This car is great!
I replaced an accessory belt idler bearing that was going bad.
Overall, I really like this car. The 3.4L V-6 is a very snappy and reliable motor. The car handles very well and so far it has been headache free.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th November, 2004
Temptress- Good looks, no substance
The alternator went out at about 51,000 miles.
There was a weird grinding noise in the front end. After three pricey visits to three different mechanics it was still unidentified and still audible. But, new tires seemed to make it go away.
Settings 1 and 2 don't work on blower control.
Change oil light, ABS light, and trac off light seem to chime on for no apparent reason.
Engine sounds terrible when idling.
Trim below drivers side window came loose.
When looking for new cars this one seduced with its looks and performance, but looking back I wish I would've got something more solid and reliable.
Enjoy the performance. It is fast and fun to drive for the price.
It is terrible in snow and even rain, but I haven't driven in snow yet with the new tires, which will hopefully help.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th November, 2004
You can't judge this book by it's cover
From the time this car was purchased until about 30,000 miles, small problems here and there would occur. The volume knob either does nothing or turns the radio up loud, squeaks started happening more and more frequently, and for whatever reason, we constanly go through bulbs for the tail lights. The display for the radio also decided to show random characters instead of the station or time.
Around 36,000 miles, the transmission decided to go no further than 2nd gear. The dealership said the transmission did that because the car was in a minor bump-up of no more than 15 MPH.??? They did give us a freebie transmission but charged a nice price for labor (it was three months out of warranty).
From then on, gas mileage started declining and it started losing coolant. My mechanic, after taking it to him a few times, told me the intake gasket was leaking and the fuel pressure regulator was also leaking. It also wobbles like Jell-O when you reach 65 MPH and the front squeaks when you pass over small bumps.
I know I've missed some other things here, but I've simply lost track of all the repairs we've had to make.
It's a sharp-looking car. In fact, it's an excellent car when it's not in the shop and if you can tune out the squeaking sounds coming from the front. It has "get up and go" and plenty of storage space in the trunk.
What's really a shame is it is a very nice car with regards to its features, but with all the problems we've had with it, you constantly have to worry about what's going to happen next. My wife and I always have concerns in the back of our minds when we take it on trips. Sometimes, we just stuff everything into my '00 Chevy S-10 (92,000 miles w/no problems ever) so there are no worries.
We'd sell it, but it's paid off and I don't wish these kind of car problems on everyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th November, 2004
19th Nov 2004, 06:27
Re: Blower controls. I had that happen on my 99 SE a few years ago. It was just a printed circuit board that had toasted, so I'm guessing chances are you have the same problem. It wasn't an expensive repair, if I recall correctly. Much less expensive than the other repairs I've had done since, anyway. :) (over C$2000 so far this year - OK some of it was maintenance, but there's a good C$1300 that went for a new compressor and a couple of other things.)