Faults:

Car seems to eat brakes. I have had the pads replaced at 12,500 - 27,000 -41,000-52,000 you get the picture. Most of my driving is on the highway so there isn't much braking.

Both headlight lenses and 1 turn signal lens have fallen off. I was told that this is due to a poor adhesive sealant prior to the 2000 models. None were covered by warranty! Also, no recall even though the dealer says it is VERY common.

Belt tensioner pulley (flimsy plastic) broke causing the serpentine belt to come off (while on the highway I might add) at 50,000.

Water pump went at 55,000.

ABS and Trac light are now on for some unknown reason. Believe it may be a speed sensor on the fritz.

Blower motor was replaced at 45,000 and needs it again at 88,000 (chirping at low fan speed).

General Comments:

Overall a decent car with good acceleration and handling. Comfortable with average wind noise for a car in this price range.

Even though the 1998 is far superior in "bells and whistles" for reliability I would take my old 1989 Grand Prix (if you could get a new one) over the 1998.

Faults:

When I first purchased the car, it had a bad oil leak; however, it was fixed by the dealer. Next, the computer went out, but this too was covered by the dealer. Those two problems occurred before 60,000 miles. Next, I had to replaced a switch for the driver's side window, that would not go up (80,000 miles). Thereafter, some fuel sensor went out in the engine that cost me about $300 (90,000 miles). The kicker, however, was when the engine threw a rod at 100,000 miles. I had to get a whole new engine--$3,600. Now, the damn car only gets 20 miles a gallon, and I drive the car like an old lady. The dealer said that's normal and there's nothing they can do about it. I just love those guys at dealerships. They always take the easy way out and they've always experienced the problem you're having, and it's normal.

General Comments:

For all the problems I've had with this car, I love it. I think it's the nicest two-door car on the road (aside from really exotic cars). I get a lot of comments on it, and my next car will probably be the new Pontiac GTO.

Faults:

Rust on bottom leading edge of passenger doors at 45,000 km. Dealer fixed and repainted doors, I paid for new mud flaps.

Driver door lock fell into door at 55,000 km - dealer initially said it was my fault, but discovered "retainer clip misaligned". Also fixed loose passenger panels from previous paint job. Also turn signal return stopped working - covered under warranty.

During previous service dealer found a suspected oil leak and added dye. At 58,000 km returned to dealer. They found intake manifold and oil pump drive leaking. Required reseal of lower intake and oil pump drive, SERP belt very cracked, PERF lower intake / stub shaft reseal replaced gaskets / seals as necessary. Had to pay for transmission service flush and service plus new SERP belt, plus power steering flush ($400 CAN).

Did vehicle inspection at 78,000 km and found A/C not working - cause was air temp sensor ($220 CAN).

General Comments:

Even though it's the base engine this car has plenty of power. Can leave those wimpy 4 cylinder cars in the rear-view.

Interior is good, seats are starting to wear, but I've kept them clean so they should last for quite a while. The best cup holders are the best I've come across in any car!

Have the auto climate control which isn't of much use except for long drives, usually leave in manual mode. The integrated antenna is nice and the factory CD player and four speakers is acceptable, but not great.

Found the factory tires BF Good... wore quickly (50,000 km) and were terrible in snow/ice so switched to Michelin all-seasons for summer and Michelin Alpin for winter. Makes cornering even better in summer and excellent in winter.

The rust is coming back on the doors which is very annoying. Also the truck lid has rust starting... not too impressed. Will see if warranty will repair before it does permanent damage.

Overall I feel I got what I paid for with this car. An equivalent Toyota, Hondo or Mazda would have cost 10K more for a similar car when you factor in the low interest rate (1.9%) and haggling to get $4K off MSRP. The price is more repairs and a less refined car. To me its being a good trade off and if I get at least another 5 years out of it, it will have been the right choice.