1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE 3.1L V6 from North America
Summary:
Economical American Muscle
Faults:
When I first got it, the engine was revving too high at an idle. Turned out it was a broken engine temperature sensor. Slapped one in from another 3.1 my mechanic had in his garage for $20 no problem! Fixed.
One of the rad hoses sprung a leak while I was driving, so I replaced all of them. Not too expensive, things like this are expected with a car this "mature".
Struts have been replaced before I got the car.
Car had a rough idle, so I cleaned the throttle body out and it's perfect now. A lot quicker throttle response too!
Power locks work erraticly in cold weather. They RARELY work, but it doesn't bother me to do it myself.
General Comments:
I have only had this car a few months, but I consider myself lucky to have a car this amazing at a young age for such a cheap price. I got this car for $2500 Canadian in perfect condition. Paint is perfect, no rust, and EVERYTHING in this car works, minus the power locks. (YES the A/C works).
The interior of this car is very stylish for its age, and the seats are nice and cushy. I feel like I'm piloting an airplane with the red gauges. I love how this car looks on the outside also. It has a style that never goes bad. Well defined edges with a bit of muscle look. I like the looks a lot better than the newer Sunfires.
In terms of performance, this car HAULS! This car is literally as fast as my dad's Jaguar S-Type up until 80 km/h! I have found no car supposedly in the same caliber as mine, new or old, to have as impressive of acceleration. It's a very torquey engine, and it's the throatiest sounding V6 on the road. The handling is tight, but the car stil feels heavy somehow, not very light on its feet. Great in the snow, but a slip-slider in the rain if you take turns fast at all.
This car seems to have been built to last. Considering this car has almost 250,000 km on it, and the engine doesn't have a sign to show for it. Perfect emissions test, no leaks. The transmission also has had no problems, and still shifts super smoothly. I have had no problems with the brakes so far, but the ABS is a bit screwy at times.
If GM would make the new Sunfires with a v6 option and a more solid feel like the Sunbirds, I'd go for it in a second. I can't help, but feel they took a step down with the Sunfires...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th January, 2004