I had a 205 1.6 GTI, then a 205 1.9 GTI, I loved them, but there were always problems, poor build quality, dreadful reliability and after sales service? dont make me laugh! I have a Civic Type-R now, I,ve had it for nearly 3 years, its better than any Hot-hatch Peugeot have ever produced, The aftersales service is supurb and it's been 100% reliable. I would never buy a Peugeot again, in fact I would never buy any French or Italian car ever again! I've had my fingers burnt with Renault and Fiat too! The new Clio 197 looks and sounds great on paper, as did the 172/182, but in reality it isnt, It needs to be more than a great drive around the track, its about the whole ownership experience, and the Japanese win, Hands down, everytime...

*cough* Focus *cough*

This should be titled, "Why French cars are crap; one person's opinion".

This survey from Whatcar? in 2005
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9678/13105544635vf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
shows that French Manufacturers are not on top of the list when it comes to reliability
then there is a joint JD power/ What Car? consumer satisfaction survey done in 2007
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7203/2007069aze7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Again the French manufacturers are below industry average. It seems a lot of people share the same sentiment as you. Low reliability which leads to low customer satisfaction French cars were only sold for a very brief period of time in North America so its not possible for somebody like me to see their reliability first hand. But French car companies are always the first to try new technologies and techniques, sometimes it work but most of the time it fails horribly in a flaming fireball. Still we should thank them for the Citroën DS and other innovative products that have changed the Auto industry.


Here a flaming french car for your pleasure
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2928/hotcliov6my1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^what a waste of a Clio. I wont mind having that BEFORE it was burned.

Here a flaming french car for your pleasure
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2928/hotcliov6my1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is my favorite French car !! :( .. it's the Clio V6 , awesome car...

If I had to get 'outta town in a hurry; I would hitch a ride in the first toyota that came by. If it didn't smoke so bad that the tag was obscured; Vegas would give 90-1 odds that it would go from rural GA USA to Spokane WA USA in 3 days.

i just realized that i know no one at all who has a french car. that's weird. :p. are they THAT bad? lol... i really want to have a go in a Clio V6 though.^^!

^^ ask yourself this question. Are you willing to give Renault a shot?

That should answer the THAT bad question.

It's funny how Skoda is a cheap VW, yet it's ranked 10 places higher.

French cars are alright with me. I personally dont have anything against them, I sort of like their cars... Especially the Renault Clio... That picture of a full-on burning Clio was quite disturing actually.... I like it anyway.

I've never really liked French cars, then again, I've never hated them either...

I don't hate French cars myself. I like current Peugeot models, aesthetically anyway :p. Can't say the same for Renaults. But there's so many people say (where I live) that French cars are bad on terms of reliability. I thought twas only in Indonesia but I just realized that they have the same problem in other countries o_O.

Yet I still don't know what kind of reliability probs are there in French cars ...

Well generally French cars aren't too bad in my opinion. I fact i pretty much like them. The styling of their cars are great, especially the Renualt Clio and Megane, i love them. The reliability may be letting them down but i haven't driven one before so im not really sure, but overall i think they're pretty good...

How idiotic can you get? Just because a car is unreliable it doesn't mean its crap. You can say all you want about the Clio V6 - I don't care - its a great car.

Let's not forget that the picture of that flaming Clio V6 is not really strange on Ferrari's ....

I used to hate French cars but then I started to learn to drive in a 1.2 Clio and that has been one of the best cars I have driven it had a considerable amount of power, good handling & interior wasn't too shabby either so since then my view has changed at the moment I'm looking at getting a C4 3dr when I find a job yet two years ago I wouldn't have looked at a french car !

I guess its each to their own !

what the hell are you on about? the Clio 197 got rave reviews...

and i'm sure the new 207 GTI would, too, if it wasn't for its notoriously-hated 5-speed gearbox. no 6-speed on offer...

1.2 Clio
+
considerable amount of power
=

LOL :D

my brother has got a renault clio 187 (i think its 187 maybe 197) and its a great little car, very fast and the interior is nice, very well desgigned inside and out.
i think the clio, not so much this generation but last generation definately have been brilliant little cars, and the sport models just enforce this. but come on its basically the only exception, every other french car is just **** that smells of garlic.....

the TG survey is the biggest in the country and the bottom 10 cars are surprise surprise....french!

my brother has got a renault clio 187 (i think its 187 maybe 197) and its a great little car, very fast and the interior is nice, very well desgigned inside and out.
i think the clio, not so much this generation but last generation definately have been brilliant little cars, and the sport models just enforce this. but come on its basically the only exception, every other french car is just **** that smells of garlic.....

the TG survey is the biggest in the country and the bottom 10 cars are surprise surprise....french!

is it a previous-generation Clio or one of the new ones? if it's previous-generation, it'll be either a Clio 172 or a Clio 182, and if it's the new Clio it's a 197. the 172 and 182 mean 172/182bhp, yet the 197 means 197ps (194bhp). wierd naming systems... why not just call it a 194?

Here a flaming french car for your pleasure
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2928/hotcliov6my1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
My favorite french car? The clio V6 was awsome!

Too damn right it's one person's opinion.

