Segment:
Mid-size Personal Luxury Coupe/Sedan
Positioning:
Positioned as a stylish, comfortable, and performance-oriented option within Pontiac's lineup, targeting buyers seeking a blend of sportiness and everyday usability.
Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Lumina Coupe/Sedan, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling characteristic of 1990s Pontiac design language.
Performance Options:
Availability of potent V6 and V8 engines for spirited performance.
Interior:
Comfortable and driver-focused cockpit with a range of convenience features.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and features
Secondary Coverage:
Basic troubleshooting, safety information
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-300 pages (based on typical 1995 owner's manuals)
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting controls
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, temperature and fan controls
Audio System:
Radio, cassette player operation and features
Seats And Restraints:
Seat adjustments, seat belt operation, airbag system overview
Windows And Locks:
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry (if equipped)
Driving Controls:
Steering wheel, pedals, gear selector, parking brake
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, rotation, spare tire location and use
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel door operation, unleaded fuel requirement
Brakes:
Brake system overview, parking brake
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, basic electrical checks
Starting And Driving:
Proper starting procedures, shifting gears, parking
Refueling:
Fuel type recommendations, fueling instructions
Fluid Checks:
Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid
Tire Maintenance:
Checking tire pressure, tire rotation recommendations
Wiper And Washer:
Wiper blade replacement, washer fluid reservoir filling
Light Bulb Replacement:
Headlight, taillight, and interior bulb replacement (basic)
Jump Starting:
Safe procedures for jump-starting a dead battery
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., starting problems, warning lights)
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick content retrieval
Quality:
High resolution for clear text and diagrams
Binding:
N/A (Electronic Document)
Paper Type:
N/A (Electronic Document)
Engine Code 1:
3.1L (189 cu in) GM L82 V6
Displacement 1:
3.1 Liters
Horsepower 1:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code 2:
3.8L (231 cu in) GM Series I 3800 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters
Horsepower 2:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code 3:
3.8L (231 cu in) GM Series I 3800 Supercharged V6 (GT Trim)
Displacement 3:
3.8 Liters
Configuration 3:
Supercharged V6
Horsepower 3:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System 3:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Supercharger
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher octane recommended for Supercharged)
Type 1:
4-speed automatic overdrive (4T60-E)
Application 1:
Standard on 3.1L and 3800 naturally aspirated engines
Type 2:
4-speed automatic overdrive with performance calibration (4T60-E)
Application 2:
Standard on 3800 Supercharged (GT Trim)
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed in service manuals, but generally optimized for a balance of acceleration and highway cruising.
Fluid Type:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11-12 quarts (fill capacity)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Refer to NHTSA for specific year and model crash test data, generally considered adequate for its era.
IIHS Side Impact:
Refer to IIHS for specific year and model crash test data.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on some trims, standard on others.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) - Available on higher trims, particularly with the supercharged engine.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or equivalent provisions for child seats.
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and premium speaker systems (e.g., Monsoon audio on higher trims).
Display:
Analog gauges with digital odometer, and basic information displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control for highway driving comfort.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system for door locking/unlocking.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (severe service may require more frequent changes)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or as specified for climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3L) with filter for 3.1L; 4.5 quarts (4.3L) with filter for 3.8L
Coolant Type:
GM U.S. Specification 18019003 (Green) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent Dexron-III ATF
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on 3800 V6 engines) leading to coolant loss and potential misfires.
Transmission Problems:
Potential issues with the 4T60-E transmission, including solenoid failures or torque converter issues, particularly with higher mileage.
Idler Pulley Bearing:
Failure of the idler pulley bearing on the serpentine belt system, causing noise and potential belt failure.
Window Regulators:
Premature failure of power window regulators and motors.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its performance-oriented and youthful image within General Motors, often offering sportier alternatives to Chevrolet models.
Grand Prix Lineage:
The Grand Prix has a long history, evolving from a full-size personal luxury car to a mid-size coupe/sedan, with the W-body platform (introduced in 1988) defining its modern era.
1994 Redesign:
The 1994 model year saw a significant redesign, bringing the distinctive 'wind-tunnel' styling and improved chassis dynamics that carried through to 1995.
Platform:
GM W-body platform
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Assembly Plant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada