Faults:
Too many things to mention...
Rear wheel bearings had to be replaced at 30,000 miles and again at 55,000.
Air conditioner constantly leaked water inside, on the front passenger's feet. Numerous trips to the dealer we unable to resolve this.
Transmission would jump out of 5th gear and into neutral at any random time. This first started around 40,000 miles, and required replacing a vacuum cannister to repair. Same problem occurred at 60,000 miles when I sold it.
Constant grinding noise from under the hood. Suspect it was a bad bearing on some belt-driven device (alternator? AC compressor?) but numerous trips to the dealer were unable to resolve it.
Constantly leaked oil.
General Comments:
A real disappointment of a car. It was very roomy and comfortable; the interior was large and the folding seats added great flexibility. With 4 wheel drive, it handled New England winters with ease. It was underpowered, but the trade-off for that was excellent mileage for a car that could carry 7 people. But it was a mechanical nightmare. It was in the shop for repairs way too often. With only 60,000 miles on it, my monthly repair bills were more than the cost of a new car, which is why I sold it.
I tried to trade it in when I bought my new car, but the dealer said the Colt Vistas had such a poor maintenance reputation that they no longer accepted them as trades.
1st Apr 2008, 20:10
I have one since new in 1992, now in 2008 has 76000 miles on it. Only thing that ever went bad was a seatbelt switch and the engine computer (put a 2003 ECM in it and disconnected the check engine light for state inspection). Still driving it as a vehicle I use at work (commute on a FLHR).