Ages years ago my mum had a Renault Megane (the one before the current one), and it never broke down. It was as sweet as a nut, the interior was comfortable, it was well designed, and it looked good. We swapped that one because it had a crash, for an identical Megane, same spec as the other one, and that was absolutely fine, nothing broke, it was the same as the other one. Two years ago when my mum wanted a new one, she was going to get another Megane, but the Honda Civic had a bigger boot, so it was more practical. And the customer service was excellent aswell. It seems you are just basing your opinions on Peugeot, not all French cars.

And if you think the new Clio 197 is crap, well you're either blind, deaf or both of them.

My mum's friend has a Renault Clio, the 1.4 Dynamique. It's smooth, it's comfortable, it's refined, it's practical. Her son has a Renault Clio, albeit a 10 year old one, and that's fine aswell. So ha.

is it a previous-generation Clio or one of the new ones? if it's previous-generation, it'll be either a Clio 172 or a Clio 182, and if it's the new Clio it's a 197. the 172 and 182 mean 172/182bhp, yet the 197 means 197ps (194bhp). wierd naming systems... why not just call it a 194?

i assume it must just be a 182 then...
illl check


EDIT: yeh it is....

And if you think the new Clio 197 is crap, well you're either blind, deaf or both of them..

I agree with benny .....

My friend bought a red Renault Clio 197 last month . Guys it is a very nice car , it looks good and sounds really good , it is sporty , and handles really good , i mean i have never been in a FWD car that handles that good ..... anyway , i don't think that it's crap , and i don't think that French cars in general are crap , but it's just me .

is it a previous-generation Clio or one of the new ones? if it's previous-generation, it'll be either a Clio 172 or a Clio 182, and if it's the new Clio it's a 197. the 172 and 182 mean 172/182bhp, yet the 197 means 197ps (194bhp). wierd naming systems... why not just call it a 194?

Actually the Clio 197 got 197bhp , not 194bhp ... that's why they called it 197 .

Actually the Clio 197 got 197bhp , not 194bhp ... that's why they called it 197 .

no, it's got 194bhp (horsepower/brake horsepower), and its got 197ps (metric horsepower, also known as hp DIN).

don't tell me what i know for a fact, thanks...

http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/roadcars/clio197/specification/technicaldata/

okay...?

still don't believe me? 145kW converts to 194.445bhp (145kW x 1.3410 = 194.445bhp)

...next?

Old french cars use to have terrible reliablity problems. By that, that means bits of the engine were falling, off, major components.

Now a days, when people say, "o no, my car is unreliable" it's usually something that isn't major at all. Little niggily things that you could do yourself with basic knowledge.

However I doubt french cars are as bad as they use to be, no where near. They all share there engines now a days, so doubtful theres anything wrong with them, and of course, Citroen and Renault, I reckon, are ahead of everyone on the styling cars front. They have the freshest designs compared to any car maker I'd say. PLease note, I didn't say these designs were good, but fresh. It's good stuff.

I'm getting a 1.5 diesel clio, last gen for my first car. If I have any problems with it, I'll keep you informed. Remember you are talking about a 205, a car that is......15 years old now ?

no, it's got 194bhp (horsepower/brake horsepower), and its got 197ps (metric horsepower, also known as hp DIN).

don't tell me what i know for a fact, thanks...

http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/roadcars/clio197/specification/technicaldata/

okay...?

still don't believe me? 145kW converts to 194.445bhp (145kW x 1.3410 = 194.445bhp)

...next?

Who the hell do u think you are kid ?! [-X .... Try to express yourself better next time and address to people in a better way, capiche ?

On rsportscars.com it written 197bhp ..... you're arguing with me on a 2bhp difference ?! .. grow up.

Who the hell do u think you are kid ?! [-X .... Try to express yourself better next time and address to people in a better way, capiche ?

On rsportscars.com it written 197bhp ..... you're arguing with me on a 2bhp difference ?! .. grow up.

Lewis Frewin, why?

i'm not addressing you in a 'better way' when you simply say 'actually the Clio 197 got 197bhp', when i've just said it never, and i knew that myself. don't try to be a know-it-all, i don't like those kinds of people.

and now you can't even do simple maths! it's a 3bhp difference, actually; 197-194=3 ... you know?

i'm not arguing over the 3bhp difference, that difference doesn't matter, you said it has 197bhp when it has 194; i just told you what specs it actually had, mr. know-it-all. i need to grow up because i told you it had 194bhp rather than 197? incredible...

I know that french cars aren't good in reliability..Usually breaks down..But i think that nowdays Renault have fixed this problem(i believe)..
I have a friend and his dad bought a Renault laguna 1.8 with the 123ps...In the first days the car was good with no problems but then the ECU broke down and this was a nightmare for his dad..He went to the dealer sevice and they told to him that he should change all the electrics of the car...And when his dad aked for the cost they told to him 2000€:eek: ..Now they want to sell it and nobody wants this car...I have heard other stories but this is the most special i think...French cars....No comments...

