1990 Pontiac Grand Am LE 2.5 Tech4 from North America
Summary:
Groovy old school ride
Faults:
Ignition module.
Likes to spring vacuum leaks and run rough until you track it down.
EGR valve.
O2 sensor.
Odometer runs like 10X too fast, so who knows how many miles it really has now.
Doesn't like third gear much, shifts into it late and jumps out of it early. Someone told me it might be a transmission seal somewhere; it's run the same way for three years, so I ignore it.
General Comments:
The car that won't die. Got it for $400 with 75K on the odometer, and an "ignition module" diagnosis, which I chose to believe. Towed it to the house, husband fixed it for under $75.
They obviously put some quality into the interior. This car has survived I don't know how many owners in its 21 years, and the dash and headliner both look like brand new. Compare this with our 02 Dodge Ram, whose dash crumbles more each day! Front seats have some expected wear, but still look good. Back seats look almost new.
Husband thought it was a 6 cylinder for the longest time, because the pickup is awesome for a 4 cyl. It has served as a learning car for two 16 year old kids, and came out smiling. They hate it because of the old fashioned styling; I think it is groovy!
I have no clue what happened to the odometer; when I got it, it was spinning around like crazy, and every 1/10 mile or so it registered another mile! I am guessing it has 100K+ by now, I've had it for three years with only the minor repairs I listed.
It must get 25 mpg at least; I don't go to the gas station too often.
I'll come back in a few years and tell you more, I expect it to still be tooling around!
Oh, and the insurance on it is like $10 a month, too.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 1st April, 2011
2nd Apr 2011, 07:26
There is nothing "old school" about a 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. Front wheel drive, transverse mounted engine with electronic fuel injection is no different than any modern Honda or Toyota. A rear wheel drive 1970s Grand Am is old school.