Faults:

The original paint has worn away to the primer on the roof and the trunk, and I have to let the car sit in the on position for 5 seconds before starting or the speedometer won't work.

General Comments:

Very reliable and cheap to run, I've gotten over 100k miles out of it only doing the most urgent maintenance (changing the oil when the lights been on for days). Still get over 30mpg on the highway.

Faults:

The only design problem I've fought is the valve cover gasket. Third try seemed to fix it (with a $50 gasket!)

Age related problems: MAP sensor, A/C, torque converter lockup solenoid, EGR valve, shocks, odometer gear, vacuum hoses, oil pressure sender.

Now everything works and there are ZERO engine fault codes!

There is some suspension squeaks and noise, but the poor car is driven daily in Mexico where the roads are bad and the speed bumps are severe.

It is completely reliable and I have less than $3500 in the car.

It came with one surprise: a cracked block. I put rubber freeze plugs and radiator sealer in it, and drive - drive - drive. 200 mile trips are no problem.

General Comments:

Very comfortable driver's seat. Others only acceptable.

The car is 18 years old, and the interior is basically flawless. No cracks in the vinyl seats or dash, only some fading of the carpet.

Handling is good for a small coupe, and better than the trucks and vans I'd been driving. The front end does flex some, being a convertible.

A/C is good and cold now (still using R-12).

If I could just talk myself into a new $500 top...

Faults:

The radiator has been replaced twice at roughly 80,000 mile intervals.

The head gasket has failed at 110,000 miles and again at 175,000.

The starter has been replaced twice at roughly 90,000 mile intervals.

The water pump has been replaced once at 125,000 miles.

The convertible roof has been replaced twice in ten years.

Power headlight door motor needed repair once when the vehicle was 11 years old.

Rear windows are cable-driven and prone to malfunction.

General Comments:

I have loved this car since the first day I drove it home. It has been a joy to own, very inexpensive to operate, fuel-efficient, and especially on a warm day the MOST FUN TO DRIVE! The front wheel drive even made it safe enough to drive in New England's winters.

In nearly 150,000 miles this car has cost less to maintain and repair than a concurrently-owned Dodge Stratus cost over only two years and 39,000 miles.

Nothing I can write could possibly explain my affection for this model or how impressed I've been by its quality.

Sadly, as a New England car, it was only a matter of time before the body began rusting. I now find that I will soon have to part with my beloved J-car. Its unibody construction has left it unsuitable for welding and not safe enough to continue driving much longer.

I'm crushed to be losing what feels like an old friend and can only hope to have the same life span from my next vehicle. If you can find one in good physical condition, it is the best car you will EVER own.

They truly "Don't Make Them Like This Anymore."