A great but noisy commuting car with no style, requiring rustproofing and following a maintenance schedule to ensure its advertised reliability, particularly in snowy and salty climates. Mine came with a 1.6 liter engine and 3-speed slushy automatic with lockup that engages only at 48 mph. Merging onto highways a major challenge. Engine dies with a full load of friends going up steep hills and struggles when passing on the highway. Fuel economy is disappointing due to lack of gear ratios and overdrive. At more than 60 mph the engine runs hard and quickly eats up gas. Most efficient running at 50 to 55 mph. The aging shocks (especially rear shocks) were nice and soft before they broke.
Favorite Features
The car's paint and body does not rust easily even in salty, wet and snowy weather, but I recommend rustproofing anyways. Excellent as a winter beater. Great feature is its ugly looks since few people would want to steal it and there is no hurt feelings if the car gets damaged or destroyed.
Suggested Improvements
Body panels is very durable and rust-resistant, but vital mechanical components needed more corrosion protection. Needs more durable rear shocks, gas tank (mine fell out), brakes and tougher bumpers. Car needs to be more user serviceable and easier to repair. Bigger DX-trim engine would help too.
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