1989 Pontiac Grand Prix from North America - Comments

This car was great in the very beginning, but it was all downhill from there. Let me give you a small idea of what I've been through with this piece of, shall we say, "JUNK!!!"

I had to replace the following:

- Brakes

- Engine (yes the whole thing)

- Two alternators

- Two power steering pumps

- Coil

- ECM (Computer)

- Lower power steering rack

- Fan

The rest I didn't replace, but there is a definate problem:

- Paint is peeling

- Ceiling clothing is pulling away from roof

- Seats are tearing

- interior paneling is pulling away

- cooling system is on the 'fritz'

Don't ever allow yourself to buy this vehicle; unless of course you like a car that requires tons of work, and will eventually nickle and dime you to death. Having to replace an engine at 80,000 miles is unacceptable!!!

My car has had a few problem but nothing major. I have had to replace the rotors and pads, alternator, fan, and one strut as far as I can remember.

The performance lacks a little, but that is because the engine and tranmission have over 192,000 miles and have never been rebuilt.

It is still running sound and is very reliable. I would buy another if I had the option. I love the performance and the options.

Junk, doubt it. Very mechanically sound, besides for the rear calipers. Changing the oil always helps avoiding those engine rebuilds...

I've had some problems with my '89, mostly brakes, but the engine has run like a top. It has about 120,000 on it and runs excellent. I think the engine that you have, the 1.8, is the 4 cylinder, or Quad 4. I've heard these are bad engines from a couple of people, so I understand your reasoning. The 2.8, 3.1, and 3.8 are all the excellent engines, and hardly any Grand Prix had the Quad 4.

The car has some problems, but the engine is almost always bulletproof, unless you have the Quad 4. Yes, you need to change the oil religiously, otherwise the car's engine will suffer a premature death.

Matt

I have an '89 Grand Prix and I love. A very sharp looking car. I bought it with 143,000 miles and now it's got just about 160,000. I've put in a rack and pinion, power steering pump, and most recently, an alternator. The only problem I've was somebody putting something in the gas tank. Oh, well - insurance covered it (new fuel tank). Still got the original engine and it stills runs great. I live in Minnesota and it starts no matter how cold it is. I like the Grand Prix so much, the next car I have better be a Grand Prix. For the guy who had all those problems - don't ever buy a Quad again(no matter what kind of car it is). They are nothing but junk and will definitly put a whole in your wallet. Hope you learned your lesson.

I bought my Grand Prix with 34,000 miles on it in 1993. It has 138,000 miles now. I bought it for $7000 and since then have spent almost as much to repair it:

- 4 alternators

- 2 batteries

- replaced transmission

- replaced ignition switch

- brake problems

- replaced burnt out driver's side power window motor twice

- fixed interior ceiling lining

- replaced directional switches in steering column

- 3 water pumps

- power steering hose

- spark plug wire problems

- replaced power steering belt

- plastic latch for door handle has broken off

- paint is chipped all over hood and fading in spots on roof

- material on top of back seats has deteriorated from sun and the rest of seat material has ripped (tried sewing, didn't work, material fell off in my hands)

- at last inspection was told that there were a lot of minor oil leaks

- trunk is SOAKED after it rains; seal is probably gone (deteriorated)

- have gone through tons of tires (wasn't even really hard on them)

- engine overheat light is constantly on; had it checked and was told problem with "electrical connection" - I left it alone, but now I have to check fluids daily and drive with this light on.

Other than THAT, the car is in good condition; no dents, interior is spotless. Seriously, although I've had all these problems, I LOVE THIS CAR. I think it's the body style and the pick up it used to have. It's a sharp looking car.

At this very moment the car is sitting at the repair shop because it won't start. Not the battery or alternator - something about a problem with the starter...

I bought my Grand Prix new in 1992 and I love it. Despite the few electrical problems.

For the guy that said the engine overheat light is on all of the time, I had mine connected to the computer and my gauge read 12 degrees higher than the car really was. That a pretty big difference in the gauge.

I have had 5 rebuilt alternators, 2 batteries, replaced the power window motor in the drivers side.

The driver'ss side window switch.

The radio controls on the steering wheel have quit. Two parts behind the pad itself. 305.00 for the part.

My backbumper faded and the red trim around the front and the back faded also. Just had it replaced last summer and the top of the back bumper painted. 200.00 for that big deal.

