Faults:
Had to replace fuel pump and strainer at 140,000 miles.
Had to replace blower motor and relay at 175,000 miles.
Dashboard has separated above radio.
Passenger seat will not stay in set position, slides back.
Water is finding its way into the car, cannot pinpoint the location though.
Squeaking from engine compartment due to belt tensioners most likely needing replacement.
General Comments:
Bought this car in early 2003 to hold me over until I had the means to buy something better, that was 2 years and about 100,000 miles ago.
The 2.0L in this car is absolutely bulletproof, haven't so much as had to give it a tune-up, though I've cleaned and re-gapped the spark plugs.
Standard transmission in this car is efficient, but I'm not in love with it. That's probably due to the fact that it was ready for a clutch when I bought it, and I've been able to baby it for as long as I've had it with no replacement. CV boots are worn and have been for awhile.
As far as maintenance goes, the car has only let me down once and that was when the fuel pump failed, luckily I was home at the time. Aside from that, I've only had to do routine maintenance, and I've maintained the car poorly in general.
I had to replace the front seats with one out of a late model Cavalier because the factory seats killed my back, though the seats I replaced them with aren't much better.
Fuel economy is great, I get 32 mpg highway with it.
Overall, I'd recommend the car as I believe it is indestructible, as I've hit three deer in it and have been on the receiving end of three collisions in it. The car just will not die. I bought this car with the intention of using it temporarily and have been driving 100 miles a day in it for 2 years.
4th Oct 2007, 11:18
I have a 1992 with 2.0 double overhead cam and I am getting the same problem with back firing when I give it lots of throttle. I have changed the temp sensor, the crank sensor, the coil pack, wires and plugs. I am still getting the back firing. What do you suggest might be my problem? Should I change the ERG?