1992 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.4 litre V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car, many small problems, but worth the hassle

Faults:

The exhaust rattles.

Leather seats are quickly breaking apart.

The air conditioner is leaking water.

124,000 miles, had to replace the wheel bearings.

Loud noises when sitting in the rear bucket seats, whenever a bump is hit.

Digital compass keeps getting reset by the new CD player installed.

Eats up oil in 2,000 miles.

Needs tune-up every 10,000 miles.

Engine mounts are bad, so far have replaced one, and it slipped off from the torque.

Oxygen sensor needed replacing at 116,000 miles.

General Comments:

For the most part, this car has been really good for me. I have not had any major damage done, and it seems to take a beating. When the car is driven carefully enough, it is really good on gas. It has enough power to overtake any car with quickness.

The 245/50/16's with the cross laced gold rims are perfect for this car. Mixed with the Rally tuned suspension, it takes the corners with little trouble. The body is holding steady, and there is very little body roll.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2004

1992 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.4L DOHC V6 from North America

Summary:

Comfort, Performance, and Reliability with outstanding Style all in one package.

Faults:

The previous owner did not complete maintenance on this car so many items required service.

The Starter was replaced within the first week of purchase. The lower engine cradle had to be partially removed to access the unit, so I took the car to my mechanic who did the replacement. Cost of parts and labor $275.

The Water Pump failed within the first month. I performed the required labor myself, as the water pump impeller is very accessible after minimal component removal. Cost of parts: $28, labor hours: 1 hour.

The Digital EGR Valve reported an anomaly which required service. Unfortunately this is an expensive item,$175 - $270, total estimated shop cost $475. I will perform the work myself and cut my costs considerably, I have also opted to purchase a used unit for around $40, risky, but less risky than purchasing a new one and being unable to return it if it is faulty. (See your parts dealer about returning faulty electronic parts).

All four tires needed to be replaced, The wheels are premium 16 inch rims. I selected a Goodyear Allegra 225 60R16 series touring tire as opposed to a composite speed rated tire for tire life and ride quality. Cost was approximately $80 per wheel.

General Comments:

The GM 3.4L Dual Overhead Cam power plant has exceptional performance capabilities, it's 210 horses stock make this quiet, comfortable ride very quick off the line and the suspension complements the engine output with handling I'd not expect from a car weighing in at around 3,400 pounds.

The passenger cabin is very spacious, the controls and instruments are very accessible and easy to read, a 6 speaker stereo system came stock in this car and although I prefer peak sound performance it does have quality sound.

The general visibility from inside the car is acceptable although I would have liked a little more rear "over-the-shoulder" glass for passing lane awareness, but sometimes you can't have everything.

Other than a few minor issues this car is everything I was looking for in a car. I spent 3 months reviewing potential cars, taking test drives, reviewing repair records, investigating every aspect of a potential purchase before deciding to purchase this one. I'm very satisfied so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2004

12th Dec 2005, 16:55

Soon after I wrote this review, I encountered a difficulty with the Timing Belt and drive system. I found out the previous owner had not changed the timing belt or tensioning system at all. I took the car to my mechanic to have it repaired. The bill for the total parts and labor was $950. The timing belt should be replaced or checked every 60,000 miles. Strangely enough it wasn't the belt that went bad, but the main idler pulley, the pulleys are constructed of a carbon-fiber/plastic and the pulley had cracked, allowing the belt to cant and begin to slide off of the cams. When we pulled the heads, we discovered the pistons were lobed and so the top end did not require a rebuild, which is good considering the additional cost (around $1,200). If the top end had required a rebuild, then the compression on the top end may have been greater than the block which could possibly have caused me future difficulties.

This year I replaced the Intake manifold gaskets, $375, parts and labor. I also replaced the fuel filter and pump, $400, parts and labor. Compared to one of my previous vehicles, a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus 2.5L V6, my annual repair costs are still considerably less (below $1,200/year), yet the vehicle is beginning to show it's age. It's still by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and has been relatively reliable. Mileage now stands at 140,000. I have been so impressed with this particular model that I have been looking for an upgrade to a 2000-`04 Grand Prix GT Coupe. I can't help it, I'm sold!