Faults:

3,000 miles the thermostat went out almost causing the car to overheat.

20,000 miles shifter light on the console went out. Then the shifter broke off leaving the car in gear. It was still under warranty at that time and fixed.

44,000 miles the lights started flickering so bad that I thought they were going out completely and console dimmed. I took it in and was told the warranty was off and had to pay $523.00 to have a new alternator put on it even though the dealer did admit that they are having problems with the alternator in this car. I don't understand why it was not recalled.

Now at 46,500 miles, my car when sitting at a dead stop and accelerating, it jumps like it doesn't want to go into gear. Then it goes on. Now I'm also afraid that this is not under warranty.

General Comments:

I love the size of the car.

Faults:

At 3,000 miles, the thermostat went causing the car to overheat and almost blow the engine. At 25,000 the center shaft in the steering mechanism went. At 40,000 miles, the transmission needed a major repair done. Today, at 57,000 miles, the steering mechanism went again, this time causing the power sterring to fail, almost causing me to have an accident.

General Comments:

These are only the major things, there have been lots of little, minor things too. Mine also experiences the flickering headlights. All in all, I do love the car, but I think for the money I paid, I got ripped off big time. I am thoroughly disgusted. I've always kept this car perfectly maintained and cleaned; the interior and exterior looks great. For the short 3 years I've had this car, it's cost me a lot of money.

Faults:

Shifter light on the console went out.

When running, the car apparently has an electrical problem, because the lights will dim, like it isn't putting out the proper voltage.

The drivers door appears to have sagged, so it is kinda hard to open or close sometimes, but unsure if it is due to the "curbing" stated below.

My wife bought the car when I was stationed in Korea, so what ever happened, she took the car to the dealer, under warranty, so that is pretty much my experience with it.

General Comments:

The car looks good, with a low stance, and a muscular figure 8 look.

The interior is spacious, and nicely put together, with plenty of leg and head room for driver, front and rear passengers. The drivers 6-way power seat gets in just the right spot.

The standard features state a split rear seat, but our car doesn't have it?

With mostly everything power on the car, it is a real step up from my KIA Sephia. With power mirrors, windows, doors, remote power locks, trunk and gas door, it makes driving it very comfortable.

The power remote locks offer various features which let you customize it for safety and convenience.

The automatic headlight on/off is a nice feature. Built into the instrument cluster, you never have to use the switch.

The AM/FM/CD/Cassette is a super sound system, with 6 speakers, and plenty of power. And the antenna is built into the rear window defroster, pure genius.

Performance; "Wow", that's all I can say. With 225 horsepower, it hardly assumes the title of a 450 HP muscle car, but it has plenty of power, and the P225/60R16 tires make sure that all the torque gets to the road.

The 4-speed automatic transmission with over drive. This is an excellent transmission for highway use. While driving at 80 MPH, the overdrive lets the engine purr at 1200 to 1500 RPM.

As good as this car is, I have a few complaints on it as well.

First off, the design of the engine is a nightmare. There are no conventional spark plugs, a coil, or any of the typical ignition parts. The ignition components are housed inside a box on top of the head. Everything is so cramped, it is hard to put your hands anywhere past the heads.

The engine sports an internal oil filter, which requires the car to be brought to a dealer for it to be changed. Being someone who like to do things myself, this pretty much rules out changing the oil.

However, I did replace the front disk brakes pads on the car, and I have to say, it was probably the easiest brake job I have ever done.

Also, the headlights were a pleasure. Instead of being conventionally screwed to the body, they sported a type of release that makes the whole headlight removable with no tools. Truly an engineering miracle.

After looking everywhere, there is no purchasable service manual I have found. If anyone knows of one please e-mail me at FLESH FLAPS@AOL.com. Basically, maintenance looks like it should be done at the dealer. Not shade tree friendly.

Just like the professional reviews stated, the Magna-steer steering is kinda fake feeling. Oldsmobile could have done better on it.

Good thing this car can only be bought used. We bought it pretty new, and paid around $18800 for it. Recently while attempting to trade it in, we found out it Blue Booked for around $9000 in the condition it was in. I have not verified that it books at $9000, and would rather not.

Overall, this is a very nice, moderately priced sub-luxury car. I am very happy when driving it. The many pluses outweigh the few negatives.