My mother owns a 2005 Optra (the hatchback) which she bought on my advice after we both test drove a number of small to midsize vehicles (My Father having died many years ago, this duty falls to me). I still drive this car on occasion (my mother recently had some cataract surgery so I've driven the car a dozen times this month).
In the seven years that she has owned that car, the only problem of any significance was the air conditioner. After a number of mysterious failures which were always fixed under warranty, the compressor itself failed. However, the dealer was extremely fair and, even though the compressor failed out-of-warranty, they replaced it because they suspected that the undiagnosed compressor issue was the cause of previous problems.
There were three minor problems fixed under warranty: an issue with the speed sensitive steering (discovered by a warning light but it never affected the actual steering), a malfunctioning dashboard light, a broken plastic hinge on the cover under the hatchback.
There have been no issues at all with the engine. No issues at all with the transmission. No issues at all with anything in the driveline or suspension (brakes, bearings, etc).
I like the "old" Holden engine and that was a big selling point. I like things built by Holden. The block is old but the heads and other systems are more modern. This is not supposed to be a car that appeals to enthusiasts. It was my opinion that the Holden built engine seemed pretty bulletproof and that has been borne out.
Fuel mileage in town is not particularly good. However, my mother likes to visit family about 500 miles away and I've calculated the highway mileage at a respectable 42 mpg give or take.
The body has held up perfectly. I can't find a speck of rust on the car and the paint is as shiny as it was in 2005.
The car is exactly what I expected it to be: solid, dependable, low maintenance transportation that would probably bore the heck of a young car enthusiast. Nothing high performance or cutting-edge. No bragging rights to anything. Just a car that starts everyday and gets the job done (I had to drive my mother for an appointment at her eye doctor last month on a day when it was -30C and she forgot to plug the car in...it started in two cranks and it still has it's original 2005 Delco battery).