1993 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A very reliable and low cost to maintain vehicle; a bargain that I would not hesitate to buy again

Faults:

Front windshield leaked during the first 6 months of ownership.

The Disk (CD) player had to be replaced 4 times during the first 2 years. It would tend to over heat. It has worked well ever since.

The transmission was overhauled at 285,000 km.

The head gasket was replaced at about 185,000 km.

The radiator had to be replaced at about 160,000 km and then again around 240,000 km.

No one has ever been able to correct the cooling fluid spillage that happens now and then around the opening of the filling cap on the plastic reserve tank. But this does not render the vehicle inoperable.

General Comments:

I'm seriously considering replacing parts as they break and to keep this plastic and aluminum body car for another 5 years or 500,000 km.

I would like to be able to find another car as reliable and cheap to operate as this mini van has been.

This has been a great family car. We travelled many 6,000 km trips (2 times 3,000 km) with 4 kids and 2 adults. It has been a superb experience.

At 315,000 km, the car still operates on the following original parts: muffler, motor, water pump, suspension system and body.

My most important problem is to make sure that the mechanics that work on this car take it seriously. I oversee all of their work and make sure that things are always done with great care. I'm a mechanical engineer.

The dealer has tried to convince me to change this car for a newer model. I feel that it will be difficult to find another car as reliable as this one. Therefore, I feel as though I should keep on taking good care of this one. As an engineer, I know that things don't last forever especially engines and running parts. Yet, I feel that this car can still deliver good performance. All I hope for is that GM will keep parts available for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2001

1993 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Has comfort, speed, versatility and looks but the poorest reliability I've ever encountered

Faults:

Had to replace:

2 water pumps.

3 alternators.

2 starters.

General Comments:

It seems I was fine while the warranty was in place, but here I am in the midst of getting rid of this cash drain. The last straw (I am such a patient man) was alternator #3.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th August, 2000

11th Jul 2001, 14:11

I have just recently (7-1-01) sold my 1993 Transport. It was a very reliable car. It had its problems though. I had to replace the alternator 3 times, the water pump once and the front brake hoses. I always made sure to change the oil every 3000 miles and keep up with all of the maintenance that was required. It had 10,000 miles on it when I bought it in late 93. There was 128,000 on it when I sold it. We bought a new 2001 Montana to replace it.

15th Sep 2002, 03:47

I am the original owner of my 1993 Pontiac Trans sport and have 80k+ miles. I believe it was a very reliable car however, Pontiac obviously has not done their homework regarding the electrical system of this vehicle. I also have had 3 alternators and 3 battery's. It died today and now I am faced with the same problem as other owners. Do I put money into the electrical pit or sell? I think Ralph Nader missed this one.

13th Oct 2002, 12:06

We bought our 1995 Transport Van in 96 with 12,000 miles on it. Our family calls it "The Dust buster" because it looks like one. Almost since the beginning it has had a mysterious power steering problem and the warning light has intermittently come on. The local Pontiac dealer never could find the problem of the light - they said. We chalked it up to the wacky electrical system. Now at 90,000 it needs a new expensive Power Steering rack. The problem is now quite apparent as it dissolves my asphalt driveway - and there is no warranty. At the same time the water pump needs replacing because the seal leaks through the weep hole in the water pump body. A dishonest shop wanted to replace the expensive radiator, so I took a close personal look at it and found the problem. The radiator is fine.

5th Feb 2003, 02:41

I own a 1992 Pontiac SE, I'm having all kind of eletrical problems. But needless to say its given me my moneys worth. unlike humans when something gets old its time to replace it.when its my time I'll just go home to my 'FATHER"which ART in HEAVEN.