1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Reviews

There is a security system built into the Achieva that cannot be removed, and which defaults to unable to start.

This security system broke 8 times in the 2.5 years I have owned the car. I have spent 2x the cost of the vehicle trying to fix it, to no avail. Apparently it is supposed to stop me from going to the grocery.

Also, it burns through batteries and alternators.

Electrical system is unnecessarily complicated and hard to repair.

It is small, but fairly comfortable. It handles well, and doesn't have any major general problems, but the electrical system is unnecessarily complicated and hard to repair.

Memory chip fried around 170,000 Miles.

Rear wheel drum at 170,000 Miles.

Radiator at 190,000 Miles.

Front rotors and a front caliper at 205,000 Miles.

And brake pads every six months (I'm a pizza guy, not the cars fault)

I like the styling of this car. It's a very unique car, some might consider it ugly but it has it's own feel not like any other car.

It's also very quick for a little four banger. This thing can go on the highway if you really want to, I've been up to 100mph in mine and it seems to handle better at such speeds.

I like the car a lot; it's powerful for an I4 and has a different kind of styling that actually can be considered as sexy as a Monte Carlo.

It clicks when it starts for about a second when frozen; here in Alaska it's always frozen, but my Ford, Saturn, Alero and my F150 don't click when they are frozen.

The car makes me nervous; sometimes I'm always worried about the tranny could be flawed or the engine will just die.

Also sometimes it won't start, it will sound like it started, but then it just doesn't go. I think it's me turning the key because with my Ford and the Alero, I stick the key in and it feels as if they just start automatically.

Uncomfortable seat belts.

POWERFUL!

Great acceleration.

Beautiful car.

Nothing has really gone wrong with the car it does suck gas however.

Like I stated before, the car generally eats gas like its nobody's business. I have had the oil changed, new gas cap, and put fuel injector cleaner in countless times and I'm still barely getting 275 miles to a 15 gallon tank of gas. The original window sticker rates the car at 22 City 32 Highway. What gives?

It's handles well and accelerates quickly. The 150hp 4-Cyl does its job well.

I have encountered some strange quirks, such as the interior lights on turning off or the highbeams not engaging when I try to turn them on.

EVERYTHING!!!

I have put more money into this car than I care to know... this is probably not a complete list, but I'll try to remember everything:

Transmission (at 45,000 miles)

Radiator (twice)

Fuel pump.

O2 sensor.

Map sensor.

Tires.

Rotors and brake pads (three times)

Two coolant leaks (not related to the radiator)

Electrical short circuit behind the dash.

Both power windows.

Power locks.

Passenger door doesn't open.

Horn.

All wiring under the hood had to be replaced.

A/c compressor.

Trunk release latch doesn't work (enter through key only)

Battery.

Alternator (twice)

Shocks and struts.

Spark plugs (three times)

Interior flooring wearing terribly.

Serpentine belt (twice)

Fog lights don't work.

That's everything I can remember. I'm sure I missed a few things. I know that some of the items like tires and brakes are normal wear and tear, but c'mon, this is ridiculous. If I knew then what I know now I would have dumped the thing... but after you put so much money into it, you start thinking that the moment you get rid of it, it will run well cause there's nothing left to fix. Now I get into the thing and I fear that I will end of stranded or that it won't start again.

As soon as I can, I will get rid of it. It's just that I've already put well over $7,000 into maintenance, so now I can't afford to.

117,000 miles.

I'll admit that the engine is nice for it's class. the car is quick.