New badges and a brand new engine highlight the changes to the 1989 Pontiac Le Mans, a roomy compact that is good on gas and light on the wallet.  The 1989 Le Mans comes as either a LE or SE sedan, or as a coupe in three trim levels -- Value Leader, LE, and GSE.  As the topline offerings in their segments, the SE sedan and GSE coupe feature a new 2.0-liter, 95-hp I4 engine.  The LE coupe and sedan, and Value Leader carry the old 1.6-liter, 74-hp I4.  Except for the Value Leader, which only offers a 4-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed manual comes standard on all the trims, with a 3-speed auto option.
The Value Leader coupe is the most basic of base models, with power brakes and rear defrost.  You get a few more features as you move up the line, with the GSE sporting more performance-type elements, such as a rear spoiler.  Air conditioning is standard on the GSE, optional on all other models.  A sunroof and roof rack are also optional across the line.
Owners find the 1989 Le Mans to be reliable and dependable.  Combined with great gas mileage, the Le Mans becomes an ideal car for budget-conscious first-time buyers, teenagers, or struggling college students.  It has a lot of room and a big trunk for a compact, and the engine has just enough kick in it not to be too boring.  Any repairs done today can be costly, however, since parts are scarce.  Other complaints mention the poor acceleration and cheaply made interior.