Geo Spectrum Reviews - Page 4 of 5

1989 Geo Spectrum 1..5 from Mexico

Year of manufacture	1989
First year of ownership	1997
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	1..5 Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired	145000 miles
Most recent distance	165789 miles
Previous car	Volkswagen Rabbit

Summary:

Great for a student

Faults:

The clutch failed at 160,000 miles, but the repair parts were cheap and effective.

The suspension starts to failed after 150,000 miles

The head gasket leaks at 150,000 miles.

The oil pan gasket was liking oil after 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is great for a student.

The gas mileage, is great, every week and a half, I filled the tank, great mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th August, 2001

3rd Oct 2001, 11:52

Wow... Seems like I wrote this critique about my own Spectrum! Apparently our experience with the maintenance of our respective cars has been nearly identical.

I agree completely with the noted repairs, and even the mileage timetable! I have a manual transmission.

The only addition I would make to the report, is that at approximately 185000 miles, the engine begins quitting when one's foot is removed from the accelerator. Not having the cash immediately on hand to diagnose and repair this quirk, I had to learn a peculiar jig, necessary as I approached each stop light/sign, or slow down in traffic, in order to prevent the engine from stopping.

I recently came into that cash, and had my 206000 mile beast looked at. The mechanic (trusted) diagnosed the rather mundane, but expensive none-the-less, problem of a "bad carburetor." He informed me that I needed to take it to a different shop who specializes in these, but to prepare myself for a $700.00 bill - even for a rebuilt throttle body! He felt that it may be clogged, but insisted that I would not be able to fix this by spraying or pouring carburetor cleaner into it myself. Not sure why not.

In any case, I have owned my Geo Spectrum since it was a newborn in 1989. I have found it quite reliable and extremely utilitarian. With the seats in the back tipped down, and the front passenger seat moved and tipped forward (and even with the headrest removed) I have been able to carry astonishing amounts and sizes of cargo! I would buy another in an instant.

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1989 Geo Spectrum Notchback 1.5 from North America

Year of manufacture	1989
First year of ownership	2000
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	1.5 Manual
Performance marks	9 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	9.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	130000 miles
Most recent distance	140000 miles

Summary:

This car is really reliable and fast for the price

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong with it were the CV joint going out and the lower ball joint needed replaced.

The seats are wearing a little also, but seatcovers fixed that.

General Comments:

I love this car, it has cost me very little in gas and it has enough performance out of the small 1.5 liter carburated engine to beat a 2000 Ford Escort.

I have raced many cars that were way more expensive than the $800 that I paid and they usually get left in the dust. As long as they are only 4 cylinders anyways. I plan to fix this car up with performance parts and keep it for a long time. It is well worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2001

27th May 2003, 21:15

There is no way, I also have a 1989 Geo Spectrum with a 1.5 70hp engine and it can barely get around, I don't think I could race anything, but maybe a moped.

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1989 Geo Spectrum 4 cylinder from North America

Year of manufacture	1989
First year of ownership	2000
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	4 cylinder Automatic
Performance marks	3 / 10
Reliability marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	5.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	70000 miles
Most recent distance	72000 miles

Summary:

A decent car for a gentle driver

Faults:

AC squeaks repeatedly.

CV shaft.

Muffler.

Cloth interior got ripped.

General Comments:

Can't take a beating from a crazy teenager.

It is slow as expected.

Back seats are cramped.

Engine stinks after five minutes of "real" driving.

Lacks most luxuries, but you get what you pay for.

Make sure you don't have an accident and you won't end up spending more than what you paid for it.

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

Review Date: 20th March, 2001