1994 Pontiac Firefly 1.0 litre from North America
Summary:
This is the best used car I ever bought, I want another one when this one finally dies!
Faults:
Regular lube and oil change at 5000 kms (3000 mile) intervals.
Oil-sprayed and rust-proofed each October since 1997.
Original Manual clutch went at 175 000 km.
I have had to redo the front brakes every 2 years, 3 years for the rear.
The Left Side Constant Velocity Joint was damaged by an incompetent tire jockey and replaced at his employer's expense in 1999. The rebuilt replacement kept blowing wheel bearings and seals, that ultimately progressed to catastrophic failure in 2001. I have had no further issues since my mechanic replaced the CV joint and drive axle, bearings and seals with a quality re-manufactured assembly.
Exhaust and muffler replaced every 3 years, catalytic converter in 2002.
Tires have been replaced 3 times since I bought the car: at 110 000 km, 160 000 km, and 285 000 km.
I suffered a Deer Strike in 2000 that creased the hood and shattered the left headlamp/side marker assembly (Firefly = 1, Bambi = 0) and another in 2005 that took off the passenger side mirror only. (Firefly = 2, Bambi still 0).
I have a recurring issue with both rear wheel bearings failing after only 40 000 km and I am looking into replacing the rear axle spindles. Continual replacement of the bearings (this is the 6th time!) is not cost effective.
The "Check Engine" light is lit constantly for a "Crank Angle Position Sensor" fault, but that component does not exist on my particular model. Otherwise the car runs great!
Currently the car is in need of Lower Control Arms and McPherson strut assemblies in the front suspension, thus is unsafe to drive at the moment. I intend to perform that repair as budget permits.
The body is starting to show its age, with some rust perforation on the driver's door near the handle and minor rust along the rocker panels and wheel arches. The driver's door hinges are worn, causing a minor sag to the door when open.
General Comments:
As much as I like my 2002 Cavalier, I still love to bomb around the back roads in the Firefly. Cutting through city traffic is fun in a nimble, spunky small car, but highway travel is noisy due to wind noise, and the light weight make it prone to drift in cross winds.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th April, 2005
4th Dec 2008, 18:01
Just browsing and saw the comments on the 1994 firefly.
The car is wonderful to say the least. Everyone makes jokes about me and my dog driving around in this little car ; but I love it. It is tough, great on gas, and has get up and go that is bigger than the car itself. Wish I had a spare.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.