One more thing that I know about is that on the factory aluminium wheels the clearcoat has come off and they look scratched. No big deal either. The rest of the paint is good and the interior is excellent.

I have 89,985 miles on this Neon Blue 1992 Grand Prix. I recommend buying another one. I love it. If you have any comments E-Mail me at bkm2001_98@yahoo.com

I have a 89 Grand Prix, which I'm happy with overall, except for a few problems. Every once in a while when I start the car the steering wheel smokes and you can smell something burning. I've had it in to be looked at several times. Once they said it was the ignition, which I replaced (dealer only item-expensive). It wasn't the problem. I've taken it to the dealer, who says they cannot find anything wrong. The only time it does it is when I start it. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was it?

The other problem I'm having is with the paint peeling. I've seen quite a few white Grand Prix' like mine with this same problem. I can be emailed at juliek@dmea.net.

I bought my 89 Grand Prix in '96, Like many others, I too fell in love with the looks and all the creature comforts. However, the paint peeled away and the car ate brakes like they were candies. Went through several alternators and P/S pumps, too. I had the transmission rebuilt at 125k miles. The 2.8 liter engine was bulletproof though. Finally got rid of it at 175k miles last year. It was a rather ugly car by then! Love the styling and the engine, but I think GM could have did better on paint, brakes, and suspension.

I have a 2000 Grand Prix GTP. I thought it was a great car until the warranty went off it at 60,000km's. After that I have spent over $4500.00 on reapirs. Wheel Bearing, Heater Fan, Oxygen Sensor, Fuel Pump and now the ABS and Traction Control Modual. The dealer tells me that is very common for a car of that age...??What it is just over two years old!!! Anyway I will never buy another North American car again and will buy a foreign car after I unload this piece of JUNK!!!

Well this here goes to the person who thinks that getting rid of a domestic vehicle and going to get and import will save you on repairs I think not buddy, Hello imported cars come for across the sea and well what do ya know parts are going to be twice if not three times expensive for an imported car it also depends on how you drive the car if its always breaking down you might be being to hard on it, you just have to be the dumbest person alive if you think that getting an import is going to save you money...

I, too, have a 2000 Grand Prix GTP. Just over the 36k miles warranty and I began to have the same ABS / traction control problem as the poor sucker above. I knew it might be pricey, but I was devastated to find it's going to cost well over $1000 for just this single repair. I had an '86 Z28 before I bought this lemon and drove it 150k miles with never even half as much in repairs in any particular year, even in its twilight years... In retrospect, I should have kept it. I'll never by another Pontiac. Hearing of these other problems have me petrified, so I can't wait to get rid of it. But alas, the Camaro has seen its final days... So, there's no going back for a new one now. Who knows, maybe I'll convert and go with a Ford, or something foreign if I'm really brave.

I have a 89 grand prix that I bought about a year ago. I paid 700.00 for the car. since then I changed the throttle position sensor, idle air control valve, crank position sensor, exhaust (engine back), windshield, and door handles. luckily the kid I bought the car off of had just replaced all the brakes, rotors, parking brake cables, calipers (whole way around), and wheel bearing hubs. Now the car is sitting about a block away from my house, dead! The fuel pump went last nite! I love the car, but hate the maintenance. Its neverending for some reason. The car has 160,000 miles on it so I guess its just wearing out. the engine is a 3.1, and is strong as an ox. I'm replacing the fuel pump today. No sense stopping now just about the whole car is new!! I do miss my toyota!!

I have an 89 Grand Prix. Hmm.. 2 alternators and a power steering pump. Back discs seem to have problems (constantly the "anti rattle clip" breaks and makes noise). had it 3 & 1/2 years now. Goes like snot. Also have the aftermarket ground effects and it looks dandy.

Oh, the freakin doorhandles. I have put three on it. 2 driver and one passenger.

I like the digi dash too.

I have an 89 grand prix and I love the car. It has some get up and go. I purchased this car for 500.00 and it had 159,000 miles on it. It now has 195,000 miles so far I have had to replace 1 altenator 3 coil packs (for the sparkplugs) and the brakes and transmission are giving signs of falling apart, but to me the car is worth fixing. Oh yea my seats are torn at the top from sun and my paint is chiping (seems only the clear coat).Overlovingall it's a good car and for 500.00 dollars you can't beat it. Noe Aguinaga.