Chevrolet Cavalier Midsize | Compact

Chevrolet Cavalier Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The Cavalier is offered in a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, and four-door sedan model. Choose between a 2.2-liter, 115-hp 4 cylinder or a 2.4-liter, 150-hp 4 cylinder. Transmission options are; a 3-speed automatic, a 4-speed automatic, or a 5-speed manual. ABS is standard.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 331-340 of 521  
[Mar 30, 2001]
Roger Black

Strength:

??? Are there any? Oh yeah, its cheap.

Weakness:

Name it, its got them all. Here's a small list; Loud engine, fuel gauge sticks, dashboard the steering wheel and the plastic molding on doors creek and make noise. Hell the whole thing makes creeking noises. Bad suspension. In the winter the doors ALWAYS freeze up and you have to get up early just so you can open them up. It handles like a boat. OK, I haven't had any trouble with the trans (yet).

This car is cheap. In both price and manufacture. Of course any cheap car will not handle like a expensive car but avoid this one. Don't fool yourself into thinking of buying American because Daddy says so. Worry about your safety first!

Similar Products Used:

Any Japanese car in the same catagory is better.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Apr 01, 2001]
Rufus Posey
Model Reviewed: chevy caviliar

Strength:

Good on gas miliege. Reliable if you take care of it. The product looks better. My mom had a 1987 caviliar, she bought it used in 1989. She had it for 5 years until she had a car wreck. It lasted her a long time.

Weakness:

Dash board rattles. I drove it to Atlanta two years ago and I blown the head gasket. The guy who fixed my car drove it from Atlanta, GA to Pensacola, FL without any problems. Six months ago the engine went out on my car. I just got a rebuilt engine put in my car it drives like new. I did have some minor problems out of it two weeks ago. The cooling sensor went. If you drive this car on long trips I would have it checked every month before traveling. I have a feeling who ever the owner was did not take care of it. Since my car got a new engine in it I try to take care of it because I want to drive it on long trips. Plus I have to drive it to work ten miles every day.

The car is fair. low on gas milege. Good to drive around town.

Similar Products Used:

Kia Sophia, Dodge Neon

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Mar 23, 2001]
Tim Jenkins
Model Reviewed: Z24

Strength:

I like the looks of the car, doesnt look 11 years old! Pretty good power out of the 2.8 V6. Can put decently big tires on it 225's. Very inexpensive for what you get out of it!

Weakness:

Broke down a few times at 125000 miles. Other than that there is nothing i dont like!

If you need an inexpensive ride that has some sportyness, quickness, this is it! Has about 150 Hp after a few aftermarket upgrades. You can get one for about 2500 now, and Id say thats a good deal!

Similar Products Used:

88 Civic, 93 Probe, 97 Corolla Its faster than all of these, handles better than all of these. Costs less than all of these, but isnt as reliable as all of these. Id take it over all of em!

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 22, 2001]
Ron
Model Reviewed: Cavalier Z24

Strength:

I've owned the car now for about 8 months and haven't had a problem with it at all. The car is very quick and is very easily modified. I like the look of the car, great styling and the 16" rims accent the car very well.

Weakness:

The interior is a little weak and a little to much plastic was used. The Z24 doesn't look very different from the base models, which is a problem that the Z24 has had through out it's history. Suspension is a little noisey when cold, but goes away after it warms. The biggest complaint I have is how hard it was to change the factory deck, the intire dash had to come apart, but at the same time, it would make it that more difficult to steal.

I've liked the 95 and up Z24 since I've seen them, and I've heard mixed feelings on the vehicle, and I admit they have their fair share of problems, but the problems that they have are no differnet from any other vehicle in it's class. One thing I also like, it has the biggest engine in it's class, it's the nicest looking out of the domestic market and forgien market, and it is very easy to maintain and this car is worth every cent I spent on it, including all the upgrades. I would buy this car again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a sport compact.

