Faults:

Engine needed minor work at 140,000 miles.

Ignition switch.

Automatic seat belts don't always work.

General Comments:

I love this little car! I purchased it used it was in excellent condition. It had a minor exhaust leak and needed rear brakes. I bought the car for $1100 but the book value was $4000. "Freedom" has power steering, air that works, and a power moon roof!!! It just came out of the shop for a minor engine (gasket leak?) and now the mileage is awesome! I am getting like 31 miles to a gallon, city! It is comfortable and reliable.

Faults:

The plastic covering on the electronic seat belt came off. It is broken, and doesn't move the way it should.

The front bumper has taken heavy damage and needs to be replaced.

The speedometer needle stays steady until the car reaches about 50 mph, then flips erratically at faster speeds.

There are dents on the rear of the car, near the hatch, on the right side.

The heater failed at about 195,000 miles.

The starter failed at around 200,000 miles.

General Comments:

I got the car for my 17th birthday, from my dad. He had bought it without consulting me at all, so I was unable to look over the car before getting it.

The damaged bumper and dents were on the car when I received it. The previous owners weren't honest about the history of the car. They claimed it had never been in an accident and tried to cover up a gaping hole in the front bumper, near the license plate. They used aluminum tape, and painted it white. My dad failed to notice this. The dents on the back are covered over as well.

Still, with all the problems the car has had, I'm very happy with it. I'm not surprised the starter went out, because it's an older car. The engine is still in good condition, and it runs smoothly. It shifts smoothly as well, and it gets excellent gas mileage. The stereo system works, and has good sound. It handles well, and has good acceleration and braking.

The only serious problems I've had with the car are the starter and heater. The seat belt still latches properly, and it worked correctly when I had to hit the brakes suddenly, which sent me flying forward.

I feel that the car has a pretty good track record, considering it is ten years old, and I put a lot of miles on it (I have a 200-mile round trip daily commute).

All in all, it's a good, sturdy, dependable car, and I love it!

I feel that if I continue to take good care of it (oil changes, tune-ups, etc.), the car will last for many more years.

Faults:

Constant Velocity Joints needed to be replaced since I first bought in August, but it is still dependable.

Fuel filter needed to be replaced.

A bit shaky if you don't keep up with the tire maintenance.

General Comments:

I have had no problems with acceleration.

I love the quiet idling.

A lot of room which is perfect for college students moving to and from their dorms, like me!

Keeps a good top speed of 120 miles per hour, not that I do that often.

Easy to fix.

Faults:

I had to have the exhaust manifold replaced at 115000, but I got one of a salvage for cheap, no problems after that.

Regular oil changes and the like.

My ball joints popped out at 10600 due to some pretty hard driving, but they actually popped back in on my way to the mechanic and he said that they looked fine and would be a waste of my money to replace. This is why I think this car has an immune system.

General Comments:

This car was a great car.

No matter what I put it through the engine just kept going.

Great gas mileage, even when I had it packed full for a cross country family trip.

I was hit by a 99 Blazer while stopped, he was going 45 mph, my car did not survive the crash, but only because of body damage and insurance, I actually drove it to the mechanic after the accident.