A lot of major repairs:
Blown head gasket.
New muffler.
New starter.
New radiator.
Had to have the car repainted.
The exterior is nice, although it may seem outdated.
It had slow acceleration.
The trunk was too small.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th March, 2012
Sturdy, reliable transportation that holds up well with good care
Replaced exhaust last summer at 105K, along with thermostat, brake work, and full tune-up.
Original water pump went in August 2008 at about 101K, serpentine belt also replaced.
New alternator, engine mounts, and transmission mounts in 2005.
New battery in 2004, replaced radiator.
Rebuilt transmission at 90K in 2003.
Struts, shocks, new tires, and fuel pump in 2002.
Air conditioning serviced in 1998, "major" tune up at 70K performed, new timing belt.
Can't remember beyond that. Oil changed twice per year, radiator flushed out every summer. Transmission serviced every two years.
STILL tends to run hot, but cools off easily from running defroster, and has never overheated on me (except when the water pump went).
I bought my Acclaim in 1996 as my father had owned one, it came with a 7-year/70K warranty, and found a well kept, low mileage (26K) example at a good price. 14 years later it is now at 106K and still going strong. Other than expiration (s) of the fuel pump, and water pump, it has never stranded me.
Mine is only driven weekly (or so) now as I live in the city. It has sat for up to 3 weeks in the dead of winter or the worst of summer, and starts right up.
PLENTY of power with the V-6. Smooth engine runs well, and has GREAT acceleration. Nice for quick starts in town, and easily climbs mountains in WV. Not a high-revving motor, it almost seems to loaf along like the 440 in my old Imperial.
Repair/replacement record above is long, but it covers a 14-year/80,000 mile period. Only replaced tires once, same with the battery. Pretty good for a basic 4-door econobox. The Jasper (replacement) automatic transmission installed a while back performs just fine, never balky and doesn't hesitate.
This is no sports car, but it competently handles curvy mountain roads with no problem. Cornering remains tight after over 100,000 miles.
No power windows/locks, etc., but AC still blows ice cold, puts out heat quickly, and cruise control still works just fine. Rear defroster very effective.
Although fairly small, it feels like full-size car inside. Not claustrophobic like other cars of its size.
Base model interior not dressy, but has held up well, and not shedding pieces like some newer ones do. No rattles or squeaks either.
This little box has really grown on me over the years, and I plan to keep it. Take good care of your Acclaim, and it will take VERY good care of you.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2010
Simply great with a V6!!!
Nothing major, just the hand cranked driver side window comes off the track.
The exhaust rusted out.
Body rust.
This has been the best car I have ever owned. I have had zero, yes zero problems with this car. The only thing I did was replace the exhaust and gave her a tune up!
For a 3.0 V6 this has some serious power, and handling is like a dream, the fuel economy is not the best, I get around 15 mpg average, which could be due to my driving habits (lead foot)!
But all in all, I can see this car living for well over 200,000! I highly recommend the V6 model! Sounds great with a beefy muffler also! This and my old 94 Mercury Grand Marquis have been the most reliable cars ever! I have owned over 17 cars in my life and this is ranked #1 Please if you are going to buy one do it, and if you own one, don't junk it!! This car will not let you down!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th September, 2009