Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong expect for regular oil changes and routine maintenance.

General Comments:

This car is amazing. Really good gas mileage. Great for the first time car owner.

Faults:

Wheel Sensor on right front side at 135,000. Ended up having it diagnosed and repaired at dealer. Cost $450 as had to replace entire wheel assy.

Starter replaced in 2003.

Brakes all-around in 2003 as well, but normal maintenance item.

Exhaust manifold connection just repaired (welded).

General Comments:

My daughter bought this car in 2001 when she got her license. A great first car. The LSI model has all the nice toys and the 1.8L engine with automatic transmission rides like a Cadillac. Good acceleration and smoothe cruising. Paid $3500 from a new car dealer. It's a great, reliable car. No regrets. We plan to own it at least three more years when she graduates college.

Faults:

Water pump went out around 65,000.

Head gasket went out around 89,000...expensive fix, but I think I was taken by the mechanic.

Knobs for a/c keep falling off (on going situation... I should just glue 'em on).

Driver's side door stopped unlocking with a key around 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, this is a quality car. The gasket problems were more my fault than anything. I'm horrible at checking/changing the oil, so it was my fault this got out of hand.

It's been two years since anything I'd call major has gone wrong. Normal wear and tear (battery, starter, etc.) situations creep up now and again, but the reliability far out way the occasional problems.

I only wish it held it's value. When I sell I'm not going to get a whole lot, so that's one downer, but, what-are-you-going-to-do?

Faults:

Replaced alternator 3 times. Toyota alternator was more reliable than GM version.

Driver's seat belt catches.

A/C knobs are cheaply made. They keep cracking.

General Comments:

Overall, the car has been very reliable.

It has good head room for a small car.

It has decent acceleration and gets good gas mileage.

Faults:

The brakes squeal a bit. I think it may just be there is dirt on the brake pads. The brakes are fairly new, and I do have brake fluid. I have had nothing wrong. I replaced the left corner lamp light in the front, but that is it, and gotten the regular oil changes.

General Comments:

Using the K&N oil filter I have increased my horsepower from 115 to 125 and my gas mileage has gone up two or three miles per gallon. I can go about 400-410 on a tank. My car is not a fan of ARCO, and so it pings a lot when I use it. I am a Shell, Mobil, and Chevron user... and occasionally Texaco. I wash it every one to two weeks and get it professionally detailed monthly. The Castrol, Mobil 1, or Quick State oil is great for this car.

Faults:

The alternator was replaced shortly after I got the car (120k miles).

Roll-down window knob was broken off by a friend.

Lights for air conditioner controls sometimes do not illuminate (but if I smack the dash in the right spot, they turn back on).

General Comments:

I love this car. It doesn't have great pick-up and it won't go too much faster than 75 mph on the highway, but it moves and it moves around pretty well. It always starts and never fails me even on cold days, has never stalled or given me any trouble (knock on wood). It's pretty good on gas mileage too.

It's a small car, and that's fine with me since I'm not a very big person-- it fits me well. However, I don't think it's very roomy--- it's very comfortable for me when I'm driving it, but when I have a few passengers, it's not so great. Although, this car does have a decently sized trunk.

I can't complain much about this car--if you're in the market for your first car, this is probably one of your best bets. It's reliable, affordable and it moves!