1994 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8

Summary:

This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned.

Faults:

The first problem we noticed was that the air conditioning and cruise control failed within the first few days. We took it back and they were able to fix the cruise control, but the air conditioning still won't work to blow air to the back, and the high setting is no different than the medium setting.

Back blower and rear fan control doesn't work.

The side door rattles, always has and they can't fix it. Well, they tighten something that works for about a week, then the rattle starts again.

The alternator went at about 70,000 miles.

It won't consistently start when the weather is at 40 degrees. You have to to turn the ignition key 15-20 times to get it to crank over. All it will do is click the first several times. When it does crank it will start right up.

We were told by the dealer in Moscow, Idaho that our rear main seal was bad, which is why we were using a few quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. So we had it replaced. $500 later we still have the same problem. Consuming lots of oil.

Driver's side door electric lock won't lock, but will unlock.

Left turn signal won't blink on its own, you must flip the switch up and down to get it to blink.

Passenger side door had a problem with the latch. Twice the interior mechanism came apart and I fixed it. The third time I took it to a garage, and they fixed the problem.

Now the passenger side window has rolled down and will not roll back up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th May, 2003

4th Jan 2004, 00:06

It looks to me like you drove this vehicle quite a bit was it always this bad? I like mine very well and it has over 130,000 miles on it.

7th May 2004, 21:36

About the poor starting in cold weather... I have a '92 Trans Sport and had the same problem (twice) with EASY fixes... "Probable Cause A" (the easiest fix) : There is a big wire that runs from the battery NEGATIVE terminal, and connects to the Engine with a bolt. The bolt can come loose, making poor contact, and not allowing enough electricity to operate the starter motor. The Engine bolt is located under the front of the car, just behind the radiator. "Probable Cause B" (you have to buy a part) : The wire on the POSITIVE terminal of the battery may look fine, but inside its plastic cover, it is corroded. You can't see the corrosion, but it is there. Usually when this is the problem, the interior lights and radio will work fine, but will dim down when trying to start the Engine. Good luck. (signed) Ralph K. in L. A.

6th Oct 2004, 13:43

I have a 92 trans sport with 204,000 miles on it. everything is operating under original equipment except battery, brakes, tires... obviously. the only problem I have is that the passenger door outside handle is innefective at opening the door. I live in michigan, it has went through 3 teenagers... and is STILL going strong.

15th Aug 2008, 13:33

Again, typical and common problems which could plague ANY vehicle. The emphasis of these reviews should focus primarily on the powertrain reliability & performance, safety & design and chassis components such as brakes, suspension etc. of a vehicle with secondary attention to cabin controls & comfort conveyances such as A/C & power windows.

1994 Pontiac Trans Sport SE 3.8

Summary:

We love our van, and don't plan on letting it go

Faults:

Alternator died at 60,000 miles, 150,000 miles also. Learned they only last around 60,000 miles, so bought one that last the life of the vehicle.

Key latch broke in the tailgate, was costly to get repaired.

Radio controls on the steering wheel quit. Later the radio also quit. Was easily replaced with a low cost radio that sounds almost as good.

Transmission started leaking a 100,000 miles, a transmission garage repaired it and noted that the fluid looked great yet - (was a worn seal).

General Comments:

Van has proven dependable, with minor maintenance.

The body still looks great, no rust, doesn't require a wax job periodically.

Interior still looks like new. Shampoo it once yearly, looks like new.

Seats are easily moved, my wife can move them without my assistance.

Carries a load of people with no effort, drove a rental (different make) that had absolutely no power with a load.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2003