Summary:
Roomy and powerful
Faults:
EGR valve around 130K.
Coil packs at 118k.
ECM around 135K.
Catalytic converter around 125K.
C/V axles around 120k, then around 150k.
Front struts around 130k.
A/C needed recharge at 120K.
Power antenna broke at 125k.
Headliner has fallen.
Driver's seatbelt clip broke at 140k.
Camshaft position sensor (common issue on these) went at 125k.
Alternator gave out around 140k.
Fuel pump at 158k.
Strange situation where power locks don't work while using the rear defroster.
General Comments:
GREAT highway cruiser. Seats and ride are as comfortable as can be. GM's 3800 gives plenty of power in reserve for passing and surprising takeoffs. It also makes it capable of 30mpg highway (though only about 20mpg/city).
The most reliable car I've ever owned. Even with those issues listed above, the car kept running through all of them. Just kept trying.
The car is also VERY spacious inside, with ample room for real people in front AND back. Comfort for 4 easy in a long trip. HUGE trunk. Stock stereo sounds quite good, and is easy to replace.
Styling is pretty conservative, not much to show off.
Handling however, is quite good for such a large car. Fully independent suspension and dynamic steering make it feel like driving a midsize.
Overall, very pleased.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd May, 2011
7th May 2011, 20:32
Excellent review.
You pretty much have the full list of what goes wrong with this vintage GM H-Body (LeSabre/Bonneville/88). The one thing I didn't see was mention of the suction-discharge hoses on the back of the A/C compressor - the hoses held up fine, but the aluminum block that went between the compressor, and the hoses would crack, allowing freon to leak.
The 88-and-up H-body was a definite improvement over the 86 & 87 models - more power & better reliability.
