A testament to the 1st gen SE! (not that this should surprise anyone)
Just returned from my summer vacation which involved driving my SE from Winnipeg (central Canada) to the east coast. The trip involved approx 5000 miles both ways and a little running around on the coast. First off, I had absolutely no problems with the car! Here's a few other comments for those that may be thinking about a long trip in their FB:
1) It ran like a champ through some very demanding highway in Northern Ontario - the temp guage never moved.
2) These cars are not Caddy's - didn't expect a ride on a cloud and I didn't get it (Tokico blues). However, handling and cornering was a rush and worth the comfort sacrifice.
3) Air conditioning! If you kept your's, you will be extremely grateful for making that decision if you decide to take a trip this long. Without it, I'm not sure I would have made it. I also didn't see a huge loss in gas milage or power when driving the highway - some, but not a lot
4) 5/6 aux ports - love the way they kick in 5th when passing a long line of semi's.
5) Luggage - 2 suitcases that filled the hatch area - not a problem (although they might have been on shorter springs)
6) Aerodynamics - I didn't even feel the big trucks or motor homes as they passed form the opposite direction. The car did not seem to be impacted from cross wind or heavy vehicles coming from the opposite direction (may have been the extra weight in the car)
7) Passing - up hill or down, no problem.
8) Cruising - with the cruise control at 70 mph, the car held speed no problem regardless of hills.
9) Oil - used a 1/2 quart in each direction (total 1 quart) - I was a amazed how little oil I needed ( I brought 3 quarts)
11) Gas milage - low 20's on average (no complaints)
10) I was very proud of the way my car handled this trip - no breakdowns of any sort and a fairly comfortable ride considering I was in the car for 15 hour stretches. Thought I would share this!

 

Wow...

The most my 7 has been through is a 400 mile round trip! No problems for me either--oh, and amen to A/C

FS

 

NICE! if i had the money my 7 would be in perfect condition but im broke lol :P. its amazing how good these cars are after so long, try and do that with a 20 year old cavalier

 

How did you fight off boredom? That's my biggest problem on car trips... just miles of road filled with cars. Did you listen to the stock radio or did you have an aftermarket CD player or what? Just listen to the 13B drill a hole into your skull? 70 mph can get pretty buzzy, no? I averaged 22mpg on my last freeway road trip. Thought it shold've been higher?

Word on the A/C, although I can feel it suck the power.

 

Fight off bordom? Can't answer that - it's part of travelling by car. If you're not interested in seeing the country side, you might consider flying - I, on the other hand, enjoy seeing the sights and driving.
I do have an after market sound system - alpine HU and amp with Kappa's - sounds great and drowns the drone of the engine (although at 3000 ot 3200 K, it's not that bad - you get used to it after a 1000 miles or so ).
Milage depends on the driving conditions. I got better than 25mpg on the flats but much lower on the hilly areas - avg low 20's.

 

Good rep. for the 1st gens i must say it's refreshing to hear some good things, Instead of the 'ol,,,my nikki, or in my case, static timing questions. and ETC. For a car to be truely worth a **** it has to spend more time being driven and not worked on,.. IMO. My 82 GS (12a) has had just 1 road trip for a total of 500 miles, with no problems through the desert no doubt, even. With A/C
it makes it bareable. And with the stock stereo i used my sony discman. I can't wait to get my -SE running right. it's just a matter of time. I love to hear the 'GOOD'
stories about these very unique cars from the past.

 

Good stuff, Dale! Hope to see you sunday. Hey maybe I'll even give you back your tools

Cya then,

Zac