2005 Chevrolet Optra from North America

Summary:

Quality control needs improvement on the assembly line

Faults:

My engine light came on. I had a code reader done, then the gasket underneath EGR valve was replaced ($8.20), correcting the vacuum leak. The engine light hasn't come on since.

Alarm would go off for no reason. Replaced the sensor under the hood ($5.00).

It has had two recalls that were free to fix.

General Comments:

The mechanics at the dealership where I bought the car are dishonest. I am very lucky my husband can pinpoint the problems with my car and fix them, by reading the complaints of other owners who have the same problems (not so lucky) $$$$$$$.

I wouldn't go back to that dealership, but would buy the car somewhere else. After paying 25,000 for the car, I feel they could be more helpful with solutions. They see all the problems and know the simple fixes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2013

2005 Chevrolet Optra from North America

Summary:

I love it!

Faults:

Had to replace the front headlights; one then the other.

Needed a new battery after a few months of owning it. That being said, I am running an amplifier for the stereo.

My gas cap doesn't screw in the way it would in most cars - instead it sort of sits in the hole, then is vacuum sealed in when the car starts. If it doesn't seal properly, the engine light comes on.

General Comments:

Being my first car, I am very impressed. It handles great, brakes great, and steers nice.

The cruise control took some time to get used to and figure out, but now I use it often.

The gas mileage is alright, but could be better.

It's very comfy and surprisingly roomy!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2012

2005 Chevrolet Optra 5 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Useless junk!

Faults:

Within the first 30 days, there was a vibration in the steering wheel. I brought it back to the dealer multiple times, and they refuse to acknowledge there is even a problem. I self diagnosed that the rear rotors were warped; no problem upon replacement.

Headlights started to shut off, the recall fix was already done, multiple part replacement with no success. The dealer tells me that they will have to inspect the electricals, and it will start to cost over $1000. I re-wired and bypassed everything; headlights work no problem.

Engine light is on all the time. Took it in and checked it, and it is because of the gas cap; replaced the gas cap, and the engine light won't go off.

The car won't stay in alignment. Constant re-alignment is necessary.

The high beams won't stay on; I have to hold back the switch, and last but not least, the engine blew at 197,000 kilometers, and now shortly after a new engine install, the heater core is leaking.

General Comments:

As for the comfort, the little handle that controls the lumbar roll has to be the worst designs I have ever seen. In one of the positions, it will scratch me across the backside every time I get into the car.

The wind blows this car off the road too easily, and I mean off the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2011

2005 Chevrolet Optra from North America

Summary:

Good

Faults:

When driving the car at under 60 km/h, and slowing down, at 40 km/h the transmission bucks.

General Comments:

Seems to be a great car, but the mechanic cannot figure out why the transmission bucks at 40 km/h.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th October, 2011

2005 Chevrolet Optra 5 D-TECH from North America

Summary:

Got a great deal on the price. I'm impressed in all areas, but suspect a minor electrical problem

Faults:

Speed sensitive steering light almost always on.

Daytime lights sometimes don't work, flicker and go out.

At times cruise control doesn't work.

At 50 km/h, the transmission tries to shift up and down (easy fix - go 54 km/h).

Radio volume switch hard to control, need to pull out slightly to turn the volume up.

Gas mileage isn't great, and is expensive, as I like to put in 94 octane gas (trust me, this little car loves it).

General Comments:

Good looking car. Got it with tinted windows and low profile tires (don't know if these were done by the owner or factory).

Handles great, takes rough Ontario roads like a champ, and also corners like a way smaller, lighter car.

Awesome stereo system for a factory setup.

Very roomy for small car I'm 6'7", and I fit in it very well.

As far as performance, I am very impressed; great off the line, only complaint is half throttle performance, but if you keep it to the floor, watch out, this little engine really has some pep, makes a nice humming/whistle noise. Looked for turbo, found none, still wondering about the whistle. Thinking this may contribute to the less than expected gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th November, 2010

9th May 2015, 05:12

The whistle sound you here is the 16 valve. It does not have an actual turbo, but the 16 valve makes up for it performance wise like a turbo. You have power from the stats and pep. It goes from 0 to 60 in no time flat for a non high performance stock car.