1970 Citroen DS D Super 5 2.1 from Belgium

Summary:

Timeless design, great car!

Faults:

Leaking roof. (little leak, quickly fixed)

Direction lights replaced.

Got T-boned three weeks after purchase. Two new doors will be installed.

General Comments:

Superb Car!

Wanted to by one for a long time, but finally took the plunge. I canceled my company car (VW Golf) and use the DS to commute to work daily (100km round-trip)

The car is fitted with a later type engine (2.1) and a five speed manual gearbox. Easily adapts to modern traffic.

The ride in this car is fantastic! Comfort can't be matched by recent cars: very (!) good seats, relaxed driving position, loads and loads of space plenty of attention,...

There are downsides though:

Loud wind noises at higher speeds (> 120km/h)

Bad fuel economy (LPG installed)

You get stopped by the police every time they see you (curiosity I guess)

But that doesn't stop me from enjoying this car every minute!

This is definitely on of the greatest cars ever made!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2004

1972 Citroen DS D Special 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

One of the greatest road-trip cars ever, I will always have a D in my garage!

Faults:

Water Pump started leaking.

Engine mountings and front brake rotors needed replacement.

Hydralic Pump had internal leaks, causing a long rise time.

All Spheres needed replacement.

Radiator cleaned out to help with cooling.

Clutch Cable linkage broke.

General Comments:

Fantastic to drive over rough twisty roads. It makes you hate driving "normal" cars!

Great visibility round A pillars.

Very tough, reliable and fast.

Noisy gearbox the only let down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2003

4th Sep 2003, 22:18

Definitely the pinnacle of Citroen's engineering and styling prowess. The D Series Citroens, over 20 years later, I still regard as the best handlers on the road combined with unusual, but stylish good looks although I suppose that last comment is subject to debate!! If you have the technical know-how then these cars are no more difficult to maintain than equivalent Australian cars of the same era.

26th Nov 2004, 17:53

Definitely the Queen of the road, wherever you live!!

1971 Citroen DS D Super 5 2.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic styling, comfort, roadholding. The ultimate head turner.

Faults:

Inboard discs needed to be replaced. This was due to over wear, a result of a seized rear brake piston which had gone unnoticed by the previous owner.

Clutch also needed to be replaced. An expensive task indeed due to the extremely complex engine layout.

Hydraulic spheres also had to be replaced. Replacements were difficult to find.

General Comments:

The Citroen DS should have been voted "Car of the Century". The D is an absolute design masterpiece, offering exceptional comfort and roadholding and what absolutely wonderful lines. It will never be bettered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2002

10th Feb 2003, 08:59

Sorry, but in my opinion it looks like an ugly fish.

It is a car that resembles the French, a big front side, but nothing to back it up and as soon as you push it a little bit too hard it will fall apart.

26th Feb 2003, 05:31

Drove a 1972 DS through Scotland a few years back... excellent touring machine. Headlights turning-function brilliant on small Highland roads. Got discounts at B&B (in Scotland!!) because enthusiasm about car and small test drive. Absolute eye-catcher (most people probably like fish!). Suspension unequaled: did the same tour in an MG roadster and a modern 5 series touring BMW and needed serious back treatment afterwords. Drove DS 21 from Highlands down to Bristol in one day... old mechanics...but no problems and absolutely no fatigue.

Lastly: legroom in backseats totally unequaled (apart from limousines) and reclining front seats interlocking with rear couch makes a very comfortable bed.

Wish Citroen would still make these cars!

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1973 Citroen DS DS23 Familiale 2.3 liter from Sweden

Summary:

Expensive to maintain, but worth it!

Faults:

Well, it's been living in a barn for several years so the all 4 spheres were flat (got new ones), rust is common, but nothing serious.

Oil filter and exhaust were also needed.

General Comments:

Love it, magic carpet ride, like the swirling lights it's not a gimmick, it's practical on small gravel roads that turn a lot.

Best front seats around, brakes are tricky - the hardest part in driving this car, and the gearbox and steering are really good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2001