Faults:
Right rear brake making unusual grinding sound when reversing. No problem found. Noise ceased and did not return after inspection. Power steering pump and air conditioning compressor belts replaced same day. Total cost: Approximately $100.08.
Driver's window failed about three months after purchase, required new regulator. Replaced. Approximately $250.00.
Check Engine lamp illuminated mid-December 2005. Dealer Service Department indicated code was for engine misfire and new spark plugs were needed. Replaced. $156.00.
Check Engine lamp illuminated day after service, taken back to dealership same day.
Vehicle left overnight for observation. Same engine misfire code as before, but no problem found. Cost: $0.00.
Dealership told me to return if problem returned.
General Comments:
I have thoroughly enjoyed this car thus far in spite of listed problems and other potential issues awaiting in the future.
Other concerns I have about this car are the transmission, the head gasket, the air conditioning system, the front suspension, and the timing belt. Since these seem to be the most common problems in these cars, I shall have to keep a close watch on the vehicle.
Once in a while, over certain road irregularities, the front suspension utters a junky rattle that I will have addressed in the near future should its incidence increase or become more severe.
The exterior of the Breeze is very attractive and modern, not looking at all like a ten year old automobile. Dressed in the Medium Fern Pearl Coat paint, this "cab-forward" shape looks exceptionally pleasant and organic. There is no rust, although one of the panel joints on the lower half of the body has a hairline fracture in the paint finish with a hint of orangish rust within. One of the most fascinating things I find about this car's exterior design is how far ahead of the times Chrysler was in terms of the competition. For instance, the new Chrysler 300 has a traditional, boxy shape as opposed to the LH based 300M which was very cab-forward design, and since Chrysler has left cab-forward behind, it seems other automakers have adopted the style as Honda has with the all-new Civic that features Chrysler-style cab-forward design. It's a shame the interior of the new Civic is so grotesque and vile in its appearance.
The interior of my Breeze is Silver Fern. This light, greyish-green tone is much better than tan, although the light carpeting is quick to soil. Due to cab-forward styling, the interior of the Breeze is not only rather carvernous for a small mid-size vehicle, it also seems light and airy with the expansive greenhouse.
The instrument panel also has a soft, flowing and organic shape like the exterior does.
It's unfortunate that the three giant dash panels suffer from buzzes and vibrations that seem more prominent under certain engine revolutions and road surfaces.
Another drawback is the pronounced road noise and wind rush as speed. A little more sound deadening would work wonders for this little car.
I wish it had a CD or cassette player, as just the radio is bothersome when the commercials or unpleasant songs come on.
The base engine, a 2.0 litre SOHC 16 valve inline four, is sometimes agonizingly slow to accelerate the car. I suppose it doesn't help that this engine was teemed with the four speed automatic. However, overall fuel economy is very good, averaging 28-31 miles per (U.S.) gallon.
The ride is a tad soft to my preferences, but this is the most decent handling car I have attained yet. Body roll seems minimal, and there is little squealing of the tires when things get interesting. On the freeway, the above listed noise is pronounced, and the 14-inch tires leave some directional stability desired, but the car tackles high speed tasks well enough so that it isn't a white-knuckle experience.
29th Dec 2005, 23:35
Dude, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into...