Faults:

Steering rack failed at 51000 miles.

Brakes failed at 53000 miles.

Fuel pump failed at 54000 miles.

Starter motor failed at 55000 miles.

Ignition switch failed at 57000 miles.

Catalytic converter troubles at 58000 miles.

Final straw, failed fuel pump again at 60000 miles.

Numerous rattles and squeaks throughout entire period of ownership.

General Comments:

This car was a dream until it hit 50000 miles, then it was like it possessed by an evil automotive gremlin. A lot of stuff failed in a short amount of time. I got rid of it because it had drained me, and my bank account.

At it's best, it was cheap, easy on gas, and reasonably comfortable in front. The power steering was too light, but it was quick and handled well.

Acceleration with the automatic was agonizingly slow at best, dangerous at worst (read A/C on). Braking was okay, and I had never had any issue keeping it under control in emergency maneuvers.

The ride was choppy, but no worse than a lot of other econoboxes (better than a Colt or a Sprint). Noisy interior, made even noisier by the myriad of rattles, vibrations, and squeaks coming from the doors, glove box, rear hatch... pretty much everywhere.

The rear seat was miserable. Leg room was okay for a subcompact, but the bolt upright seat and lack of headroom made it very uncomfortable.

Faults:

Most of the work that has been done has been routine maintenance, such as tune ups, tire replacement, and oil changes.

The floor boards on these cars are very susceptible to rusting out of the floors, so be very wary of that.

Every other item I have replaced has mostly been for race performance. I put in performance plugs and wires, high performance ignition module, 180 degree thermostat, racing rims, air shocks on the back, new master cylinder (the old one did wear out), performance rotors, pad, and calipers, performance clutch, Pioneer CD player with 300 watt speakers, replaced the rusted out floor, lower radiator hose, rebuilt the alternator, replaced the serpentine belt, and of course serviced the transmission and differential.

The original paint job wore out as well, so I ended up repainting the car.

General Comments:

I bought this car 7 years ago for 500 dollars, and although it is ugly to look at it, is one of the most fun cars I have ever had the pleasure to drive.

With its 13 inch rims, this car handles well on corners and other obstacles, without the added need for power steering.

The motor is tough and dependable, so you can easily do things to beef up the horse power without modding the original motor too much.

Don't expect super car performance out of this 98 cubic inch motor, but I would have to say that with the right parts and skills you can definitely get your bang outta your buck on this car. I have a few more modifications to go on my car, like a supercharger and a functional hood scoop. The other part I need to replace is the rear spring due to an accident I had.

Faults:

Timing Belt snapped.

Gas Tank sprung a leak.

Passenger seat belt siezed.

Wheel cylinders blew (doing smoke show)

General Comments:

The best $1200 anyone could spend.

Great daily driver.

Quite of bit of pep for such a small car, went 3-1 in races. Including defeating a Pontiac 6000.

Replaced just about everything in it, but never had to do any engine work.

-40'C started everytime

Faults:

Starter.

Timing belt.

Floor boards rusted completely out.

General Comments:

I never thought that I would love this ugly little car so much! This is the best car I have ever owned! Extremely reliable! Hated to get rid of it. Got this car for fifty dollars, the best fifty bucks I ever spent.

Never changed the oil or did a tune-up on it, and still the motor ran excellent. You can't kill this car. It's only fault is that it rusted so badly. The entire floor of the car rusted out comepletely and the rear end rusted and broke, too.

If taken care of, this little car will surprise you. You can't judge a book by its cover. Hats off to Chevrolet for this one!!!