There have been no mechanical or electrical failures during my ownership of this car.
Where to start, where to start...
It's dog slow on the highway. I know that a car that's near the end of the line won't be especially quick, but a maximum speed of 78 miles per hour is totally ridiculous.
Second, it rides like some form of buckboard. The suspension is not only unable to absorb small bumps without upsetting the car, but it bottoms out on anything much bigger than a cigarette butt.
Third, it handles like a derailed locomotive. The limits are very low, very poorly marked, and exceeding them leads to truly terminal understeer. Of course, a discussion of the handling cannot be complete without a description of the steering. At parking-lot speeds it manages to be both slow and heavy. As speed increases, the power steering kicks in and deprives you of what little handling precision you had. During cornering, the fuel sloshes round the tank... away from the fuel pump.
The car was not screwed-together well. There are fewer components that aren't rattling than those that are.
The interior is ergonomically disastrous. To turn the lights on, you hit a switch on the left side of the instrument panel. To switch between low and high beams, you pull a stalk on the steering column. The steering wheel is gigantic and blocks your view of every gauge aside from the speedometer, unless you either raise or lower it, in which case it blocks your view of the speedometer. The seats are all very uncomfortable and the seatbelts are twisted.
It seems that the car was designed by someone other than an engineer. The leading-arm suspension in the rear is a sad-sack example of where GM went wrong; there are literally dozens of items that five bucks more per car spent at the factory would provide massive improvements in the driving experience. A small sedan with a curb weight of 3200 lbs indicates a complete failure on the part of the design staff.
It sure is too bad that you have had such bad luck with your 'bird! I myself own a 1993 sunbird and I am overjoyed with it. I paid 250 for it and it didn't run at the time so I replaced the head gasket and I had a decently running car for under 500. I keep it maintained and she treats me well. I don't think it is underpowered of too heavy as you say. the only problem I have with mine is the rust on the doors and various spots on the car, but I don't regret buying one in the first place!
Do you not realize 5 dollars per car makes an absolute massive difference? If they sell 2 million cars, that is 10 million dollars extra money just for that 5 dollar part.
Not to mention, the car can't be that bad if it hasn't given you any problems. Plus, it is a small car, get real. The suspension is NOT going to be Cadillac-like, take a look into real life.
I own the same car. The top speed for me is 170 Kph (110 mph approx.) this is because the car cuts out at 170 and you can get to 170 in 3 gear. I find the car light and sporty. The car is a little rough over bumps, but not if you slow down a little then its OK and the power of the car is pretty good considering its only a 2.0L engine, but I find it pulls harder than most other cars that are its size. first gear pulls to 50 kph second is 85 kph third is 160 kph and there is still fourth and fifth gear to go into, but as I said the car cuts out.
I bought a 1992 Pontiac Sunbird with 50k miles on the odometer for $3500 in 2002. The car is a piece of crap! So far I have spent $1100 (less towing) for repairs, mostly for brakes & transmission problems. The transmission locks up (overheats) after driving for about 2+ hours & the brakes (pads/linings) have been replaced twice under normal driving conditions. It is definitely the worst car anyone could own.
I have to admit, the suspension is hash, even after you get new shocks and struts. When your on the highway, everything in the interior rattles. And the rear suspension is a JOKE, but it's GM? What would you expect, I personaly love the interior design and performance of it. If the car doesn't float your boat, then sell it.
I like my Pontiac. It's my first car. I've got it over 110 mph and it's a bone stock 1993 Pontiac LE..
It leaks antifreeze, but that is getting fixed as I speak.
I think anyone who doesn't like it is highly mistaken.
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