1979 Buick Skyhawk Hatchback review from North America
"A generally satisfactory car, which would have really excelled if only it were more fun to drive!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The clutch and pressure plate went out at approximately 30000 miles with the 4-speed manual transmission.
No other major malfunctions.
General comments?
This car was just begging to be hopped up! The 231 V6 was a late-1970s smog engine, so it was predictably anemic. In my unofficial acceleration test, I got a 0-to-60 time in just over 13 seconds. (Given the 3300 pound weight of car+driver, this works out to about 120 horsepower.)
At the time I owned this car, the great potential of the 3.8-liter engine was just being tapped into by hot-rodders. It was no exaggeration that nearly 200 horsepower was achievable with only a handful of relatively inexpensive modifications. Ah, but if I'd only had the time...
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1985 - Skyhawk Base 1.8L Gasoline Two Words: Completely useless |
| A love-hate relationship |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1981 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1984 |
| Engine and transmission | 231 V6 (3.8 liter) Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 27000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 32000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda GLC |
| Date of Entry | 4th August, 2007 |