Similar Products Used:

I've owned an 89 Z24 that had the 2.8L V6 which had a lot more torque, but the 97 does have more pick up and is faster. I had so many problems with my 89 Z24, so it's nice not having to worry as much. I do torcher my cars, and I'm finding the 97 is taking much better then my 89 did.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 07, 2001]
Peter Jung
Model Reviewed: /Cavalier Wagon (White exterior with blue interior).

Strength:

The above price is in Canadian dollars.

My review is based on my registered ownership of a previously enjoyed leased company use by other staff members at my former place of employment.

1.0 Excellent (smooth and powerful) mid-range 3.1 liter/three speed automatic transaxle powertrain combination,
2.0 Decent average regular unleaded fuel milage (24 mpg winter and 28 mpg summer) results,
3.0 Durable powertrain (my vehicle has approximately 255500 kms) and requires a liter of 5W30 oil between 5000 km oil changes,
4.0 Better than adequate cargo space for a small wagon due its boxy rear end shape,
5.0 Durable cloth fabric on seats,
6.0 Easy to read illuminated instrument panel,
7.0 Compact and sporty feeling 14.25 inch in diameter steering wheel,
8.0 Mechanically a very reliable vehicle,
9.0 Better than average base level sound system,
10.0 Have never replaced instrument panel bulbs with the exception of a couple of audio system bulbs,
11.0 Excellent all-around visibility compared to the 2000 Ford Taurus Wagons,
12.0 Above average ride with the standard suspension package,
13.0 Above average handling with the upgraded Z24 suspension package, and
14.0 Almost non-existant body creaks (unlike my old 1986 Plymouth Reliant LE).

Weakness:

1.0 Fit of door panels and liftgate (both required adjustments at GM),
2.0 Below average handling with the standard suspension package,
3.0 Siff below average ride with the upgraded Z24 suspension package,
4.0 One General Motors recall on the replacement of the "Horn pad retention",
5.0 Belt tensioner replacement at 96000 kms (standard warranty had expired),
4.0 Intake gasket and power steering pump seal leaks at 102000 kms (cost me almost $950.00 to repair at GM),
5.0 Upgraded to the Z24 front and rear swaybars, bushings and links at 112000 kms (a mistake),
6.0 Replaced muffler strap and bolt at 144000 kms,
7.0 Replaced alternator at 145000 kms,
8.0 Replaced battery at 157000 kms,
9.0 AC compressor leak at 186000 kms,
10.0 Replaced transaxle strut mount at 196000 kms,
11.0 Replace upper motor mount at 242000 kms,
12.0 Added transmission cooler at 243000 kms (should have done this when I purchased the vehicle!),
13.0 Replaced upper radiator hose at 251000 kms, and
14.0 Noticeable front end (possibly chassis) vibration between 105 and 125 km/h (all wheels have been balanced and one belt-shifted tire replaced but vibration still exists).

Do not upgrade the standard suspension. Front sway bushings will eventually make a crunching noise after a couple of months. I have tried everything from lubrication to teflon tape. Nothing has worked.

This has been an above average reliable vehicle for the money spent.

I've Zeibarted the vehicle with their brown waxy application since 1997. Body looks great.

If you follow maintenance schedule, this car will be an above average purchase. I recommend a low kilometer used vehicle (under 180000 kms).

Similar Products Used:

Chrysler's Neon.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 05, 2001]
Michael Palluck

Strength:

-ABS
-A/C
-Other standard equipments that would have costed a lot more in other competing counterparts.
-Reliability (I have been quite impressed and still am. Is this really GM?)
-Price to Value ratio (It is quite decent if you factor in everything)
-Exterior (Unlike domestic uglies, Cavi is okay looking)
-Financing (GMAC does rule by offering 3.9% on 60 months. Only Dodge/Chrysler can match this. Forget about Ford.)
-Good if not great acceleration on highway (It does pick up quite fast.)

