It gets great gas mileage, good air-conditioner (which is a must in Alabama).

Parking brake does not do much of anything, the interior is way too small and poorly designed (and I am a small person). Does not handle bumps very well (I've been on roller coasters that were smoother).

I bought my Cavalier brand new in 1993. I've never had any breakdowns, except for a bad alternator. However, the car itself feels rather flimsy and is very uncomfortable. I would not purchase another Cavalier, or another Chevrolet for that matter. Also, the car has two keys, one for the engine and one for the doors...drives me crazy.

Similar Products Used:

This is only my second car to own, the first being a 1988 Ford Escort. I do like it much better than the Escort, seeing as its the lesser of two evils.

It has good fuel economy, front seat headroom and leg room are more than enough. small size for easy parking in tight areas. very quiet ride.

rear seats could use more overall room, and the styling is somewhat ugly but most teenager's think it's cool. underpowered standard engine. no standard power windows and no standard cassete player.

I paid 10,045 total for this car, i bought it used in '99 as a extra family car trading in our '97 escort for it. I recommend it for teenager's on a budget and want a reliable car. Or for a small family with little kid's. Overall i like it better than the ford escort because it has a nice interior layout. the base model cavalier is to basic in terms of features.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Escort, the escort has alot more power and more room in the rear seats and it has a smooth transmission when compared to the chevy's.

Smooth ride at high speeds; go acceleration on the small 4 cyl. great gas milage.

The air vent switch never did work. All vent air flows out of all vents at once. fuel injectors can be sensitive to different gas brands.

I'd like to be able to direct the defroster vent to the windsheid, but that won't be a problem until next winter. I am ready to trade to a slightly large car. The verdict is still out on the cav until I see what trade or resale value I get.

Similar Products Used:

1990 pick up; no comparision, the cav gets better gas milage.

The car is quick off the line auto/manual and you don't have to really redline the RPM's to have fun with it like the Hondas. The price is economical for a first time car buyer like myself. The aftermarket is quite extensive considering upgrades you can make. I have a Silver 2000 Z24 with power everything, and the car looks awesome freshly polished with the sunroof up and your fog lights on. It comes with new styling than the 1999 version and in my opinion, looks better. Also, you get decent performance low-profile tires with decent alloy rims and sport suspension. You'll get a lot of your own kind and a lot of imports measuring you up with this car and it's new look. Also, the "speed compensated-volume feature is nifty and will be fun for the first week and a half.

Well now. Remember, this is my first car and I am greatful for having one tthat looks great with decent power. However, the car is squeakish at times, the interior quality is not the best, and you'll see your fuel guage drop a lot whenever you decide to have fun and floor it! Most of all, although this car is very quick considering it's class, I have totally no confidence in the brakes at high speed or period. They feel like crap and work like crap, nevertheless, the ABS system saved me just recently by steering out of the way of a possible mess-up. Like I said, you can make tons of modifications to the car but who the hell would burn the money on a cavalier? Just save for a camaro instead! Oh ya, not good for road trips, the seats hurt after a while. Handling is not great.

My price paid was: $26500 CDN (I believe I was one of the first to buy this car and that's why I paid so much). Also, I got every option available except the covertible.

I would recommend this car to those people who want affordable power with good looks, stock extras (fog lights, alloy rims, low-profile tires, etc) don't expect superior brakes or handling. "You get what you paid for, with a little more fun and power than average." But I'd rather invest into a Kawasaki ZX7R (my future motorcycle) than any mods for the Z24.

Similar Products Used:

2000 Celica GT (definitely more fine engineering, but not faster)
1999 Sunfire GT (the only thing I like about this car is the dual exhuast)
1997 Acura Integra GS (a more refined car)but not faster
1994 Mazda MX6 V6 (a lot more sportier feel, if they made em still, i would have got this)
1996 Mazda MX3 V6 (female pocket rocket that can't beat a Z24)
1992 Toyota Corolla 1.8 (pretty quick)

Ha ha !

None

By the way, I forgot.
I wish Hertz han another car for their entry-level rentals. Last time I rented one, the power-steering broke, had to get it towed. It had like 2000 km, brand new. So much for reliability...

However, as someone smartly pointed out, the stereo is nice, which is cool when you have to wait four hours for the towing vehicle to come in the canadian winter.

Similar Products Used:

None

Looks cool

Handles like a slipper on wet bathroom floor. A curve ? Zlip !

