Lousy investment
Not a good investment car.
The timing belt broke without ANY NOTIFICATION. This has become a true NIGHTMARE. No one can fix it at a reasonable price. They are asking about $3,500 to put in an older motor.
Interior is quite sturdy.
Front passenger door became loose. Would stay open on its own. The support broke after 5 years of use.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th December, 2013
Excellent little car
I have a faulty check engine light that came on when the car was only about three years old, and the car was checked and and found to have nothing wrong with it. The light occasionally came on over the next couple months, and then just stayed on permanently. There never was anything wrong with the engine. Just a faulty light.
I have also found that the paint is wearing off the interior handle of the driver's door. This is only after about 5 years.
The car is very dependable, has power for a small car, handles well, steering is great, and the visibility is excellent out the back windshield (I have the hatchback). It's also very convenient for carting things around.
This car has received regular maintenance, following the service schedule, and beyond regular servicing, I have never had a single problem with it. I have underground heated parking, so maybe this helps with the winter as well. Every night the car is underground.
I just replaced the battery 2 months ago - the original battery was still in the car after 7 years. The CD player, automatic windows, everything still works and has never had a problem.
I know people with more expensive vehicles that have had all kinds of small things go. I have been very happy with this car. It has gone beyond my expectations.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th February, 2013
Great car with some little faults
Had to change brake rotors at around 70,000 kms.
Putting sway bar links on both sides at 80,000 kms.
Have the check engine light on for an emissions leak that I can't find.
Very sporty little car, that is easy on fuel.
I love driving it; find it quick and easy.
Haven't had to do to much work to it, other than a little wear and tear stuff.
Had brand new winter tires on it last winter, and it drove amazing in the snow.
Would definitely recommend, especially if you don't have a lot of money, and you want a nice vehicle; just make sure you keep everything serviced.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th September, 2011
For an economy car, it's very good
31.1 mpg so far in regular driving. Not good in high winds.
Very easy to park, and entry and exit of the vehicle is great.
Good looks.
Could be quieter, but for a cheap car, I like it.
Plenty of power for a small engine, steers easily.
Overall, a good car for the price, very comfortable.
Like the hatchback for hauling stuff, really handy.
In the daytime it's hard to see the gauges, they're set in too deep.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th January, 2010
Garbage Metal (GM)
Brand new car, door locks freezes every winter.
Tires went at 40000km.
Thermostat goes at every 10000km.
Serpentine belt went at 40000km.
Hood switch went twice before 20000km.
Seat belts sticks at 10000km.
Front speakers went at 20000km.
Front brakes at 40000km.
A/C at 10000km and at 30000km.
Loud popping noise at 5000km, which still cannot be diagnosed.
Transmission sticks in 2nd gear at 5000km in the winter, still hasn't been fixed.
And many more problems.
This is my first GM vehicle, and NEVER again will I be buying a GM product. It is the worst vehicle I've ever owned.
GM dealerships suck also in their Customer Service. No wonder they were going out of business, they should have!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th June, 2009
"Garbage Metal (GM) "
- One more reason why GM is now in the gutter.
I actually have a 2005 Pontiac Wave 4 door hatchback, it is my first car, and I LOVE it. I bought it used in 2009, and all I've had to do is replace the fan for the air, and the cluster (covered by warranty). Sure every car/truck/van, has there problems. But going from a DODGE van to a little car, you're gonna notice problems. My parents have a van, and it's great. Maybe you just got a lemon car.
I bought my 2005 Wave, 5-speed, with 64,000 Kilometers on it, just this past summer. I paid $3000 from a dealer... it was the price that caught my attention. Even though the interior is in mint condition and it purrs like new, I have been told to replace the timing belt when I reach around 100,000Kms. If it fairs out to be a reasonable little car, I may decide to purchase a newer one in a couple years -----> if not, then I'll go back the bigger gas guzzling vehicles. So far, I LOVE it!!. I'll keep you posted.
I also have the same car. I had the timing belt changed today at the insistence of my daughter who is an automotive technician. It have 109,300 klm on it. I'm glad I did, because the technician found that the part that the belt turned on was cracked. It was a bit costly, $900.00, but if it had broken, my engine would be damaged. That would be a greater expense...
You paid too much for a timing belt. They normally cost around $400.00 + tax to replace.
It is garbage metal because GM use the crappy Daewoo engine from Korea. My daughter had to scrap her 2005 Wave because the timing belt failed prematurely. The belts were replaced at 97,000 Km. (just under 60,000 miles). They only lasted another 70,000 Km (43,500 miles) before the belt failed and destroyed the engine. FYI the belt was replaced at a GM dealership. Still have the receipt.
Just wanted to mention that I once owned a high end VW Jetta, and the timing belt went on it before the recommended replacement; it ended up costing me $4800 Canadian. So I would have to say that bad things do happen sometimes.
17th Jan 2014, 13:24
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Pontiac Wave and its twin the Toyota Matrix have a timing chain? You may want to do some research on this, as the chains typically last much longer than the belts, and so maybe it's not the belt or chain that has snapped, and someone is trying to get you to buy an engine when you may not have to.