1992 Pontiac LeMans SE 1.6L from North America

Summary:

A very big bang for the buck, love it

Faults:

My timing belt went.

Rear brake adjusters seized.

The clutch bailed in it at 165000.

All four axle boots were torn.

The front left wheel bearing went.

The wiring to the heater motor shorted out.

The blower switch fried.

Tie rods are now gone in it.

Put new exhaust system on.

General Comments:

This car is really a lot of fun to drive, although it does lack horsepower.

It is very temperamental as to how smooth it runs from one day to the next.

There is absolutely no heat in the winters.

This car handles like a sports car and is very good on gas.

I can't get enough of it, although the problems its had, I can't stop fixing it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2004

1992 Pontiac LeMans SE 1.6 OHC from North America

Summary:

A very reliable fun to drive car if you take car of it

Faults:

Front Brakes Went at 110000.

Leaks Oil Around Cam Seal.

Rear Brakes Going.

Shocks Going.

A/C Went

Alternator Died at 105000.

Front Bumper Starting to Sag.

Headliner Fell Out.

Rear Driver Tire Rusted to Brake Drum.

Exhaust Starting to Fall Off Hangers.

Catalytic Converter Plugged When Bought.

General Comments:

Stock it'll beat most Honda's off the line.

It gets great gas mileage.

It's very roomy for taller people.

It's not hard to work on at all. A monkey could do it.

Parts are generally inexpensive.

If you have a Pontiac dealer or a good parts store near they can order any part you need.

Not hard to modify. Small mods result in large gains.

I bought the car for 400 bucks. It has lasted over a year and if it died tomorrow i will have more than gotten my money's worth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2003

1992 Pontiac LeMans 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

This car is almost the worst car I've ever had, besides my Nissan truck

Faults:

Speedometer was broken when I got it, so I don't know the mileage or my speed.

Radiator leaks and the fan doesn't work.

Heater fuse blew so it is hotwired to the battery now.

One window won't roll up or down.

It leaks oil.

The coil just went out.

The ignition has a short so it randomly makes the buzzing noise that happens when the doors are opened.

General Comments:

It is really hard to find a repair manual. Napa doesn't even have one.

It is really sluggish on the acceleration.

There is always something wrong with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2003

1992 Pontiac LeMans 1.6L 4 cylinder Gas from North America

Summary:

Somewhat reliable, lots of repairs

Faults:

The passenger door lock tumbler was jammed when I bought it.

The bumper was wind-stripped and patched.

When I changed provinces it cost me half of what I purchased it for to certify it: bent lower control arm; worn & rusted tire rim; brakes & rotors; various bulbs; alignment and balancing. These sort of repairs would have been expected if it wasn't for the fact that I bought it a month prior, certified.

The right-side axle boot leaked and had to be replaced (the axle grinds slightly on sharp turns).

The speedometer cable broke, but was easily replaced with a junkyard part.

The upper-radiator hose blew, but was simple to repair.

8 months after the complete brake & rotor job done for certification it needed a new one (though I suspect shoddy workmanship by the certifying shop).

The idle air control and the starter both went at the exact same moment (I had to push start it and hold out the clutch to keep down the RPM). Was an expensive repair.

5 months after the second brake the front left caliper-slide stuck while traveling, resulting in caliper, rotor, and pad replacement.

The driver side door lock came loose and disconnected from the rod. Given the state of both locks, I now have to unlock the vehicle by climbing through the hatch.

It has, and continues to slowly leak oil and antifreeze from various locations.

General Comments:

It's pretty good on gas (it could be a little better) and is cost-effective for long-distance trips.

It doesn't have much power, but is fairly responsive being a 4-speed manual. As well, besides the idle air control and external leaks, the engine has had no problems.

I replaced all 4 tires a year after purchase since the previous owner had 3 different sizes on it (this "upgrade" significantly increased handling).

Though I work a delivery job which requires a lot of city driving, I am not hard on the brakes. Despite my efforts they have been the most expensive and unreliable part of the vehicle.

Though the interior is ugly and the stock sound system is pathetic, some seat-covers, black carpet, speakers and a deck really enhance the ride. Still, the seats aren't all that comfortable and they are very worn.

I am a college student, so I can't really afford to get another car, however, I also can't afford to keep this one much longer. It has been somewhat reliable most of the time (only stranded once). However, I don't expect it to live more than 230,000 km.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th February, 2003