Good reliable car for young college kids
Alternator and battery failed then the computer stopped sending charge signal to alternator at 70 000km
15000km later computer quit again only fired on 3 cyl.
Other than that no major problems.
Overall good car other than the charging system has some problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st January, 2006
Enjoyable to have when it's running right
Starter at 85,000 kms.
Ignition wires at 86,000 kms.
Fuel Gauge stopped working correctly at approx 100,000 kms.
Exhaust repaired at 110,000 kms.
Alternator at 120,000 kms.
Front rotors badly warped and replaced at 129,000 kms.
Idler Pulley seized and fell off car at 134,000 kms.
Car no longer heats correctly, runs very cold when driving or very hot when idling and is making a loud growling sound (believed to be water pump)
Odometer sometimes displays random numbers and shapes.
A/C equipped, but has never worked on car.
Trunk leaks profusely from a source yet to be located.
Blower motor resister needs to be replaced, heater fan only works on 3 and 4 settings.
Overall I find this car to be unreliable and frustrating.
The exterior is rusting badly around the gas cap, and the front wheel wells and new problems seem to crop up each day.
The headlights are not very bright, even with a good set of bright bulbs.
The plastic portions on the interior (center console, dash, door paneling) seem to creak and groan too much.
In a more positive light, with the 4 speed automatic trans. and a K&N air filter it is a fairly peppy car for a 4 cyl.
The interior is relatively comfortable, however, on long drives (2+ hours) the front seats can become a little painful.
The fabric inside the car seems to be holding up well and has no rips or tears.
Car handles quite well in snowy weather with a good set of winter tires.
The engine, although a little cramped, is fairly easy to work on.
When the car is running properly it is a pleasure to drive, however, the range of problems I have experienced in only 18 months of ownership has soured me on the experience. I don't feel as though I will purchase another Pontiac and will probably sell this one as soon as possible.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th December, 2005
To have any loud or unusual noise is generally an indication that your car should be looked at immediately. Also, rotors usually warp due to incorrect tightening of the wheel nuts. Finally, it usually a good idea to replace the ignition wires at the same time as the spark plugs.
Expensive to maintain
I had three sensors replaced for the ABS system, it still does not work and has been disconnected. The radiator cooling fan has been replaced twice. In the first few years, the spark plug wires had to be replaced every six months or so. Starting motor failed at 30000 km. Paint started to peel at 50000 km. A rear wheel bearing had to be replaced around the same time. The drivers seat had to be replaced due to it not latching into place properly on its mounts. The window in the driver side door would not close. The door had to be disassembled and the window operators repaired. There have been several other problems and the car still only has 85000 Km on it.
Handles great on the highway, but found it to be very troublesome and expensive to maintain.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 8th November, 2005
23rd Apr 2006, 13:07
These are common problems occurring in a car after 100K on it. Did you think it was going to work forever with no problems? Also, you make me wonder if you ever did preventative maintenance as described in the manual. Rotors are normally changed on a car after 50K and one rotor turn whether they need it or not. To not change them is unsafe.