Loud, harsh grinding in reverse. Found out there is a nylon gear that breaks quite easily. After it was fixed under warranty at 24,000 miles it broke again a month later. Had it fixed again under warranty and haven't had problems since.
The lower control arm bushings are shot, can't replace the bushings only, have to buy the whole lower control arm assembly ($82.00 each) not too bad, will still save $200.00 over a dealership repair by doing it myself.
This is a great car, very responsive, good acceleration, handles great especially since putting on after-market 15 x 7 alloys & Goodrich T/A's. I'm 6' and find it quite comfortable, drove it to Wash. D.C. from Chicago & found it very pleasing. The 2.3 liter is a bit sluggish with the A/C on, but not too bad with the 5-speed manual.
I have owned 96 Achieva SC since 1997. It is a fabulous car. Outstanding fuel economy, 30MPG city, 42MPG Highway. I have had to do a number of repairs, but all of them regular maintenance considering the mileage, 186000km/11000miles. Among these repairs are 4 new tires, tie rod ends, front/rear struts, shocks and springs and front brakes. The rear shocks and springs really did not need to be done; I just did them because we are buying a tent trailer to tow behind this vehicle. I have also done the control arm bushings, and I was able to buy them separately from the dealer and as you I did the installation myself as well, much cheaper. I have nothing to say, but good things about this car. I would definitely buy another OLDS.
I bought a second-hard '95 Achieva almost four years ago. The biggest annoyance has been problems with the automatic door locks.
It does not accelerate well in second and feels like it is going to stall. It taks a while to warm up in cold weather and whines a bit until it gets warm.
It's been a dependable little car.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site