General Comments:
Me and my girlfriend bought this car together mainly for her. I was skeptical because I tend to stray away from American cars. I've always had good luck with imports and so I've stuck with them. I used to have a general bad view of American cars. This car has changed my outlook towards American cars. It's a lot better than I expected.
I was expecting all kinds of little problems and the build quality to be kinda bulky and cheap. In some areas it is but nothing noticeable right away. It has a nice interior design, not too flashy not too boring.
My girlfriend does most of the daily use back in forth to work in this. I only drive it on vacations and on the weekend. This car just gets the job done. Everything works when you need it to, and quite comfortably. Every summer we take a 3 hour drive vacation each way, and I have recorded 35mpg with the A/C on most of the way. It's hard to find 35mpg in a midsize sedan. You would think the 2.2 ecotec would lack power for how big the car is; not at all. It gets up to speed nicely and does it without revving the engine too much. I forsee this engine lasting because of that reason.
Since I've praised it this whole time, I will add my little gripes with it too.
The transmission usually shifts into overdrive before you really want it to, but it still accelerates nicely.
Since the car is larger with a light small engine, I notice wind catching it more than usual. I have to counteract the wind more than similar cars with V6's. The engine can be a little noisier and not as smooth at idle than you would expect, but it doesn't really bother me unless I'm sitting at a red light with no music playing.
If you need a safe practical car that will meet your needs and get the job done without completely boring you, this car is for you.
12th Oct 2011, 21:16
My fiance's mother has an 02 Blazer and it has the same problem. It's a simple fix, but is VERY annoying.