1996 Chevrolet Cavalier SE review from North America

When I first bought the car the entire suspension had to be replaced.

The heater only worked on the highest setting, until I payed 125.00 to have it repaired.

The door hinges were a constant problem having to be replaced every two months.

The head gasket blew at 90,000kms.

The top pan gasket blew just shortly after that.

Received 4 recalls in one week. A bearing in the steering could let go after 60 kph; Ignition relay switch allowed more current to go through and could cause a fire; Air bags would deploy if the floor became too wet; Malfunction of the gas pump in the tank could cause an explosion.

These recalls were all repaired after the 6 hour trip to the repair depot.

The cabin light was another recall I received after about 1 month. Seems the light would refuse to go off and could catch the headliner on fire.

The car was in the garage for electrical problems regarding check engine light, anti-lock brake light, oil light, and temperature gauge.

The fuel gauge was never right even after being replaced 8 times. The gauge showed more fuel then you really had.

Even though we have paved roads I was replacing the struts at least twice per year.

On January 2,2005 the car caught on fire and burned. According to the reports the fuel lines rubbed through and fuel sprayed onto the hot exhaust. When the air bags blew, the front seats went through the rear window. Good thing I was not inside. I will never buy a caviler again. Right now I am looking for a 1991 - 1995 Jeep.