This is the worst car I ever drove, including the old sub-$2000 Citroën BX diesel that I had in France. I rented one for a week while in Ontario.

The Cavalier sums up everything that sucks about American cars. And that's a lot ! I will only highlight the three main points :

Suspension is terrible. It feels like a boat. You'd think it would better protect your ass from bumps than a tight suspension. But no, you still fell every crack and crevice, while at the same time making huge up'n'downs on big bumps. A boat, really. With my other $2000 (canadian) used Citroën that I just bought, not diesel this time, I ride over railroads crossings at 80 MPH and barely notice them (that's the power of hydro-pneumatic suspension, guys)...

The engine is not so bad : at 2.5L, it has some power, although I wouldn't dare to compare it to a real 2.0L engine on a real car (like the Golf).

And finally, handling is dismal. This car is made for american roads : straight lines at 55 MPH. The first times I heard the tires squeak in a curve, I thought it was the guy behind me. But no, I was really powersliding on a curved highway access ramp at 30 MPH !!!!!!!! Actually, it's hard not to hear the tires in any curve, unless you drive the American Way of course (i.e. asleep).

Driving the Golf, feeling it hug the turns, is a pleasure. With a Cavalier, you're just trying not to loose control. Switching from one to the other in the same day is dangerous for your health. The suspension on the Golf is tight, but comfortable. You can feel how it grips the road.

This winter, I also had the chance to compare these two cars on snow. The cavalier started spinning at the first harsh brake. Meanwhile, my friend (who owns the Golf) was getting fun powersliding every turn and staying in control of his car (he avoided the spinning Cavalier, by the way).

Maybe you'll think "OK, this guy drives like crazy, this car is for normal people". First, I usually drive normally, but I like to be able to get faster if I have to. Second, if you drive really relaxed, maybe you won't notice the Cavalier's poor handling. That is, until a situation arises, and you have to brake or turn hard to avoid a drunk driver, a child, a cliff edge, or whatever. In that moment, you would really regret having bought a Cavalier.

I like to think I can rely on my equipment. I want it to stop when I brake, to turn when I steer. Not to start spinning over like a soap bar at the first "out-of-spec" moment. That's why I like my cheap used citroën better than any Cavalier.

If you're poor, buy a better car, used.
If you're rich, buy a better car, new or used.
If you are stupid and prefer a pretty car that will put your life and the life of others in danger, buy a Cavalier.

If you ever tried an european car, why are you reading reviews about american cars, by the way ?

Similar Products Used:

Volkswagen Golf

Good Low end torque. Great looks. Great Price

Bad handling. The car does not seem to stay on the ground while it drifts from side to side on hard cornering.
Bad Suspension system. Still uses the old fashion one piece axle in the back. Even a Firefly has a independent suspension system.

I think this car is a very well priced car for economical use. There is a lot of potential to the car's engine and internal structure but GM was not been able to produce such quality. Yes, we can use after market goods to enhance the quality of the car but yet if the car has already given it's max potential, it would be more attractive to buyers all around.

Similar Products Used:

None

Everything from the styling to its dependability and economy. Great gas mileage and fun small car, although not as quick as the Z24.

I need to warm it up for several minutes prior to driving, but that's about it.

The Cavalier is definitely a great value. Plus, the Z24 can be a lot of fun for enthusiasts. This is much better than any Chrysler-made vehicle when it comes to reliability. The Cavalier is a perfect first car. All you have to do is take care of it with regular maintenance, and it will perform perfectly.

Similar Products Used:

Test-drove or used temporarily (but never owned) Dodge Caravan, Mercury Topaz, Honda Accord, Pontiac Grand Am, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, Chevrolet Venture, Chevrolet Corsica.

Everything...good gas mileage, good factory sound (not that mines factory by any means), looks, overall quality, and it's not an import!!!!!!

The dash rattles, and squeaks, and that's about all the complaints I have about it.

I paid $8500 for it, used. It had 50K miles on it, it was fully loaded (power everything, moonroof, CD) and I bought it late last year. I would definitely recommend this car to the person that likes comfort and quality, as well as reasonable price.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Neon, Saturn....liked the Cavalier better than all these

Z24 very strong engine
great handling
good steering feedback
solid chassis

not very attractive interier style
not very refine

the Z24 is a great little fun car for driver who like drive thru corners at
scraming speed, or for those who wants a performace car such as BMW 3-seris but couldnt afford it...

Similar Products Used:

None