Faults:

Jerking when accelerating at low RPM, lack of power, and the engine bogs down.

High-pressure pump failures. The engine enters limp mode, fails to exceed certain RPMs (fuel cut-off at around 3,000 rpm), and sometimes fails to start.

Unstable idle and stalling/choking.

As with any vehicle over two decades old, faults in the camshaft position sensor wiring, burnt-out instrument cluster lights, and natural wear on suspension and brake components are common.

General Comments:

Some might not consider the design attractive, but I like it. The one I owned was a hatchback, similar to the Renault Laguna (in the same segment).

With rounded lines and a conservative look, it stands out for its practical approach. The cabin is spacious, and the folding rear seats enhance cargo capacity. However, the interior design and upholstery reflect the understated aesthetic typical of Japanese vehicles from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Without being overly luxurious, it has everything necessary for a car in its segment: power windows on all four doors, ABS brakes, air conditioning, and even a sunroof.

Inside, it is comfortable, the seats are soft (unlike those in other Japanese cars) and it is relatively spacious.

The 1.8-liter engine produces 122–125 hp, offering a progressive and flexible response. It reaches a top speed of around 200 km/h (at least according to factory figures) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds (a verifiable figure). Regarding fuel consumption, it averages about 5.7 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle and around 7.0 l/100 km in the combined cycle (impressive figures for its time). Its power delivery is linear rather than sporty.

I really like how it handles on the open road; it is truly very comfortable to drive at speeds above 140 km/h, with excellent sound insulation. The car feels very comfortable at that cruising speed. I’ve taken several long trips in it, and I can say it is a truly pleasant experience.

Very reliable; the only thing I replaced on the car was the timing belt—otherwise, just the required maintenance. Fortunately, it was a car that didn't give me any major problems.

I rate it very highly.

Faults:

Wear and tear. The car has never given any big problems. Keep these serviced on time and you can expect reliability and nothing more than brake and suspension work that comes with higher mileage. I have had to replace the battery and alternator, but that's about it. Cosmetically the car is in great shape for its age, but I do keep it clean and garaged.

General Comments:

Carisma is dull, not very fast, and probably still one of the most boring cars on the road. But if you want a simple reliable car, it is hard to beat.

1.9 diesel engine does around 50 mpg on average. Cruises on motorway just fine, but not a fast car.

Elegance model is well equipped, seats are comfy and the car has typical electric items for its time.

Handles OK, nothing exciting but does the job.

My car is grey, dull but the alloy wheels sharpen it up a bit.

Hard to say anymore. Not a car you can love but hard to hate, it is just a simple functional reliable car; even at the age and mileage I want to hang on to it as long as possible. I wish they still made cars as simple as this.

Faults:

Brake caliper needed replacing. That's it.

General Comments:

20,000 of mileage and I'm starting to fall in love with the car, as it has started every time and never really had a fault.

No rattles, no electrical problems, engine is sounding lovely.

Drives lovely, comfortable, good space, nice looking car in dark blue. Very economical, I can get 55-60 MPG on the trip computer.

Highly recommended.