2001 Citroen C5 Exclusive V6 3.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A spacious car, that makes getting from A to B comfortable

Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

At last Citroen have realised that people come in taller than 1.6 Metres/5 ft 5", this being a saloon with space for the taller driver and unlike previous Citroen's the head restraints can be positioned correctly.

I am impressed with the automatic gearbox, very often I am unaware of it changing gear.

Despite the available power, the car is quite happy going though town at 30mph (or slower when required).

The suspension is every bit as refined as the XM's, with the added benefit that it adjusts any sink when you unlock it. A really strange sight when you first watch it after using the blip to unlock it.

A minor irritation is the stalk mounted stereo volume controls, they seem very slow to start responding.

While the automatic climate control system is good, if you wish to override where it wants to send the air, it is awkward while driving to know what the settings are since the controls are touch buttons with small LCD Display to show settings.

On the climate control the button to switch to de-misting front screen, increases the air flow and changes puts it on the screen - something I find really useful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2002

2001 Citroen C5 Exclusive SE 2.2 HDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent car badly let down by poor fuel consumption

Faults:

The main problem with the car has been very poor fuel consumption. I am achieving figures some 30% below those quoted by Citroen. Citroen have shown little desire to solve the problem.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car with all the equipment that you could ever want.

For a diesel the performance is excellent.

It is a nice roomy car with comfortable seats and well appointed storage pockets for passengers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th June, 2002

2001 Citroen C5 2.0X 16V 2.0.c. petroleum from Taiwan

Summary:

A comfortable family car

Faults:

Right rear window cannot work at about 1000 Km.

Noise from poor assembly of plastic part when temperature is hot.

General Comments:

The space is better than its rival such as Mondeo, Camry, and Laguna. Suspension give comfortable driving, but still offers enough information of road condition.

Assembly quality is not as good as Japanese Car.

Air-conditioning is impotent to hot weather.

Antenna makes parking inconvenient.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2002

2001 Citroen C5 SX 2.0 HDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One to avoid for a few years until problems are sorted

Faults:

Fuel Unit. The fuel unit reported that there was fuel in the tank - when there was not. It was replaced after the car has done 70 miles from new.

Air Conditioning. The air con exploded whilst under load. I waited 14 weeks for a replacement valve. the car was still under 1 month old.

Suspension. I detected knocks and rattles from the rear of the car. The dealer replaced the rear spheres and added weights to the back of the car. The dealer however fitted faulty spheres and two weeks after the first replacement another set were fitted.

Steering. Steering column was replaced due to connection fault.

Electrics. The new Citroen multiplexor system failed. This resulted in the radio playing by itself. the CD player doing its own thing - and the trip computer reporting I was getting 9999 mpg.

Indicators. Unit failed to cancel after cornering.

Towbar. Dealer fitted towbar came loose whilst I was towing.

Headlights. Dim and flicker at night.

General Comments:

The overall concept of this car is good. Performance is nice - just let down by poor reliability.

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

Review Date: 12th April, 2002

21st Aug 2003, 16:33

C5 2.2 HDI Exclusive, 2002 model. Lovely M way cruiser, but numerous problems... are you ready for all this? knocking rear suspension despite upgrades, bizarre bleepings and warnings from computer, replaced steering column part (loose, rattling steering was the symptom, now it's happening again), squealing brakes, automatic headlamps switched themselves off once at night while driving on M way, electric windows failed to close, cruise control failed, loose drivers seat, metal trim on gear knob flaking off, squealing wipers, misbehaving radio (volume has mind of its own), erratic central locking, rear screen rubber perished and fell out. Have written to Citroen UK demanding replacement vehicle. The faults suggest a car that was released onto the market underdeveloped and put together with sub-standard components.

17th Nov 2008, 14:15

Had my C5 2.0 SX for four years, and have covered nearly 50,000 miles. Faults are two failed speedos, failed air mass meter, failed alternator. The rear doors sometimes fail to open, and on one occasion the car just wouldn't start... no electrics.

It eats front tyres, has noisy wipers and the airbag warning and coolant temp. lights give false warnings. The rubber coating peels off the interior handles and the suspension is noisy. It is very comfortable and economical, however my next car will not be a Citroen.