Faults:

Same squeak noise and same engine light transmission sensor problem as described April 20, 2007 comment. Exact description and I am sure there must be others.

Tires wear dramatically unless changed to 185 65 size. Finish with rubber or plastic is poorly installed (e.g. foam between dash and windshield, weatherstripping on doors, among others).

General Comments:

Must comment that there has never been an issue starting the car, including, in cold weather (extended days) -20 - -25C, this is impressive. Not enough though.

Faults:

Rear Window Defrost and Cabin Air Recirculation buttons wouldn't work sometimes after a few months of having the car. Took it into dealer, they found the problem and replaced something, works perfectly now.

Had small oil leaks coming from the front of the engine, not enough to drip on the road, but enough that it was visible on the engine. Not enough to bother me, but my mechanic (my uncle) suggested I take it in. Took it to the dealership, they replaced the crank shaft seal and both cam shaft seals. Still some leak now, but VERY VERY minor. Takes over a week before there is any visible oil on the engine, I'm satisfied for now. If it gets worse in the next couple of years, I'll get it checked again.

General Comments:

Pretty satisfied with the car. Quite comfortable, even for tall people (I am 6'3"). I have even slept in the front seats on camping trips.

One disappointment is the gas mileage. With the manual transmission, it was advertised as 7.4L/100km on highway, 10.4L/100km in the city. I average about 9L/100km, which isn't bad, but is higher than for other cars in the same class/size.

Faults:

For a small, supposedly efficient car, it uses far more gas than advertised. It should get 11 litres/100 km and it uses 14 (in the city) with very little improvement on the highway. It has 4 cylinders and the gas usage is equivalent to an SUV.

General Comments:

Has had 2 recalls already and have had to have the entire steering rack replaced (this was the 2nd repair to the steering)

Faults:

The speakers on the passenger side door have a buzz in it when the music is played over a certain noise level. We took it in and it was fixed under the warranty, which was good. But, the door was shut too hard one day and the buzz came back.

General Comments:

I learned how to drive a manual transmission with this car. The transmission is very forgiving for a beginner. Instead of stalling straight out, the engine grumbles a little bit as a warning to give it some more gas.

It has good pick up for in-city driving. You can get going a good clip in a short period of time. It is also good for highway driving and passes neatly and quickly on both 2-lane and 4-lane highways.

The car handles well around corners.

The car is quite roomy compared to what you see from the outside. Everyone is very surprised how big it actually is when the sit inside it. It can also accommodate a tall person in all seats without the person feeling cramped.

The fold-down seats and the hatch allow easy loading of large things. You can fit a lot of stuff in it.

The interior is very nice. I enjoy the look of the seats and the air vents. The seats are very comfy, even in the back. I could definitely (and have) fall asleep being a passenger on long trips.

I love the way the car looks from the outside. It is sleek and compact. The spoiler gives it a nice sporty feel.

The car is very easy to park due to its size.

Not many people seem to own an Optra 5 where I live. It is a breath of fresh air amid all the Mazda 3s, Corollas, Elantras, and Civics you see. And the price is very reasonable compared to these cars as well. It ended up being the best value and fit well into my budget.

I am very pleased with my purchase of the Optra 5. I feel like I got the best bang for my buck.

Faults:

Car does not start every time you get in the vehicle. May have to try twice or fifty times to start, the worst incident it took 15 minutes to start vehicle. General Motors says they cannot fix this problem in this model!

General Comments:

Not a bad car to ride in, undependable vehicle.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, good on the highway. I am spending a little more on gas than I was with my corolla wagon (I am driving more because its fun) the engine is awesome for 4 cylinders. Comfy interior with stylish dash. Stereo knobs are frustrating and need to be redesigned...otherwise, I love this car.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car has an excellent ride on a short wheelbase.

Very quite cabin even at high speeds.

Gives customer a lot of power options against rivaling competition at a lower cost.

Interior is thoughtfully laid out, import practicality with GM's warranty and after sales is a winning combination.