1988 Pontiac Sunbird SE 2.0 from North America
Summary:
350,000 miles got me my money's worth and then some!
Faults:
Well, in fifteen years and 350,000 miles, let's see... The most memorable (but few) are as follows.
Flip up headlights quit in 1996.
Gone through two water pumps.
Top paint surfaces deteriorated rapidly beginning in 1999.
Six alternators, lastly in April 2003.
Power Steering Rack replaced in 2001.
General Comments:
Unbelievably reliable car. No major mechanical work (engine and transmission) needed, ever!
Seats have gotten to the point of the cushioning just flat wearing out. Were comfortable on many long trips.
Engine still gives me 30 to 33 miles per gallon highway. Still accelerates close to the day I first brought it home.
Suspension and transmission held up great. Still corners flat with good replacement struts and shocks.
Just wish I could've solved the "new alternator every two years" problem.
Today is last day of ownership due to too many wearable items needing replaced. Dash is cracked in several places, door interior fabric tearing, tires bad, paint job is horrible (but NO rust), etc.
This car stood up to a lot of hard driving from home (Florida) to Maine to Minnesota and just about everywhere in between.
A used Sunbird in decent shape can be a good value if given good care and upkeep.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th September, 2003
13th Sep 2004, 21:39
An update on this car. I had to replace the head gasket at about 194,000 miles. I found that it needed a new head and cam when I did this. It ran better than it ever has after this fix. It is still running strong and is quite dependable. It now has 199,300 miles and I am convinced I will get 200,000 out of it. It is such a nice car I will hate to junk it when it finally goes.