Wow, I didn't even know these cars existed until I read an article in the August 2002 issue of "Collectible Automobile". In their "Cheap Wheels" section, they discuss the 1989 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD. They mention that just 1376 of these all-wheel-drive Pontiacs were built in 1989. Powered by a 3.1 liter pushrod V-6 yielding 138bhp with 183 pound-feet of torque, it weighed 320 pounds more than a non-AWD 6000. Don Sherman of "Car&Driver" "...reported a leisurely 10.9 seconds 0-60 mph...[Dean Batchelor of "Motor Trend" reported the same feat] just under 10 in his full-production '89, which weighed a bit less than C/D's prototype." The article went on to report that "braking and cornering weren't that special either, and there were complaints about the overwrought instrumentation and overabundance of dashboard buttons." Traction in slippery conditions was a noted benefit. "For 1990, Pontiac transformed the STE into a front drive Grand Prix, but made all-wheel drive a $3635 option for the 6000 S/E sedan." These cars became the last AWD Pontiacs until the Aztec( )came along.

As for current values, "Collectible Automobile" mentions that AWD 6000s top out at $6000 in excellent condition. They mention that there couldn't be many of these curiosities left.


Oh yeah, does anyone remember the AWD Tempo and Topazes that Ford manufactured about the same time? I think most must've went to rural route letter carriers.

As a side note, this very same issue of "Collectible Automobile" lists the new Subaru WRX as a possible future collectible.

Last edited by Martin; 08/28/02 11:39 PM.
Martin My Profile 2000 Contour SE V6 ATX 170K miles Hecho en Mexico Steel blue w/greystone interior 1997 Volvo 850 Wagon 146K