Faults:

Fuel pump went out at 60,000 miles. Fortunately I had extended warranty.

A fuel injector failed at 125,000.

Throttle position sensor failed at 135,000.

Idle Control motor failed at 145,000.

Lower Intake gasket needed replacing at 155,000 ($600).

Plug wire shorted out at 157,000.

Transmission committed suicide at 165,000.

Throttle position sensor failed again at 175,000.

EGR valve has gone bad at 179,000.

General Comments:

If I didn't still owe money on this car, I would have gotten rid of it long ago. Every time something goes wrong, it seems to cost at least $300.

Faults:

For the most part I have been very happy with my Achieva. When it runs it runs... excellent highway car, in fact that's why I purchased it. I rented one and fell in love with it's power and road feel.

However, upon purchase the true nature of the beast emerged. Under 90 days, new alternator. Within a year, another alternator. 18 months later... you guessed it, another alternator, and in 2003 I have put in 5 alternators altogether. Fortunately I have an extended warranty and as my mechanic has been replacing with OEM new parts I haven't been out of much money, but a lifetime of hassles.

Now lets move on to the brakes. Maybe it's my driving style, but I think it excessive that I would need new rotors every year.

Power windows? The motors and mounts have ALL been replaced at least once, drivers' and rear passenger twice.

I was really looking forward to driving note-free for a year or so, but that is not going to be possible. There is something definitely funky about the electrical systems.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the AC system has a tendency to go out in the summer, and the third blower I put in has lasted 2 years (so far).

And that the door and trunk hinges and seals allow air and water leaks.

General Comments:

Now on to the good parts. I love the low-maintenance engine and transmission. Regular oil changes and transmission flushes is all it took to maintain it.

The car handles relatively well for its size, as long as you are not trying to make sharp turns at high speed. Very stable on snow/ice, provided you have good tires.

Faults:

I had to have the brake pads changed with in the first 2 months of ownership.

The driver side door panel was loose.

Alternator went out in it within a year of ownership.

Transmission had to be replaced in 2003.

General Comments:

This car drives nice.

The Achieva gets GREAT gas mileage.

Very sporty looking for a first time car owner.

Faults:

The driver side seat moves. They said the track has wore out and will be $300 or so to fix. The gasket on the lower intake manifold blew and leaked engine coolant into the oil (We caught it early enough that it didn't harm the engine). That was about $600 to fix. Window motors are going out. Paint on the spoiler is faded really bad. Had to replace alternator.

General Comments:

We have been really happy with this car. It gets great gas mileage. It's fast. Gets great acceleration. Great interstate driving car. We have had problems with the vehicle, but I have never had a vehicle that I didn't have problems with. We also got the car for cheap with a low monthly payment.