1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 review from North America

Minor leak in the muffler.

Sunroof leaks and has caused the headliner to sag.

Needs a new fuel filter.

I was searching for a cheap (under $1500) little put-putter. After months of pieces of crap after pieces of crap, I finally found an ad in the paper for a Z24, one of my childhood favorites. My uncle had a Z and I thought it was the sweetest car I'd ever seen.

So I went to check it out. Looked at the body-a bit of rust on and under the doors, cracking paint on the hood, and a sagging headliner. But it was still in decent condition, and the styling was so attractive.

I started it up, and I pretty much made my decision right then and there. The sound of a Z24 is extremely satisfying. The previous owner put some kind of fancy muffler on it, so it sounds like one of those classic 'glass mufflers'.

I took it for a drive, and I fell in love all over again. The pickup that is prominent in these cars wasn't quite there with this one, due to age or whatever. But still, its no pushover. Put it on the expressway... I made my decision. Once it gets going, C'ya!!!

I've had no mechanical problems yet, I am amazed at its reliability. Its survived a Michigan weather and toting around 3 big adults and 3 little kids (at the same time) to opposite sides of town. I put a lot of miles on it going to and from work, but it still runs strong as ever.

I've already decided that I'll be keeping this car and fixing it up til' its like new. In fact, I'm going into automotive mechanics as my major now, thanks to my love for this car.

I would recommend this car as a first car, or as a "trick out" ride. Its great on gas, and consistently reliable.

If you have one, I suggest getting some sort of rust treatment or inhibitor, because rust is drawn to these cars for some reason.

Awesome car.