2005 Chevrolet Epica LT from North America - Comments

I have had a 2005 Epica LT for almost 11 months. Just after a few months, while cruising along, the car was bucking and jerking at intervals for no apparent reason. Also, the shifting of the automatic transmission in the lower gears was so jerky and noisy that, at one point, I thought that the bottom had fallen out of the car. The dealership replaced the throttle and that did eliminate the bucking and jerking while criuising along, however, the jerky shift shock when the transmission was changing gears, did not improve. The engine light began to pop on intermittently and after a few more trips to the dealership, they determined that it was an O2 sensor. Unfortunately, the sensor had fused itself to the exhaust manifold so all of that had to be replaced. I had just a little over 2 weeks of blissful, smooth and jerk free driving and now the jerky shift shock, when the lower gears change, has started again. The dealership insists that the transmission is OK. Anyone having the same problem?

Aside from the annoying jerking when the lower gears shift, I like the ride of the car and find the seats extremely comfortable for someone with a bad back.

2005 Epica LT The car is just over a year old, We also had the O2 problem and the car still bogs down when you slow then give it the gas. we have also problem with it rusting around the opra windows and chrome piece on the trunk around the licence plate. We can't get it to CODE the problem with the jerking. Ontario Canada

I have a '06 Epica LTZ which I love or should I say loved until it had 900 kms on it. Which is when the problems occurred. It started by stalling on start up, then shifting hard into 1st gear if I didn't come to a complete stop... leaving me wondering if I had left the transmission on the road behind me. Now the problem added to the list is that on acceleration the car just dies. When going from 80 - 100 it'll jerk and sputter and shake and then just die.. the lights coming on in the dash and dead!!! This is not so good as the last 7 times it happened at the point of merging onto a major 400 series highway. I've taken it back to the dealer 4 times now and amazingly enough they find nothing wrong because of course it doesn't happen when they drive it... well I drive it daily and it happens to me and I DON'T LIKE IT.

I have had my Epica since March '05, it currently has 38000km. Just like the majority of respondents I have similar problems with shifting, engine lights etc. I have had my Epica in the dealership 4 separate occasions to fix problems. The shifting problem had to be taken in twice since they said they fixed it and then two weeks later same problem. It has been 6 months and have yet to have a further problem. My thinking is that the last mechanic knew what he was doing and fixed things that I never realized were wrong and told me about it after.

I currently own an '04 Epica LS. Bought it the first year it was offered. Though mileage could be better (you get better mileage from a Malibu which is a larger 6 cylinder). Keep in mind these (and the Optra) are re-badged Daewoo vehicles (I believe it Epica was the Leganza). Though the exterior/interior styling may be Italian in origin, the mechanics are Korean. GM has managed to impose some of its quality control, however the engines have not been replaced with tried tested and true GM engines. In fact for 2007 the Epica is no longer being offered in Canada (though in Europe it is being offered with new styling (same engine I believe). The new styling is reminiscent of the Saturn L300 series offered several years ago.

The ride is generally smooth. I also have noticed a jerky shift when trying to maintain my speed between 45-50km/hr. It almost seems as if it's struggling to find the gear and maintain it. I do know though that the Epica has a processor/software (whatever it's called) that tries to adjust to the driver's driving habits. So if you're the only driver, then eventually it tries to adjust its response to your habits. If more than one driver operates the vehicle, I'm sure it'll have issues in trying to adjust to each driver (especially if the drivers alternate usage of the vehicle... As is the case with myself and my spouse). On the whole the car has operated well. GM notified me of the O2 sensor issue and called me in to have it fixed as well as the light issue. They even recently updated the software on the vehicle's on board computer. My two beefs have been 1) the plastic covers on the child seat anchors and 2) the limitation of only two child seats at any given time despite having 3 rear anchors.

1) Trying to flip them open to anchor child seats is a pain and each time the covers keep getting ripped off. I've had them replaced several times.

2) There are three rear anchors behind the seats, however the anchors in the seats (where the seat-belt buckles are) limit you to a max of two child seats. If I need to add a third seat, I have to buy another vehicle.

Other than these issues it would seem that our Epica is in good shape to date (35000km) and for the money we payed and the options we got, I can't complain at all. Next care will more than likely be an Impala.

I have just recently purchased a 2005 Chev Epica LT, I have found the same problems with the jerking, like the car can't find the gear it wants to stay in, but I have also noticed that as long as my traction control (TCS) is turned off I have no problems with jerking anymore.. other than that I have not had any other complaints at this point.

I am the owner of a 2004 Epica with 36000kms. Just recently found out that the current book value is only $8400. Go figure. My experience has been a nightmare. We have had brakes replaced 4 times with rotors turned, brake light switch replaced, engine cradle replaced, the same erratic shifting with no cure for the problem, the paint is chipping off the door handles, and the list could go on. Haven't had a problems with O2 sensor yet, that will be next I guess. Good reason they aren't available anymore. GM says that's what the warranty is for. Will definitely not purchase a GM product again...

I own EPICA LT model which was brought from Doha Showroom. As we were Chevy fan we had already Lumina which is quite OK. But the New EPICA LT has given more problems than comfort. It has Gear Shift problem landing us several times in parking bay and struggling to engage in reverse gear. Already once battery has been, but this is the second time that we had to call road side assistance for towing our vehicle due to non starting of engine, after filling gas in the station. My wife along 2 year old son suffered due to this till it took Road side assistance to reach only after 2-3 hours. And yes now GM products are not in my buying list.