1992 Pontiac LeMans Aerocoupe VL review from North America

Plugged catalytic converter at 76,000 km.

Alternator winding short at 80,000 km.

Crack in the muffler at 85,000 km.

Minor fit and finish faults (loose rear view mirror and passenger seat-back control).

New brake pads at 125,000 km (normal wear).

PROS: cheap to buy and run, reasonable power, good handling, VERY roomy for such a small car.

CONS: uncomfortable to drive on long trips, noisy, primitive fit and finish.

I bought this car at an auction when it was already seven years old. I had my doubts about the car, but the price was reasonable and it was clean and in very good shape. However, given my previous car was a Renault I was prepared for anything it could throw at me.

After reading negative reviews and having a cluster of problems early on I was almost ready to sell the car, however, I've put over 40,000 km on this car since the last repair without a single problem. It has turned out to be more reliable (or at least cheaper to keep in repair costs) than a friends comparable Toyota Tercel.

It should be stressed that I own the "Aerocoupe VL" edition - VL meaning "Value Leader". That means I have NO power steering, a 4-speed manual, NO air and NO power-accessories. Therefore, there is little that can go wrong with it. I suspect those who have had problems with this car have higher level trims.

Be aware that this LeMans is NOT a "real" Pontiac, it is in fact an Opel-designed Daewoo model in disguise (known as the Daewoo Nexia in its Korean home-market, replaced by the Lanos a couple of years ago). In Europe it was called Opel Kadett or Vauxhall Astra. It uses a some domestic GM components, but is assembled in Korea, out of mostly Korean parts, so take that into account in your expectations of this car.