Lewis Frewin, why?

i'm not addressing you in a 'better way' when you simply say 'actually the Clio 197 got 197bhp', when i've just said it never, and i knew that myself. don't try to be a know-it-all, i don't like those kinds of people.

and now you can't even do simple maths! it's a 3bhp difference, actually; 197-194=3 ... you know?

i'm not arguing over the 3bhp difference, that difference doesn't matter, you said it has 197bhp when it has 194; i just told you what specs it actually had, mr. know-it-all. i need to grow up because i told you it had 194bhp rather than 197? incredible...

Well no , maths was not a part of my education :| , but if you want to go that far , 197-194.445= 2.555 .... so you are arguing me on a 2.555 bhp difference , not 3 bhp ... and now you can't even do simple maths ?!!! ;)

well if you say so , Yea i am Mr.know it all , what are you gonna do about it ? :roll: .....

I won't tell you to grow up , because it seems that you are one of those people that are just stuck in childhood , which is good 'sometimes'.......

Well no , maths was not a part of my education :| , but if you want to go that far , 197-194.445= 2.555 .... so you are arguing me on a 2.555 bhp difference , not 3 bhp ... and now you can't even do simple maths ?!!! ;)

well if you say so , Yea i am Mr.know it all , what are you gonna do about it ? :roll: .....

I won't tell you to grow up , because it seems that you are one of those people that are just stuck in childhood , which is good 'sometimes'.......

lol, i think you just shut yourself up; 2.555 rounds up to 3, not down to 2...? damn you must feel stupid!

stuck in childhood? ok...

come on kids, calm yourself,

aaaaaanyway, i have had only good experiences with french cars, loads of my pals have had them and a few were magazine featured, such as:

citroen saxo 1.1
citroen saxo westcoast
citroen saxo vts x 2
citroen saxo furio
citroen c2 vtr
peugeot 106 quicksilver x 2
renault clio 1.2 x 3
magazine featured:
peugeot 206 with dimma bodywork and escort cosworth engine and drivetrain, rally spec suspension, stripped interior and rollcage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Eavh8CK64)
peugeot 106 ralli, nitrous, 130bhp dimma wide aech kit and rally vinyl £10k sound system (http://www.dimma.com/reviews/fastcarp106.html)
peugeot 205 gti 1.9 dimma with split rims,

French cars arent any worse than other European cars.

Reliabilty isnt really Europe's strong suit.

If you want a reliable car buy a malibu or such (which isnt even sold in Europe) or a Japanese car.

French cars arent any worse than other European cars.

Reliabilty isnt really Europe's strong suit.

If you want a reliable car buy a malibu or such (which isnt even sold in Europe) or a Japanese car.

Depends where in Europe you go. But I agree with the Japanese statement, more of a fact. Anywhere in Asia really. There deffinitely the most ballsy with warranties/ Kia have just brought out a 7 year warranty on all drivetrain and engine components for the cee'd, 5 years on everything else. Hyundai have been doing it for years. I believe there longer in America too ?

America get 10-year warranties from Hyundai i think... damn! :eek:

America get 10-year warranties from Hyundai i think... damn! :eek:
You must pay this warranty?Because in some warranties you must pay for them..Like you pay more and the years of the warranty are increased..I hope to understand my post..
Mitsuibishi gives you 7 years warranty and you mustn't pay this....

Remember that the 205 was produced 1983 to 1996. Now the technology the 205 had, in the automotive world is quite old compared to the technology found in a Civic. Hell, back then the average car owner would still carry out day to day maintenance of their cars, something I doubt the average Civic owner would even think of doing. Cars were less reliable back then as a general rule, you almost expected cars to break down but then like I said most people had the ability to work on their cars so people worked around it and got on with it. Fixed it instead of complaining

What I'm saying is basing your opinion solely on the ownership experience of two old French cars compared to a modern Japanese car is not going to give you a accurate picture of the reliability of French cars.

My family has had a Renault Laguna and my neighbour still runs it and as he is a decorator so it gets a fair workout. The old warhorse is still going strong with 150,000+ miles on the clock.

I remember having a "discussion" about French cars on here before with you gazza, I'm just surprised you waited this long to make this thread :rolleyes:

You must pay this warranty?Because in some warranties you must pay for them..Like you pay more and the years of the warranty are increased..I hope to understand my post..
Mitsuibishi gives you 7 years warranty and you mustn't pay this....

nope, it's free...

i just realized that i know no one at all who has a french car. that's weird. :p. are they THAT bad? lol... i really want to have a go in a Clio V6 though.^^!


here alot people have french cars,they can#t be that bad!

This survey from Whatcar? in 2005
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9678/13105544635vf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


this seems a bit odd :-k
I mean Skoda in 9... okej... Peugeot as reliable as a VW... mmmokej... but an Alfa more reliable than an Audi ?? lol.. let's get serious people. Audi makes some of the most reliable european cars I know.

French cars aren't crap:
http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5509/unavngivetwi1.jpg

That's all I have to say about that.




...well, not really. I also want to add that we have a 15 year old Peugeot 106 we bought for 2,200 dollars. And it's more reliable and drives signifcantly better than our $45,000 Opel... from Germany! And a friend of mine, my only RL friend:(, recently swapped his piece of German engineering with a Peugeot 206.