1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Coupe 2.8L from North America

Summary:

Great car, and when I get rid of it, I'll regret it!

Faults:

Power steering hose.

Door handle latches.

Interior roof is falling off.

Transmission leaked, replaced gasket.

When the car down shifts it acts like it wants to die.. stopped now, but I don't know what caused that, it happens every once in a while.

White alloy wheels are pain in the ass to clean.

Radiator blew at 138000.

General Comments:

This has been an excellent car, even though I have wanted to get rid of it since the day I got it (only because I wanted a truck). I travel at least 400 miles every weekend with it, and NEVER have a problem with it. Very reliable, sharp, and not to bad on performance. It can beat a lot of other cars out there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2001

24th Jan 2004, 17:37

Hi,

Your car jolting when down-shifting is most likely your torque converter staying locked when it should disengage.

-Justin.

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix LE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent car if you take good care of it!!!

Faults:

Brakes (rear).

Computer (ECM).

Instrument cluster.

Power locks.

Alternator.

Struts.

Minor but messy oil leaks.

Paint clear-coat and peeling.

Tires.

Alignment.

Needs a serious tune up.

I think the TCC solenoid in the transmission needs to be replaced, because it shudders around and the torque converter locks up too early when ascending a hill, it needs new struts, a paint job, some upholstery work.

General Comments:

It's still an awesome car in spite of its faults.

Best car I've ever owned in terms of reliability, even though I have no idea how fast I'm going with the bad instrument cluster (how do I fix this???)

The rear end bounces all across the road due to the rear struts going south.

Paint is no good.

It has good acceleration and never breaks down unless I'm near my house for some reason, and that has been two times since I got it.

The interior materials are designed for heavy duty - they hold up well.

It is easy to fix loose parts and sew seat rips, as well as remove Coke stains from the seats :^)

Handsome looks at all angles.

People must think I'm crazy for saying it is reliable, but I'm serious; it's the most trouble-free vehicle I've ever owned!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2001

3rd Apr 2001, 15:18

I've also got an '89 and I don't know how fast I'm going either (I just guess that I'm going close to the right speed). Does your Grand Prix have a digital dash? Did you fix it yet? Email me: branden1982@hotmail.com.

4th May 2001, 10:04

I also own an '89 LE with the 2.8L. I agree that despite the problems I've had with it, the car is the best I've ever owned! I've had a few problems with it, but for the most part they were caused by the previous owner not maintaining it. Everything that has been repaired has worked wonderfully! I've never had to do anything twice to it! My only complaint is my gas mileage. I get about 20mpg. Is that about average for everyone else? Please e-mail with any info you have about the car (I.e. upgrades, problems/complaints, anything helpful in general) at Jennie0223@yahoo.com

Thanks!

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1989 Pontiac Grand Prix LE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

The 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix LE is a great car... All except for the brakes

Faults:

The Grand Prix has a terrible brake system... Rear calipers lock up all the time... I would say I have spent over $3000 dollars on just the brakes, and I've only had the car for three years!

General Comments:

The 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix LE is a great car... All except for the brakes.

I had to replace the alternator once.

The power steering pump blew up once... When I would turn on the heater; all I could smell was power steering fluid for a while.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2001

7th Apr 2001, 07:25

I've owned my Grand Prix since new. The price at the time of purchase was reasonable. However the maintenance cost of replacing rear disc brakes (there never repaired as they seize up in a relatively short period) has made this car expensive to own. I still own the car despite this as the engine runs great and the body is relatively free from rust. I've installed two or three alternators. The last one was my fault for connecting a faulty battery charger. The power steering pump was rebuilt as it leaked fluid. Getting back to the brakes. Can the disc brakes be replaced with drums or is there another fix? Please post if there is one.

Thank you.

Terry