Wow, that's a big one...let's see...
The water pump went bad at 110,000 miles.
I've gone through a couple of alternators.
I've got a million little problems like instrument cluster lights that don't extinguish when they should.
The air conditioning must be recharged every year and NO ONE can find the leak.
The rear brakes seized up.
One power window motor died on me.
My ignition module also failed.
The power antenna ceased to function.
The oil pan always has leaked a small amount of oil, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a quart every 3,000 miles.
Currently there is a mysterious >THUNK< sound whenever I decelerate. I've still got to figure that one out.
Pontiacs in general are gimmick and feature laden and the Grand Prix SE does not disappoint in this regard.
Unfortunately, the more electronics you have, the more electrical problems you will have. I can attest to this.
This model has had a formidable number of factory recalls on various things ranging from the rear brake calipers to the seat belts.
The paint on the metal surfaces has withstood the elements beautifully. However, the paint covering the fiberglass (or plastic) front and rear fascias has faded to a chalky, dull version of it's former glory.
The pushrod V-6 is fairly peppy, even at 150,000 miles. The engine has given me no problems as long as I've owned the car (well, the water pump and alternator went bad, but the engine itself is a tank).
The exhaust has an... interesting note to it. It's sort of a growl. BUT... after 150,000 miles, it's really loud and obnoxious. Especially when the car is first started.
There are no cup holders for the driver and front passenger in this model. The rear seaters get two.
All in all, this car has served me well. It still handles and performs well after all these miles, I just have to keep a close eye on it because something is ALWAYS about to break for some reason. I don't think this car was as thoroughly engineered as some other models from other manufacturers. I think that pretty much all of the early '90s Grand Prixs are lemons, but they've got the style I like, the performance I want, and the comfort I need. That's why I've stuck with mine through all that's gone wrong with it.
I might know what that thunk is. This happens mainly in the city. A cars automatic transmission will shift once it has reached a high enough speed for the rate you are accelerating. If you accelerate very lightly it will shift sooner... say 12 mph. If you are flooring it it will shift way higher say...30 mph or more. This happens to me mainly when I am on I side street. Once I get up to about 29 in second gear and there is a stop sign right away and I let go of the gas it will then shift into third sensing no load on the engine and make that clunk noise and a bit of a surge. IF that is what you are experiencing that is absolutely nothing to worry about.
One other thought on that (THUNK) noise.
It could be one of your rear struts. Had the same problem on a 91 prix, left rear strut had a bad weld that went bad. Replaced it
Your thunk could also be the upper motor mounts (bad rubber) I have a ninety Grand Prixand has almost 300,000 km on it and pretty much same problems as yours Transmission may act up to mine went to the shop and they unplugged the converter wire for the lock up and you will probably end up with heater problems (NO HEAT). but as you said still has a lot of pick up and is a very comfortable ride.
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