Faults:

First Repair ever needed: 95,000 miles -alternator failed; replaced.

120,000 - radiator failed; replaced.

160,000 - head gasket leaked and caused engine head to crack; replaced both parts.

180,000 - 3 of the 4 shocks worn out; replaced.

This car was on the orginal engine and transimission it's whole life (182,000 miles) except for the replaced engine head.

General Comments:

An extremely reliable and long lasting vehicle, especially considering that it is American. Reliability definitely rivals the Accord and Camry. I have owned a Camry and it was nowhere near as dependable.

Gas mileage was excellent at about 32mpg on the highway.

A very comfotable driving vehicle with big, soft split-bench seating and a huge interior and trunk for a compact sedan. Can fit 5 adults in good comfort. Tons of leg, hip, and head room in all seating positions.

Not a single squeak or rattle from the interior in it's entire 182,000 miles of life. No trim ever broke off. Very solid and well built.

Repairs were very inexpensive compared to most cars in this class, especially foreign models. Maintainance was easy as pie... so easy in fact, that I could do tune-ups myself on this car for a quarter of what shops charge and I am no mechanic!

To sweeten the pot even more, these cars are extremely inexpensive to buy used. About half the cost of a comparable Japanese model and just as reliable and long lasting! Problem is, 1995 was the last year they made this gem, so they are quite difficult to find used in good condition. Why oh why did they stop making these wonderful cars!?

Poor "ol' Blue", my ex-Plymouth Acclaim, was totalled in a rear-end impact at 182,000 miles. I do not doubt for a second that she would have lasted past the 200,000 mile mark on the original engine and tranny. Beat that Chevy and Ford!

Faults:

Bent engine connecting rods at 189000kms; replaced with engine out of '95 Acclaim with 58000kms on the odometer. With second engine replaced head gasket at 233000kms total vehicle odometer.

Passenger seat back a little loose. Regular maintenance ie. radiator and cooling hoses, tune ups, muffler/exhaust/cat. converter.

A/C died three years ago. I had the freon removed and I removed the compressor and its' related hoses, belt, saving myself $780 (cheapest place that I could get to fix it), 45 pounds of weight and about 10-15hp!

Upgraded to 700 cold cranking amp battery for better winter starts (Canada eh).

General Comments:

Overall I have no major complaints about the car. If you haven't already, install wide mudflaps on the front (for sure!) and some on the rear of the vehicle. The bottom of my doors and jack points are starting to get quite rusty.

I especially like the low end torque. Although the 2.5 is only 100hp, it puts out a nice 135lb ft. of torque at low rpm's to haul 5 adults, a small trailer and a trunk full of camping equipment! Haven't had one problem with the suspension. The dealer installed new rear shocks before I bought the vehicle.

Due to safety reasons and excessive undercarriage rust the car no longer tows, so now I can increase my oil change intervals back up to 4500kms from 4000! right on!