1994 Oldsmobile Achieva S review from North America
"Has been a good reliable car."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Have replaced the original Battery 2 years ago. Considering I live in Canada and do not have a block heater on this car and never had it indoors...that's pretty impressive.
At 115,000KM's the driver controller arm went, but it was covered under manufacturers warranty (just in time too :-) )
I had a warped header around 160,000 KM's which was causing some oil to leak out. I had it machined down and the mechanic relaced all my seals and gaskets while the header was off. No issues since. Engines still runs great.
Replaced alternator at ~170,000KM's.
Replaced driver power windows motor ~180,000 KM's.
Just replaced passenger front wheel bearing ($350 CDN) at 203,000 KM's.
General comments?
Really can't complain about this car. It has NEVER broken down on me or left me stranded in the 9 years I have owned it.
The V6 still has good power and is going strong.
Suspension is starting to get weak (but there are 204,000KM's) and will cost ~$900 CDN to replace. I am at a a crossroads now as to whether to replace the suspension or just trade the car in.
Ride comfort is good. I have a few creaks from the suspension and the drivers seat now when cornering.. showing signs of age.
Recommended reviews
  | OK if you get it cheap |
| Very quick and powerful, a great all-around car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 18000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 204000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Tempest |
| Date of Entry | 26th August, 2003 |