Faults:

When the car was purchased the suspension was completely shot. Both struts and coil springs all-round were replaced (approx. $800 repairs on a $5000 car). Ride is still stiff but extremely responsive and sporty. Beats mushy and rough any day.

Exhaust system was damaged, but after a tune-up and replacing a small section of the exhaust pipe, the system is much quieter. Still sounds like a lawn mower, though.

General Comments:

This is my first car of my own, and I couldn't think of a better car for the money. After pushing my Dad's Dynasty way past its intended operational specs, this small responsive car is fantastic.

Almost a thousand dollars of work needed to be done to bring it up to pleasant operational standards. Suspension and exhaust work were the extent as the engine and other systems run very nicely.

However, I still can't get used to the lawn mower sound the little 2.2L engine this thing uses. Next on my list of upgrades is a performance tip, a good recommendation to anyone else that is looking for a meatier sound from their Daytona.

At 6'3" I found the cockpit extremely comfortable, but don't count on putting anyone over 5'6" or 150 lbs. in the back seats.

With the moon roof the car gets extremely hot in the summer, small cars can be ovens too. An air conditioner would be to die for, but far too expensive for this little car.

The pickup and handling qualities of the Daytona are fantastic for an American 2.2 non-turbo vehicle. Without major improvements this car won't be taking the chequered flag at the track, but with an aggressive foot one can blast by traffic with ease.

Nevertheless, I find the clutch to heavy and extremely long throw, and to be far too close to the driver. The brake and gas pedals are great, but I would love to cut the clutch throw in half and move the pedal back about 1.5".

If you're looking for a semi-sporty, economical, and even a little stylish American car, the Daytona is a good find. Just make sure you save up some money to bring it back up to some semblance of performance before trying to have any real fun.

Faults:

Replaced the turbo about 70,000 miles.

Paint starting to fade.

Arm rest between the seats cracked, found a good one, just the right color, at junk yard for a $1.

General Comments:

Love to drive this car. I am 6'2", weigh 260 lbs, still fit in the old girl good. I will keep her until she falls apart.

Faults:

Just had head gasket replaced before I bought the car. The Daytona's are known for their head gasket problems.

Small radiator leak.

Clunking noise while driving.

Breaks squeal.

General Comments:

The interior is very comfortable and simple, but easy to understand all the controls. It's well equipped good for long trips.

Putting in a stereo was very easy because of its simplicity, which is nice.

Hard to see the end of the hood of the car because it slopes to a point and it's got some bad blind spots. Use your mirrors.

The 2.5 is good on gas and when you need to get up and go you can especially with the manual transmission. The car is definitely a contender.

I just bought this car on Friday, and couldn't get insurance on it until Monday. Today, which is Monday, I drove over 100km on it and I love the way it feels. It's an all out great car!

Faults:

Brakes have been replaced twice.

Two water pumps.

One fuel pump.

New set of tires.

Exhaust system once.

Manifold leaked @ 125000.

Both window belts popped.

Power locks broke.

General Comments:

Always starts right up in the winter. Very reliable and all repairs have been due to the car's age. Great performance and very sporty.