1989 Chevrolet Celebrity review from North America
"My 'Pocket Rocket', a great vehicle for the market price when well maintained"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The alternator went at about 150,000k.
The body computer failed about ten years ago. (replaced)
The window seals in the front rotted out. (replaced them last year - cheap!)
The cruise control quit when the switch on the multi-function lever failed. (Replaced)
The wiper circuit board needs replacement. Sometimes the wipers won't delay and sometimes the won't shut off. They still operate OK 80 percent of the time so I am putting it off.
A vacuum tee broke, causing HVAC flow and cruise control concerns (Replaced)
The glass halogen headlight housings keep cracking! (three replaced so far, one on the car is currently cracked; arg)
Rust is slowly creeping up! Cleaned up and repainted about 4 years ago, but once a Saskatchewan car, always a Saskatchewan car. Reappearing around carriage windows and bottom of doors, but I figure based on its speed so far that it will be at least 3 years before it gets too far. It didn't help that the original paint job 'fell off' about 4 years after it left the dealer.
The 4 speed overdrive 440 transmission is starting to slip, but I have no problem putting a re-manufactured transmission in this car. It owes me nothing and the engine is strong.
The most frustrating thing I have encountered is the horn pad. I have replaced it 3 times and it works for awhile, then someone cuts me off and It doesn't work! (Arg)
General comments?
I love this car, its been a super car and keeps on going. Its been in my family since new, bought in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Every option it came off the assembly line with still works, including the a/c!
The 2.8 litre V6 is a great engine. I commute 65 km everyday on the highway. Throttle response is always great. I can set the cruise at 100-120 KM/H, get great gas mileage and if I feel the need, I can tip in the throttle and watch most other cars disappear. (Except of course the Crown Victoria's with the flashing lights)
Regular service! Always doing oil changes every 5000 km and following the GM service table really paid off.
At 315,000 km she fires up every time and never misses a beat.
Parts are cheap and plentiful!
Just about everything that has failed on this car can be attributed to expected wear and tear.
A good looker too, in burgundy.
I replaced the front seats with high-backed power seats from a 1991 Cutlass Ciera, they bolted right in and made a world of difference in comfort.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 Litre Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 315312 kilometres |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 4th January, 2006 |