1992 Pontiac Firebird Hatchback V6 Auto 3.1L Gasoline V6 from North America
Summary:
Sporty car that needs to be maintained
Faults:
Water Pump went out two months after buying the car. Replaced. The car started leaking antifreeze a few days later and then we replaced the Heater Control Valve which was also bad and leaking.
Fan Relay blew causing overheating again, replaced it, the fuel pump relay, and the a/c relay.
Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, Radiator Flushes, Fuel Filters, Air Filters, Tune-Ups.
A/C went out, had the low/high side switches replaced and worked great until recently.
Catalytic Converter plugged, Replaced.
Had Oil Sending Unit Replaced, Oil Gauge still doesn't work... Must be the gauge itself.
New set of tires.
Left Front wheel bearing went bad, had replaced and Right Repacked with grease. Also had front brake pads changed at the same time.
Had to have the key and tumbler replaced due to the security feature failing. (left me stranded only about 1/2 mile from home.)
Fuel Pump Replaced, it had started humming all the time. We found out that the fuel Strainer (designed to protect the pump) had disintegrated and was being sucked into the pump. Went ahead and changed the Fuel Sending Unit too, now my Fuel Gauge works again.
Headlights work occasionally, unplugged motors so they stay up now.
Headliner Starting to fail.
Interior is not the most rigid, starting to crack from heat.
Starter wanting to go out.
Body paint peeling/ faded, but is still good looking!
Muffler is cracked, needs a new one.
Was told my brake lines are about to burst due to corrosion. Same with the fuel Lines.
Hesitates occasionally, possibly injectors?
General Comments:
This was my first car and I paid $2,195 for it...
The 3.1 V6 Auto is not a race grade engine by any means, but it does have some pep. I can get up to highway speeds w/out a fuss. Driving around town is cool too. The exhaust sounds equal or even better than V8's. (before it cracked LOL) It is a real head turner and will spin a tire on DRY pavement with only medium effort...I'm sure it could leave a rubber patch if I floored it however I've never tried! It rides smooth and keeps the RPM's low on the highway with the overdrive auto tranny.
I happened to find one that was neglected and owned by druggies (found a joint inside the console during a repair "proof") But I believe it would be a reliable car with thorough Maintenance. Hopefully if you pick one you pick one that has had proper maintenance throughout its life.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th June, 2007
15th Mar 2005, 12:06
Well, the car did have 97,000 miles, probably abused, and perhaps you should have replaced the fuel filter at the same time as the injectors? And t-tops are notorious for leaking. Should have gotten the hardtop!