Weakness:

-Interior (They ought to take the idiots who designed the interior layout and shoot them and their parents for not using condoms. Ugly is a too kind of a word to describe the interior of Cavalier. Just go take a look at the dear. Seeing is truly believing and in this case, throwing up.)
-Find a right dealer (This Chinese guy at the dealership was a rip-off artist and an idiot. Avoid any dealerships that employ Chinese guys or gals. Trust me on this one and thank me later.)
-Resale Value (Terribly low when trying to trade in or sell it yourself.)
-Tune-up (Get it yearly and don't believe GM's advertising copies)
-Radio (Stop going to Starbucks for a month or so and get yourself a decent stereo and a CD changer.)
-Rear Seats (Too crampy and they seem to have a knack for making you sick. And it doesn't fold or split.)

If you want a driving device that will take you to point a from point b, this is your car. Do not expect too much and you will be pleasantly surprised. Have so far 40K miles on it and am getting bored. But its reliability can't be questioned. Screw little japanese imports and stick to the domestic. After all, what is good for GM is good for the America. That's right. Highly recommended if you are tight on budget or simply desire an economical choice.

Similar Products Used:

Had VW Bug, Rabbit, Scirocco and Hyundai Scoupe. Nothing belongs to the same category. VW Scirocco seems to be closest counterpart. It broke down every two months. Nope, it was quite reliable and predictable in that department.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 05, 2001]
Izabel M
Model Reviewed: LS

Strength:

Strong engine~! ABS Is strong too ~ Well the ride is stiff ( i dont know if thats good hehe i kinda like that thou ~

Weakness:

Lights are weak ~ Small trunk ~ Rear SEATS ARE SO CHEAP~! Oh yeah i wish there was a BUTTON For me to push to turn off the freaken TRACTION CONTROL I really hate it when that holds me back :-O

I think the car is safe and cute! I drive it everyday! I dont know what to tell you about my experience but I do know that each star i give it "IT EARNED IT"~!

Similar Products Used:

This car is nice but i would rather go with a Saturn SL1 ( my sister owns one hehe )

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 02, 2001]
Jonathan Stanton
Model Reviewed: Cavalier 2 Dr Coupe

Strength:

Smooth ride, relatively good pick-up with the 2.2L engine. Excellent exterior - holds up well, no rust after 4 Michigan winters. Still looks like new when its clean. Nice, roomy trunk. Comfortable rear seat, considering its a coupe.

Weakness:

Squeaks and rattles - I always blasted my radio so I didn't have to listen to them.
Seat belts - Chafe your neck, and not quite long enough for hefty people like me.
Brakes - Pads wear out quickly, get used to pulsing stops if you don't want to replace them all the time.

I bought my Cavalier used in 1998 with 25,000 miles on it. I drive a lot, so by 2001, I'm up to 120,000 miles. I've only had a couple of problems. The squeaks and rattles were terrible, and I got them fixed while the car was still under warranty, after that I just had to live with them. I've replaced the brake pads twice. The brakes work great, especially the ABS, but seem to go through pads and rotors rather quickly. I recently had to replace the ignition switch, which was pretty expensive.

Overall, I've been very happy. There are some things I know need replaced that I just ignore because they don't affect the car too much. For instance the shocks and struts are shot and make pretty loud bumping, popping sounds at low speeds, and cause the car to wobble a little bit when stopping, but on the highway, you would never know it. I had the car tuned up at 100,000 miles like your supposed to, but I didn't think it really needed it. It was still running fine, with the original air filter even if you can believe that!

The Cavalier was a solid little car. I really enjoyed it. I don't know why they have been rated so terribly by Consumer Reports. My 1985 and 1996 have been very reliable - I've only been "stranded" once when the ignition switch went out. My sister has a 1991 with almost 200,000 miles on it that still gets her from point A to B, so go figure. Most people I know haven't had too many problems with them.

I would recommend them to students and people who commute. Their tight on space if you have more than a couple adults. Kids in the back should be OK. Great gas mileage.

