Buick did a great job with this vehicle. I bought it in the early 2000s from an older retired couple that pretty much drove it to the store and back. So it was almost ten when I purchased it.
For a car that's almost 20 years old, it runs like I bought it yesterday. All I'm looking for in a car is something reliable that will get me where I'm going safely. Gas mileage is a plus, it gets about 21 hwy and 17 surface street driving, which is actually better than my husband's 2010 V6 Mustang,
As for safety, I truly believe this is the safest car I've ever driven, I say that because I nearly totaled it when someone in a 90s model Suburban turned in front of me as I was doing 45mph through an intersection. For whatever reason, the other driver admitted to not seeing me. I never hit my brakes. My front end was crumpled shut, and I'd managed to take the Suburban off three of his tires. Once the police report was finished, my car cranked beautifully, I drove the rest of the way to work and still managed to be on time.
When I took it to the dealer, and after he pried the hood open with a crowbar, I couldn't believe it, but nothing under the hood had been damaged. It was about $2000 worth of damage, all cosmetic.
Laura
Spartanburg, South Carolina
4.0
Great ride, showing age
The car has been great for me. As someone who primarily drives less than ten miles per day the car has been great for getting around town. I have even taken it on some long-distance road trips. If I had it for a long commute each day, it would be great, as the giant interior and great sound system make driving it a pleasant experience. As I often say, it is like driving my living room. The quality was great for a number of years, but in recent times, the components are starting to fail.
Elijah
Geneva, Ohio
2.0
A Dependable Piece of Crap
I should first note that I bought this car used, so by default I inherited a great amount of problems with it. Considering that the car is now 26 years old some mechanical breakdown is to be expected but the interior panels, door handles, and paint job has al gone to shit on their own. While the car has very comfortable, spacious seating, I felt that the fact it was a two door was just an annoyance and make driving with 4-5 people a bigger hassle than had to be. This car in my opinion cheap and dependable for getting to work and back, but there is very little redeeming qualities to it other than that. It handles wells, was a smooth ride in terms of shocks, and I never felt that it was sub-par in terms of performance. That being said it was also a gas guzzler and the internal mechanics (transmission) seem to be constantly screwing up requiring time in the shop. It is easy to sleep inside if going on a long trip, but overall I would not recommend this car to anyone.