Within a year the car's engine seem to develop problems, and while driving these problems will just arrive without notice. No warning lights will come on the dashboard.
There seem to be a major coolant problem and shutdown problem with my car. The electricals seem to be out of whack (erratic).
The local dealer and GM do not care about the purchaser after the dealer makes a sale. I contacted GM and they did not respond. And even while the car in on warranty, which mine still is, the owner will be billed anyhow.
The mechanics can never seem to find anything wrong with the car. I've been to the garage within the last 6 weeks at least 4 times, twice within one day for the same problem that the dealer claimed to have fixed.
The general attitude of the staff is lousy, and GM does not really care about small number of sales, or so it may seem from a owner like myself who got zero feedback from GM, even though I brought my unending problem to them.
I drove a Malibu in the states and it is a wonderful car. The Optra is not sold in the states, can anyone guess why? Does GM sell the junk elsewhere, as it appears that GM only care about their American market. Of course they would bear the cost of an incompetent dealer, but here in Jamaica, they don't seem to give a damn about the purchaser. I find it difficult to purchase another GM car here in Jamaica. I will have to revert to, whenever I can afford it, to Toyota and Honda, both with good service here in Jamaica.
Whatever you do, stay away from the Optra.
The stalling and engine shut down is due to a transmission switch of some sort. I had the same issue and they were able to fix it. It took 2 dealerships... but it got fixed! They had to replace the transmission switch.
My new problem is the engine light coming on every time I am on less than a quarter of a tank of gas. Any ideas?
I own optra2007, no major problems so far, only the same problem which I noticed that many have which is the Emission light (Yellow light) blinking on/off. which im going to take the car for the 3rd time 2omro to their stupid dealer in Dubai.
The Optra is sold in the States, as a Suzuki Forenza.
But, a spade is a spade, no matter what it's called. The Forenza does not acquit itself well either in terms of general owner satisfaction.
Do not buy a Chev Optra. I have a 2006 model which has always been a huge gas guzzler. Was told by GM staff that it would get better at 10,000 km. Well, when it got to that stage, they said 20,000 km. The gas consumption continues to get worse and they tell me it is my driving habits. I have never had a car so fuel inefficient. Cannot get even 380 km to a tank which is 55 litres. At least I used to get 400 km. Never will I guy a GM product again!
I have 2006 Optra 5 and have had nothing but problems with it since I bought it. The latest being the alarm going off for no reason and you can't shut it off. When it does shut off you can't unlock the doors and every warning light on the dash is on. Pretty amazing considering the key is in my hand.
As for gas consumption, mine's been good; 550km to a tank in the city, 650-700 highway. Now if only the low fuel light worked on it; I'd know when I was low on fuel. Gauge sits on full for 300-350km and then drops like a ton of bricks, and sometimes I'm lucky and the low fuel light goes on.
I have a 2006 Optra5 and I have had only minor problems other than the PCM dying (dealer fried it, don't ask me how) and the seat belt issue. Mine has been OK.
As for the fuel consumption, you might consider changing to more efficient and power full aftermarket products such as better spark plugs, and wires as well as a more free flowing air filter. These have worked for me, and seem to help the car along. I can get between 400-550 city KM and up to 700-800 highway KM.
Optra 5 2006 - Winter Driving.
My Optra flies all over the place in winter conditions... I am darn afraid driving it now that winter is here again.
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