Faults:

Fuel filler cap doesn't open from inside the car - have to manually do it from outside.

Driver side window does roll down, but cannot be rolled up and has to be done manually.

Rear door doesn't open from inside - can be fixed easily, but am too lazy to do it!

General Comments:

For an engine that old - is very reliable there is no sign of any leaks and does well on long drives. I recently completed a 14 hr (non-stop) drive to Pennsylvania, without any incident.

The drivers seat is quite uncomfortable, but the passenger ride quality is awesome and is a joy to go on long drives.

The engine of late has been a bit sluggish and probably the transmission needs to be checked.

Faults:

The ABS light was on from the start. This was fixed at the dealer under warranty.

The front window switches did not work, this was fixed at the dealer also.

The gas gage went bad at about 140,000 miles. This was a whopping $400 to fix, I let that one go.

The cruse control went out recently (at 172000 miles). I haven't fixed that either.

The back gate lock on the right side broke, it was almost $100 for that (just the part, I replaced it myself).

The handle on the lift gate lock broke of just now.

The lift gate lifters were well wore out too, and I replaced those as well.

The alternator went at 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

A very reliable car. The bucket seats are a bit of a pain on long trips, but it was because of the seats that I bought it, as they were removable and much better on my back than the old Plymouth bench seat. As you can see from the length of miles on the car, most of the original components have lasted very well indeed. The engine has been a very good one, nicely powered, and few problems.

Faults:

Front windshield leaked during the first 6 months of ownership.

The Disk (CD) player had to be replaced 4 times during the first 2 years. It would tend to over heat. It has worked well ever since.

The transmission was overhauled at 285,000 km.

The head gasket was replaced at about 185,000 km.

The radiator had to be replaced at about 160,000 km and then again around 240,000 km.

No one has ever been able to correct the cooling fluid spillage that happens now and then around the opening of the filling cap on the plastic reserve tank. But this does not render the vehicle inoperable.

General Comments:

I'm seriously considering replacing parts as they break and to keep this plastic and aluminum body car for another 5 years or 500,000 km.

I would like to be able to find another car as reliable and cheap to operate as this mini van has been.

This has been a great family car. We travelled many 6,000 km trips (2 times 3,000 km) with 4 kids and 2 adults. It has been a superb experience.

At 315,000 km, the car still operates on the following original parts: muffler, motor, water pump, suspension system and body.

My most important problem is to make sure that the mechanics that work on this car take it seriously. I oversee all of their work and make sure that things are always done with great care. I'm a mechanical engineer.

The dealer has tried to convince me to change this car for a newer model. I feel that it will be difficult to find another car as reliable as this one. Therefore, I feel as though I should keep on taking good care of this one. As an engineer, I know that things don't last forever especially engines and running parts. Yet, I feel that this car can still deliver good performance. All I hope for is that GM will keep parts available for it.