14th Feb 2009, 13:27

Do not buy a Chev Optra. I have a 2006 model which has always been a huge gas guzzler. Was told by GM staff that it would get better at 10,000 km. Well, when it got to that stage, they said 20,000 km. The gas consumption continues to get worse and they tell me it is my driving habits. I have never had a car so fuel inefficient. Cannot get even 380 km to a tank which is 55 litres. At least I used to get 400 km. Never will I guy a GM product again!

25th Mar 2009, 11:07

I have 2006 Optra 5 and have had nothing but problems with it since I bought it. The latest being the alarm going off for no reason and you can't shut it off. When it does shut off you can't unlock the doors and every warning light on the dash is on. Pretty amazing considering the key is in my hand.

As for gas consumption, mine's been good; 550km to a tank in the city, 650-700 highway. Now if only the low fuel light worked on it; I'd know when I was low on fuel. Gauge sits on full for 300-350km and then drops like a ton of bricks, and sometimes I'm lucky and the low fuel light goes on.

29th May 2009, 08:54

I have a 2006 Optra5 and I have had only minor problems other than the PCM dying (dealer fried it, don't ask me how) and the seat belt issue. Mine has been OK.

As for the fuel consumption, you might consider changing to more efficient and power full aftermarket products such as better spark plugs, and wires as well as a more free flowing air filter. These have worked for me, and seem to help the car along. I can get between 400-550 city KM and up to 700-800 highway KM.

13th Oct 2009, 17:55

Optra 5 2006 - Winter Driving.

My Optra flies all over the place in winter conditions... I am darn afraid driving it now that winter is here again.

25th Apr 2010, 11:56

I own a 2007 Chevy Optra 5 Lt, and have had nothing but problems with it for the whole duration of owning the car. I STRONGLY AGREE THAT "GM HAS NO CARE FOR THE PURCHASER AFTER THE SALE HAS BEEN MADE." The engine problems have been non-stop, and my local dealership provided no meaningful help without a fight.

This car has major design flaws, especially concerning the engine and electrical.

I have had to tow my car to the dealership over 5 times in 3 years. The engine has cut out while driving 3 times. The gas pedal (throttle body system) has gone dead on me while driving once, and the battery, computer and windshield washer motors have needed replacing.

On my last visit to the dealership I was told that my Optra 5 was not the worst they had seen, and this was seemingly normal to them. I would hate to see the worst.

This car has made me lose faith in GM, and I will never buy one again.

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

Sincerely Warned,

Chris Palermo.

25th Apr 2010, 18:41

The Optra was made by Suzuki over in Thailand or wherever Suzuki headquarters is in Europe; they also make the Aveo and slap Chevy logos on it and call it a Chevy when it's really a Suzuki.

GM, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, etc... they produce a lemon or two, search these forums and others and see for yourself.

26th Apr 2010, 15:57

The Optra is not a Suzuki design at all. It is marketed as a Suzuki Forenza in the USA, but is actually a Daewoo. It was sold as a Holden Viva in Australia and New Zealand.

Optras sold in the US market are Korean built. The Thai plant produces Optras for sale in S E Asia only.

The Aveo is another Daewoo design that is re-badged as a Chevy or Holden, depending on which part of the world you are in.

31st Jul 2010, 04:49

Well well what to say about the Optra. I have one; a 2006.

It's my worst experience with cars. Service after purchase is very bad.

The alarm goes off suddenly without any reason.

A/C is not that good, even though the car that I have has Gulf area specification; that means the A/C is built for hot weather.

Simply, this car is a piece of junk. I don't advise anybody to buy it.

Mohamed.

11th Aug 2010, 10:14

I have a 2006 Optra and have had issues with the PCM as well. When I would push on the gas, there was no power and they had to reprogram it. I've had to change the fog lights more than once. The alarm stopped working (fuse I think). The alternator recently went and I've changed the brakes.

They offer a shuttle service to pick you up and they forgot me in downtown Ottawa in rush hour. When I called, I explained that my ride had not yet arrived and that my phone was dying. I asked that they please figure it out and call me or send someone (my phone is dead). I ended up having to take a taxi there and the garage staff were all gone and no one sent someone to get me. I was not happy! They reimbursed my taxi receipt and that was it.

I know bad service has to do with the garage. It's a hit and miss. I've dealt with a different dealership after this and everything went smooth.

My only question is that any car is a liability, so is there not one car that does not have their glitches?

Manon.

11th Aug 2010, 18:19

True, all cars have their glitches, but the issue is that these Korean made Chevrolets seem to have more than most others.

13th Oct 2011, 05:36

Chevrolet Optra was never designed to give higher mileage. It's a performance car. I get 8-9kmpl in city traffic and 13-14kmpl on highways. If you have purchased the Optra for mileage, then it's your expectation at fault.

14th Oct 2011, 00:59

The Optra a performance car? You must have low expectations of what constitutes performance.

Honda Civics are better performers, and do not guzzle as badly as the Optra.

7th Oct 2012, 19:16

I own a 2006 Optra, and in my opinion it is the worst car ever. I have had nothing but engine problems with this car. From power steering pump, to radiator and fan, to transmission stalling, to oil problems, and now I'm facing a water pump issue, where it needs to be changed. And the thing is parts are so hard to find for this car, and if and when you do at the dealers, it's so expensive. Like right now a new water pump is costing $570.00 at the dealers. Can someone please help me and tell me where I can a reasonable one? This car is a real disappointment to the GM Chevy brand.

K. Storr, in the Bahamas.

24th Dec 2012, 13:29

Did you find what was wrong with it, or why the warning lights were acting up?

Thanks for your time!

22nd Jul 2013, 03:33

I have a Chevrolet Optra 2006 hatchback.

It's my worst experience with cars. Service after purchase is very bad.

The alarm goes off suddenly without any reason.

A/C is not that good, even though the car that I have has the Gulf area specification; that means the A/C is built for hot weather.

Petrol consumption is very, very bad. 55L hardly running lasts for 300 - 325 KM. Everything that is installed in this car is the worst

Simply, this car is a piece of junk. I don't advise anybody to buy it. PLEASE DON'T BUY ANY GM CARS. NO CARE after purchase.

Aamir.