| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2010 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.4 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 300000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 383469 kilometres |
Faults:
I am amazed at how well the Samara sedan runs! My car has over 383469 KM on it, and it runs like brand new, not to mention it had sat in my back yard for 2 years; I put some fresh gas in, turned the key, and it fired right up.
There is some rust, but that's to be expected being 13 years old! Very happy to own a Lada Samara!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th April, 2010
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1500CC i Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 72000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 73500 miles |
| Previous car | Lada Samara |
Summary:
As long as I have parts, I'll drive a Lada
Faults:
Not Very much at all.. This is my 3rd Samara and I have always been very happy with this model.. The timing belt has gone on this latest one as well as having to change 1 front brake hose..The 1997 fuel injected version is a BIG step up from the previous Samaras.. I just hope that the newer ones don't get too "westernized"..The simplicity is what originally attracted me to Soviet cars.. I do wish that they would cover the seats in sturdier fabric as they all seem to rip & tear.. Mileage is always fair to good.. At least 400kms to a 40L tank and I've never gone below 1/4 tank!!
General Comments:
I wish Canada was still importing Samaras..1997 was the last year!! So sad!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th August, 2004
Hello there!
I'm writing to you from Romania (ex communist country, you know that) and frankly I just can't understand why would someone like to buy and use a soviet made car in U.S.A.
It's just like being on a tropical island and buying a thermo-central. Why that when you have all the heat in the world, and yet for free?
I guess some weird (auto) taste?
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3L Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.2 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 194000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Suzuki Swift |
Summary:
All in all, a good value car for the price
Faults:
The only major repair to date has been to replace the clutch... Although original brake pads and axle boots had to be replaced quite early due to being manufactured from inferior material.. Corrosion is mainly on the hatchback as well as rear wheel wells.. Rear window washer motor has failed a number of years ago.. Exhaust system also seems to wear out quite often.. Lots of squeaks and heater system not currently operational.
General Comments:
The Samara is NOT built for speed, but seems to have an amazing towing capacity.
Interior trim is all cheap Russian plastic that cracks in the sunlight.
Having a rear seat that folds down completely flat is very useful.
1960's technology make this car a very easy one to self-repair and mileage is quite good, about 400kms on a 40L fuel tank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2003
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.5 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 119000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 119262 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jeep Cherokee |
Summary:
An attention getter
Faults:
My Samara is used strictly as an ice racer. So I am pretty hard on it. Our track is 2.2 kms long in the shape of a pork chop. It is situated in a bay on Lake Superior (Thunder Bay).
I've had a few minor problems. But the car did sit for over a year. The car was given to me for free, just take it away. I had to paint the car orange of course.
When I brought it home it needed a new master cylinder. First race I found that the right rear brake line was broken, so I had no brakes. Next was the battery and alternator being replaced.
General Comments:
The car is really fast. I'm keeping up to the guys that have raced for years. As for comfort, it's an ice racer, roll cage, safety belts and a helmet. If you want to see a picture of it, send me an email and I'll send you one. rnrpumpkin@hotmail.com
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th February, 2003