but still have the original radiator.

Handling improved when I replaced the original tires with Michelin.

An excellent aerodynamic style and good interior space for a young family. Too bad GM does not make something comparable today.

The plastic gas tank is nice as it does not corrode.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2005

21st Feb 2005, 01:34

I don't think Pontiac made a 2001 Tempest- did you get the model year right?

23rd Feb 2005, 00:23

Never mind that, the reviewer seems to think that 2001 was 14 years ago!