13th Apr 2009, 11:30

Some aspects of my Optra 5 really frustrate me, while others still make me feel like I made a good decision to lease one.

I had the rear wiper fluid hose break for no reason (possibly just a rubber used that wasn't rated for the -40 C temperatures we have in Winnipeg in the winter), but what really grinds my gears was having to have the transmission (automatic) overhauled at 20,000 km. About another 1000 km after that repair, the Transmission Control Module went (the computer that controls the transmission. Compared to the Cobalt that the dealership loaned me during the repair, I still like my Optra 5 a lot more.

Great on gas, good pick up and lots of cargo room (2 stage speakers, 3 guitars, stands for instruments and microphones, plus 2 suitcases).

Too bad there were so many problems right across the board with this car. I could have seen it really taking some of the market away from the Rice Rockets. Oh well, maybe next time GM should concentrate on how reliable their vehicles are before they decide to import them... if there is a next time for GM. I guess we'll see.

Chevrolet Optra 5

2004 - 2005

R.I.P.

16th Apr 2009, 16:58

Why are you trying to get the car in first gear when it's already moving at 12km/h? Once it's moving, put it into second. The only time I ever go into first gear is to start from a stop.

22nd Apr 2009, 11:29

Sounds like to need to change your mechanic.

Coolant leak is normal?? Ahahahahahahahaha!!! xD

1st May 2009, 15:34

The car is a lemon. I have a 2007 and the speedometer is of by up to 20%, and they say it is within legal limits, but is not as they reported to the government, that it is a 7% to 9% difference. They tested my car side by side with another car, and I have the report from the dealer to prove it.

Now a light comes on a circle! And it goes off when you turn the car off, and I was told to come back when it says on all the time. Now I step on the gas and the car doesn't move, but the rpms go high, this happened to me 3 times today. The car jumps sometimes when you just touch the gas. I think it is the transmission going, as I heard after I leased this pile of junk that people have had problems with the transmission.

Off to the garage on Monday. Glad it is a lease and I can give them this pile of junk back Jan 2011

8th May 2009, 10:51

Optra update: the transmission is being replaced after 23000KM, and also the steering sensor as well.

These cars are garbage.

17th Sep 2009, 07:48

I have owned a Chevy Optra LS 2005 for 2 years, and it was fine. Recently after 120000KM, the engine starts to shut off randomly even during driving at slow speeds. I change the fuel filter, and check the electric power at a workshop; it's good.

I want to receive any advice about shutting off the engine randomly.

Thanks for any help.

ajunaid_2@yahoo.com

16th Oct 2009, 01:33

I am from Malaysia. I bought my Optra5 almost 2 and a half years ago. Currently at a mileage of 27k. So far so good, it does not give me a single problem.

6th Apr 2010, 13:42

This car is garbage; I am sick of paying on this car. I have Optra 2005 and I've paid over $2000 in the last year and a half. I've asked if I can change the engine instead of keep maintaining that thing. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR. Over-heating, hose changing will kill you, gear chocking, and many more. I'm thinking seriously to buy another car. CHEVROLET, this will be my last car with you.

26th May 2010, 07:24

I drive a Chevy Optra LT. It has a problem with its speed sensor; the computer reads 000 while we're running at a speed of 100kph. Then after the diagnostic test, General Motors decided that I have to change my transmission harness. I think something bad is really going on with my Optra 1.8 LT.

9th Jun 2010, 22:47

Loss of money and nerves for this garbage car. I spent almost its price on mechanics, and am sick and tired of the recalls from the company every couple of months for a new defect.

The latest by the way was the driver side airbag; I brought it to the dealer, had the whole driver seat changed for some defective wires controlling the airbag, and I'm still having the airbag light on haunting me, nothing is fixed. I wonder if my airbag will ever work right...

I had every piece in the hood changed since I've bought this, and I'm still hearing noises every time I'm driving... I can't stand this car anymore...

18th Aug 2010, 21:36

Trouble getting parts. In service for 2.5 weeks and still waiting on a timing belt. This is crap. Have never felt good about this car (2005 Optra). This inability to get parts for a 2005 is rubbish.

I will never go with GM again.

8th Nov 2010, 15:31

Have had the Optra from new in 2005, and have had no big problems with it. The problem is with the way some people drive the vehicle, and as for not getting parts for the car, you need to get a more reliable parts store. The parts are easily available where I am.

The car is a great car, and only has 50000 kms on it, and have only had to have the transmission computer re-programed once, when the car was used by a friend.

11th Nov 2010, 19:07

I own a 2005 Optra 5 and it's at 90000 km. I did a search to see how to change the dome light and came across this site. This is the first problem I've had in 5 1/2 years. I don't even consider it a problem, not really. It's too bad that so many people seem to have problems with it. However, just because a handful of people report having 'lemons', it doesn't mean they all are.

17th Nov 2010, 15:27

I agree with both of you. Great car, sexy looking, and if I put it to the floor, it's quite impressive with a healthy sounding engine. No problems with mine yet, and great cargo space. Cheers.

30th Jan 2011, 19:38

I bought this car brand new in 06. It's a Optra 5. I drive this car extremely well, and it now has 90000km on it. I have a clunking noise in the right rear from 40000km, and I am now on my 2nd valve cover. They both cracked in the exact same place. Hmmm.

Oh and my windshield wiper tank has ALWAYS leaked, and my rear defrost and air recycle buttons work when they want. Striped windshield wiper arms, I also swear the car is going to kill me on the highway. The rear floats a lot!

Complete piece of crap. Low quality. I can't wait to buy a new car. It certainly will NOT be a GM.