Faults:

1). Lower intake manifold gasket failed (replaced for $200).

2). Crankshaft position sensor failed (replaced for $100).

3). A/C compressor failed (replaced with a bypass pulley for $40).

4). Rocker panel rusted out (replaced at a cost of $100).

General Comments:

I have purchased 8 BRAND NEW cars in my lifetime, and my 1994 Buick LeSabre, which I still own, is one of the very best!

Nothing major on this car has ever failed. The worst thing that ever happened to it was the lower intake manifold was failing and I had to tear the upper part of the engine apart to get at and replace this lower intake manifold gasket. Despite sounding like it was an expensive and difficult repair, I can tell you that I did all of the work myself in less than 3 hours and the entire cost was less than $200.

Yes, I do have a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to car repairs (nothing formal); however, even an individual with an average mechanical understanding could have done this repair.

I love my 1994 Buick LeSabre. ;-)

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

Admittedly it only has 36000 miles on it.

The previous elderly owner was very meticulous in her care for this car, including the maintenance.

This GM drivetrain is arguably one of the best out there. Very common to see these cars with well over 200,000 miles on them.

Sure there are lemons, and isolated cases of bad luck, but proper and routine maintenance goes along way in how a car behaves for someone in the long run. Not to mention driving the car with a modicum of respect on a regular basis.

I also own a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special. FWD with the 4.9L V-8. I give the Buick very high praise in a close 2nd to the Cadillac overall. The amenities are slightly better suited to an elderly demographic in the Buick. Big buttons, no frills etc. But the 3.8L is slightly better on gas and a bit less troublesome in the long run than the Cadillac 4.9L.

Faults:

Motor blew at 75k miles.

Master cylinder went out.

Fuel pump went out.

AC stopped working.

Heater core leak.

General Comments:

This car flat out cost me half my life. I was in a car accident with my previous car, so I figured I would buy an American car this time. What a mistake.

Right from the dealership, the car started having problems.

First the A/C went out, leaving me to dress heavily in the winter and sweat pools in the summer.

Then the master cylinder went out, leaving me with costly repair bills and a near second wreck.

The heater core suddenly went out during a date with someone who could have been my future wife, spilling antifreeze all over her dress and shoes, and the icing on the cake was the engine blowing.

I ended up losing my job for lack of transportation, and a drained bank account from repairs. Had to move in with family and start over. Will never buy American again.