1990 Plymouth Colt from North America - Comments

Oh, let's see, where to begin?

The seats were toasted when I got the vehicle at 50k.

Rotors needed to be replaced, pads. Probably somewhere near 50k.

Shoes 75k.

The thing's brakes failed completely on me, that was a master cylinder. Perhaps 80k.

Both half axles needed to be replaced around 90k?

Sway bar link broke around 100k, but I did not replace that – just ripped the sway bar off.

Oh and a lower ball joint on right side somewhere in the 100k range.

Front shocks (the front passenger side shock flange broke, which means the shock was no longer connected to the "frame"). I jacked it up one day to check my brakes and whoops – the passenger side tire essentially fell out. Maybe at 110K?

Rear shocks went bad 115k.

Alternator died on me (that was a fun repair in the rain at work) 125k.

Head gasket was leaking and burning oil and coolant. That was replaced at 150k.

Top dead center sensor bad – required new distributor & fuel pump bad at 153k.

Despite all its problems, I love this car.

I paid $500 for the car, and having done all the work on it myself, I must say I have learned a lot (and perhaps saved a lot). It has been a good experience owning this vehicle. We have bled together in the rain, broken down on the side of the road in two feet of snow, and in the sweltering death heat of summer.

The vehicles saving grace is certainly its personality, but since that doesn't count, I will say it's the gas mileage. I get approximately 40 miles to the gallon in this thing.

It is reliable. I know you cant agree with that, given the horrendous list above, but for a (16 year old) vehicle manufactured at bottom dollar, I must say that it has treated me well over the years. From point A to point B. It's not beautiful, it's not fast, it handles poorly (compared with other small cars --- oh and a missing sway bar), can't get much above 85 mph, but I am so comfortable in it.

It is not a vehicle that you will get much positive feedback on. Most people that are riding as passengers make some form of sick and disgusted look, and comments about the thing rate low on the compliment list.

It’s great. You gotta get one!

Thank you for writing your experience, it lets me know what parts of this type vehicle are fail-prone! I'm glad you weren't driving when the!%%^&$%^*wheel fell off!

I consider this to be one of the very worst cars I have ever owned. This is a strong statement in light of the fact that I have owned over a hundred cars over the last 40+ years, I have been a mechanic, and a licensed auto dealer.

I bought a particularly nice, low mileage Vista, since on paper, it seemed to be the perfect mix of utility, and economy. After just a couple months of horrible experiences owning this car, I reached the point of never driving the car more than 25 miles from home for fear that it would break down and leave me stranded. After just a few months, I gave up and got rid of it.

Even then, I hated this car so much that I refused to sell it to a single mom who was going to rely on it to get her to work on the evening shift. I sold it for half what I paid for it and still feel guilty... it should have been crushed.

For those who think I'm overstating the poor quality of this rolling disaster, ask yourself this: These were very popular when they first came out... so when was the last time you saw one in running condition on the road? These have become extinct even faster than the Plymouth Horizon /Dodge Omni.

I see two in my driveway, and I've seen a couple around town the past couple weeks.