Faults:

The previous owner had the car from day one and most likely never washed the car. This caused quite a bit of rust on the hood and roof, so the paint job came first.

There were also a few cosmetics that needed replacement (carpet and headliner). I found kits for these at the local auto parts store and fixed those problems fairly cheap.

After the first year of ownership I had a pretty bad electrical problem: my computer blew which in turn fried the fuel pump and ignition coil.

General Comments:

At first sight this was a hideous car, but served it's purpose well. I eventually fell in love with my Horizon (affectionately called "the Ho").

The economy is great (I average about 28mpg city and 33mpg highway) and the ride is smooth.

One day I got a crazy idea to begin turning this into a quasi-sport car. I upgraded the exhaust, intake and fuel system so far and now my Ho has grown some balls.

I also replaced the stereo and added more speakers. This car is very well suited for some heavy duty speakers because of a solid body a good trunk space.

Besides the rust from being in Alaska the Arizona then to Texas and now South Dakota (what a variety of climates!) this car is definitely a winner compared to any other 13 year old car I've seen, worked on, driven etc..

I can honestly say I'm proud to be an owner of a 1989 Plymouth Horizon!

Faults:

It didn't have an engine in it when we bought it (which would explain why it only cost 200$).

Something in the shifter keeps breaking, causing the car to get stuck in one gear (driving home from town in 2nd gear sort of sucks).

The hatch doesn't stay open if I don't prop it open with my baseball bat.

The valve cover is loose, and leaking oil onto the manifold, causing some major smoke and stench.

General Comments:

This car rocks. I love pulling up beside some cocky looking guy in a new, shiny car... and leaving him in my oil burning exhaust.

The radio is pretty nice for being factory. The tape player even works!

If you snag some windshield wiper fluid tanks and pumps from another car, you can mount them easily under the hood, and create high-powered squirt guns. Just point the spigots out above the blinkers, and install toggle switches in the middle console.

This car is great for long trips. It has a lot of head room, and the windows are all nice and big. You can make faces out of all 6 windows.

This car is a lot cooler than it seems at first glance.

Faults:

Cover gasket was last changed 3 months ago.

Alternator has been changed for a rebuilt one.

My steering belt is starting to make strange noises, but the belt is good.

General Comments:

Is running pretty well for a old car.

The seats are very comfortable, maybe more than Toyota Corolla 1999.

If Plymouth exist again and rebuilt the Horizon 2002, I will buy it.

Faults:

Bucket seats are extremely uncomfortable.

Radiator fluid hoses popped at 97,000

Rust, rust, rust and more rust.

New tires, old ones were horrible.

General Comments:

I bought this car in August 2000 for $600. What do you expect for 600, seriously.

As a 1989, I thought it was the most horrible driving experience in the world. The comfort isn't all that good either.

The paint chips away and the next month, it will chip even more. Obviously this car isn't for looks.

Being that it is a horrible looking car, it runs like a champ. I've never had problems with the engine yet. I look forward to the CV joints going and engine's head gasket blowing when it hits 100,000. I'll be prepared. Always starts though, so it's good for any kid.

Any questions: kevinlwc@juno.com

I would gladly help to answer questions.

Faults:

Fuel pump, various electrical problems, terrible on tires.

General Comments:

Good first car, gets you from point A to point B (and sometimes C). Very reliable (at least mine was). The car runs forever if you change the oil regularly (I did every 2750). I rate this car an 8 based on the price you pay for it (I paid 1600 for it in 1996 at 83,000 miles.