1997 Holden Acclaim VT Ecotec 3.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good car, but a wee bit expensive to maintain the engine and cooling system

Faults:

Car used to overheat under high load conditions. Radiator leaking, main source of overheating. Replaced radiator

Heater switch sprung a leak, causing a loss of coolant, replaced the switch.

Eurovox radio's aux in has some issues, have to jiggle the cable to get stereo performance.

Paint has some spots that might lead to rust.

One spot of rust due to electrolysis.

Drivers door seals used to squeak when the car hit any bumps large or small. Used silicone spray to lubricate the seals.

Fuel sensor does not work, I have to use the trip counter to gauge the fuel I have used.

General Comments:

Good runner, but a bit thirsty with economy anywhere between 11 to 13 litres per 100km. Very quick, but loud at the high rev mark.

Good for hauling loads, and runs smoothly with the roof racks detached.

Good cruising at 100kph.

Accelerates quite fast at low speeds, acceleration less pronounced at high speeds.

Good crash safety, have had a couple of altercations with this car and was safe.

Not expensive to fix, with the cost of only 1300 for panel damage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2009

1997 Holden Acclaim Wagon 3.8 Ecotec V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

These cars really suit Australian conditions

Faults:

Air Conditioning condensor developed a small leak at 127000 Kms. replaced a couple of front sway bar mounts at the same time. Neither expense was anything to scream about.

Not much else.

General Comments:

Excellent family vehicle. Mine is well built, and has been very reliable. It still looks and goes like a new car. Fuel economy is very good for it's size

. My driving is mostly freeway, but with some heavy traffic, and it generally does around 400 Kms on 42-44 litres of fuel.

Handles well, but standard brakes could be better. Rides well, comfortable, servicing very cheap, but I not go to a dealer. Parts support and prices excellent, but have not needed many.

Overall, very happy with it, and would rather convert this to gas than buy a small car after previous efforts with them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2005