1988 Chevrolet Celebrity CL review from North America
"The Celebrity, all-time misnomer"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The brakes have always been a problem, the front discs wear unevenly causing pulsation/vibration when braking even after replacement of all components. Maybe the dealership would have been able to supply new parts?
Replaced the alternator at about 100k miles in 2002 during a long freeway drive in the summer heat.
The electronic ignition control module failed after the car was parked for a couple weeks; it was strange because the car started and ran fine, but then stalled and wouldn't restart. This was the most costly repair - the replacement control module cost $250.
General comments?
This has been a great first car, and I will probably hold on to it until something serious goes wrong. The annoyances about this vehicle are the non-reclining front bench seats, (why a car left the factory without adjustable seats makes no sense), and the brakes, mentioned before.
The 2.5l engine and 3-speed auto transmission have always been well-maintained and have in return been reliable. The engine burns almost no oil at 135k and the transmission still shifts smoothly and performs as well as when I bought the car. The car has no fluid leaks, all power equipment and options work fine.
Fuel consumption is OK for a car its size: 30mpg consistently, down to a minimum of 24 for city driving during the Minnesota winters.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | Built like a tank |
![]() ![]() | 1988 - Celebrity Sedan 2.8L Multi Port Fuel Injected V6 Affordable reliable Caddilac lookalike |
All 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 12th August, 2004 |

