1989 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Near the end if it's life, I'm afraid, it will be missed when it finally kicks the bucket

Faults:

Passenger-side wheel spindle had to be replaced at 155000.

Air Conditioning is non-functional, so I use the windows.

The clear-coat for the paint is peeling horribly.

Rear brakes need replacement, but they cost a lot!

Front brakes changed at 150000 miles, even though it cost a lot. (Hey, I needed some brakes...)

Cruise control inoperable, haven't looked into it.

Crankcase position sensor went out at 165000, cheap to replace, but a pain to diagnose.

Interior upholstery looks horrible.

General Comments:

Bought used for a mere thousand dollars. Worth every penny, even if maintenance is a bit high.

The 11-way power-adjustable driver's seat is really cool, it still works like a charm and really makes driving a comfortable experience.

It still has some zip left in it, and it gets very nice economy (25 miles per gallon), considering how many miles it has.

The redundant radio controls located on the steering wheel are super-cool.

Although it only seats four, it seats four comfortably.

The interior noise level is a bit high.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2002

22nd Apr 2004, 22:49

Great cars aren't they? My 89 SE has 304,000 KM on 2.8 and it works fine. Having some issues now, but it was worth the money.

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix LE V6 from North America

Summary:

This is a good performing and comfortable car with lots of features for the price

Faults:

The brakes seem to need to be repaired more frequently than any other car that I have owned, especially the rear.

The power steering unit leaks, but not enough that I have had to have it repaired yet.

One seat belt buckle broke. The spring that releases the button broke.

I have replaced the alternator twice.

The engine seals dried out and I had all of them replaced.

Now, the engine coolant light comes on at about 150 degrees. It sometimes flickers then goes out and sometimes it stays on. The engine temperature gauge never goes above 200 degrees.

A large circle of paint, about 10 inches in diameter, on the trunk lid came off, right in the middle of the lid.

General Comments:

This is good performing car with the exception of the rear brakes and now the engine coolant light. Is there something that I could do myself for the light problem? I do not want to put more money into an old car with over 150,000 miles on it.

It is still a good looking car and runs good with over 27 miles to the gallon of regular gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2001

12th Nov 2001, 08:09

Hello, I am the lucky owner from a Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1989 type, which I bought here in Belgium for 144 dollars. They are cheap because of the taxes (619 dollars a year).

I have the same problems which you have. I have learned not to look at the little lights on the dash or taped some of them off, like from coolant and oil.

Paint is a problem and I live with it. Stop using the emergency brake and your brake problems are over! Also do I have troubles with the volt meter!!! It's not always your alternator!! Further comment? I love the car which is very rare in this country (haven't seen another in two years!) She is like my wife: never 100%, but I love her!

24th May 2002, 16:59

I also own a 1989 Grand Prix, and I love it. Unfortunately, I too have always had some troubles with my "dummy lights", as in, my oil, overheat, and check engine lights. They are almost always on, but I have learned to simply ignore them, and check these things for myself regularly. I have to say they remind me to do this often! Also, my digital speedometer occasionally zeroes out for no reason, even after I have had the speed sensor replaced once. However, I love my car so much even with all these little problems that I have learned to ignore it-because I'm sure to have these digital/electrical issues solved would be a much bigger expense than I can afford. Learn to love her and her "little faults"!

5th Aug 2002, 09:19

Hello, I too own a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix and have the same problems with the dash lights. My oil and temp light are always on. They only go off when the car is really really cold.. but when the car warms up they come on. The garage says it's a short in the wiring... not worth fixing if you got the gauges... just go by the gauge.

27th Jul 2004, 13:30

How much horespower would and 89 grandprix LE come with stock?