Similar Products Used:

I had 2 Escorts before my Cavalier, and I also had an ancient 1985 Cavalier when I was in High School. My '96 Cavalier was just as good of a car as the Escorts were.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 03, 2001]
Joshua D
Model Reviewed: sedan

Strength:

A solid little car, I don't know why I ever gor rid of it. It handled well and had decent pickup considering that it is only a 4 cylinder. This is not a sports car people. Good gas milage.

Weakness:

The dashboard rattles. It seems there is always something loose. The trunk release fell off the trunk lid causing me to open it by crawling in through the back seat. This was a pain in the butt after a while, but it was easily fixed.

I drive a lot, and my Cavalier never left me stranded. I've never had it towed. With the exception of oil changes, a flat tire, and brakes, I never had it in the shop for 3 years.

If you are looking for a good, solid car to drive around look into the cavalier. If you are looking to drag race, go elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:

Dodge Neon-Cavalier wins here, I've had no fun driving a neon around.
99 Cavalier-Other than a few cosmetic changes this was the same car. I loved it too.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 25, 2001]
Martyn Reno
Model Reviewed: Cavalier Z24 - 5 speed manual

Strength:

- Smooth Riding
- Cheap insurence for myself, 18 years old when I bought it.
- Cheap to repair, not imported like Honda/Acura
- Unique to modify, I dropped it, added low profile ''17 inch tires
Ground FX kit, FX Design bumper kit, Razzi side skirts. And it looks
better than most honda/acuras.
- I smoke Civic Si's, I have trouble with Mustangs only :)
- RKSport has alot of modifying needs to pimp up your cavalier
and make it a powerful car, along with alot of other companies.
- Everyone says it's comfortable, and it's so true. Very!
- Space is nice, no problems with trunk even with my 12''inch subwoofers.
- Handling is nice, good `stock' acceleration, AWESOME speakers, good sound.
- My Cavalier heats up extremely quick, lovely.
- Defroster is good, no problems.
- Cavalier front lights look better than older years.

Weakness:

- Front lights are ugly
- All cavaliers pretty much look alike in a way, not unique unless you modify
- Gas gauge sometimes seems off when I turn off my car, and start it later on
- The inside of the car looks nothing like a 2000 celica, or most 200 cars.
It still looks like OTHER cavaliers. Please, make it look nicer, DIFFERENT than other cavaliers, it's all plastic knobs.
- Factory CD PLAYER, after 6 months of having it, the letters/numbers on the buttons started to rubb off, very ugly, I had to buy a NEW CDPLayer.
- Engine Power `stock' needs more power, but it's a cavalier, not an Acura
Integra Type R, so we'll let that one slide.
- Factory Spoilers needs variety
- Trunk button feels like it's going to break off
- When you tint the back windows on a Cavalier 2000, you have to leave a
yucky patch un-tinted because of the defroster, it looks kinda bad.
- Side Impacts, please .. I hope you drive carefully.
- Since it's a teen car, I wish they would make it as customizable as
all the civics, acura, eagle talons, eclipses, crx, etc..
to compete.

Cavalier is a teens car, cheap on insurence, cheap on gas, cheap on repairs. Even the Cavalier 2000 coupe 5 Speed manual kicks serious butt, they put up a good fight against a z24, but 115 HP is not enough, but it's good if you're 18 looking for a firsr car.


All in all, Cavaliers have my 2-thumbs up for a "First" car. My cavalier is fully modified, black, with sunroof and dropped, it looks better than Hondas and acuras in my opinion. I think cavaliers look nice if you modifty them right like myself, please STOP making it look like a `casual car' or else, you're just another car on the road. Show that you're proud of a cavalier, and stop letting those Honda/Acura freaks tease you. They mocked my car, and they're ALWAYS in my rear-view-mirrior *wink* it's true, trust me.

Similar Products Used:

Cadillac Sedan Deville 1985 -- Cavalier is more sporty/powerful/sleak
Mazada 626 w/Turbo -- Cavalier has better handling, a little more power, better cornering, better breaks.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 331-340 of 521  

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