A reliable, and safe car
I had a major accident, the passenger door is caved in completely.
The car runs perfectly, the door works, and everything is great.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th September, 2003
If you can't afford the Accord or Camry, get the Regal
The torque converter lock out clutches have been slipping since I bought the car and I finally overhauled the transmission at 100,000 miles. At 125,000 the clutches are starting to slip again. The dealer recommends frequent fluid changes to extend the life of this transmission.
Living in Atlanta, I don't experience the frozen door mechanisms that I have seen posted in other reviews, but water getting inside the doors has caused the power window motors and door locks to fail prematurely.
Power antenna has never retracted fully since I have owned this car and I have seen a couple other cars around town with the same problem.
The key-less entry relay failed at 85,000 miles. The car was 9 years old then so I suppose that's reasonable, but the dealer wants $650 to fix it which seems unreasonable. Disarming the key-less entry relay unit will allow the power locks to continue to work. Thanks to the dealer who offered this alternative.
Great engine! The 3.8 liter V-6 is the old reliable 350 V-8 with the front two cylinders removed. That's why I bought this car. I am planning at least 200,000 miles.
The seats were redesigned in 1993 to provide better lumbar support - something I wish this car had.
Most people will like the sporty suspension and good handling. I'm glad the front struts are finally wearing out so I can have a softer ride.
This is a reasonably priced mid-size car that has been very reliable aside from the transmission. I am putting 20,000 miles a year on it and it has been a good choice.
The interior has held up well in the Georgia sun. No cracks in the dashboard and the seats look great after 11 years.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th June, 2003
Quite correct, though interestingly the 3.8 V6 is also the result of lopping two cylinders off a V8 - some old Buick V8 from the 1960s. Hence both the 3.8 and the 4.3 are 90 degree engines. Both are truly excellent engines, but I would personally give the edge to the 3.8 as it is much more refined. I wonder if they even make the 4.3 anymore?
A good comfortable family car that is reasonably priced
Repairing breaks very often. I was told by mechanics that the brakes were designed too small for the size of car.
Air-conditioning does not work (broke shortly after I purchased it).
I had to replace the transmission at about 160,000 kms. This may be due to previous owner (s).
Head gasket leaked, but was repaired with minor expense.
Replaced suspension at 150,000 kms.
Body has rust spots on two areas. Had to get some body work done. Things are getting worse again.
Comfortable drive and very spacious inside.
Powerful engine, smooth/quiet ride, comfortable steering.
A little sluggish on turns at higher speed.
Not very good traction in snow during winter.
Good visibility while driving (forwards and back).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th July, 2002
For the money, the performance is there
The things that went wrong with my GS were, first my water pump, second my rear disc brake calipers, and that is all.
This car is a runner, so if you plan to buy one for a kid, think before you do. The car will hold it's own against any new Grand Prix or Grand Am on the road. The higher end sports cars, like Mustangs or T/A, well that's a different story.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd November, 2001
11th Sep 2008, 00:57
Sorry to report that the 3.8 V-S is not a Chevy Small block with two cylinders chopped off, that's the Chevy 4.3. Your engine is a Buick design that dates back to the early sixties. It has been continuously refined since then.