1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Convertible 2.4T

Summary:

Greatest car out there for the price

Faults:

At 70000 miles the water pump failed.

At 85000 miles the driver power window motor failed.

At 88000 miles the alternator failed.

General Comments:

Besides normal accessories failing this car has been great.

While living in Europe for 2 years it has literally ran over 100mph on the autobahn for hours and gets 30mpg.

The motor and transmission are bulletproof.

This car is so nice that I am getting one for my daughter next year when she graduates.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2004

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier V6

Summary:

Good Bargain Car

Faults:

Replaced the Alternator and battery at 80,000 miles.

Unable to adjust seats, broken lever.

Struts broken in first 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is reliable. I have only had to replace the alternator above and beyond usual maintenance. If you take care of the Cavalier, you shouldn't have any problems.

The seating could be more comfortable and I have heard some complaints of "rattles" in the dash and in the rear tires. I don't mind it, though. It could use more pickup, but I guess that's typical for a 4 cylinder engine.

Overall, this car has been very safe and would be perfect for a first car. You can't beat the performance for the price. I would definitely get the four door next time, though!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2004

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier

Summary:

Awesome little car lasted me 8 years not problems. Is this good for a car? I think so!

Faults:

I had no problems with this car (8 years) other than needing new brake pads up until the last year. The timing belt went which caused a heap of other problems. Then shortly after fixing that for $1200 the starter went and only 4 months after that something else is preventing it from starting.

General Comments:

I noticed on a lot of these cars a ticking noise that cannot be explained and aslo a whistling that is caused by a belt (but not the timing belt). But I loved this little car for 8 years and would have liked to keep it around, but unfortunally it's on its last wheels and must be put to sleep. I don't know how long exactly cars are suppose to last, but if 10 years is close to good this was a good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2004

8th Mar 2005, 10:38

These cars do fairly well for the most part as long as they are maintained. I do, however, question why you don't classify the listed problems as "problems" in your sentence summary for the car. $1500 is considerable.

29th Dec 2006, 12:08

I have a 1996 cavalier and have a problem with losing antifreeze from a cracked head. I am told by more than one mechanic that there is not a lot I can do except keep an eye on the thermostat and the radiator. I am not a mechanical person mind you. does anyone else have the same problem with a cavalier???if so, what are the options???

20th Mar 2010, 10:30

I had a little 1996 Chevy Cavalier. It was an amazing car to drive. The only thing I had to deal with was the alternator going out at about 145000. It was an easy fix and it ran really good.

I've noticed however that a lot of people have a unexplainable ticking noise coming from the car. That noise is actually the 2 piece dashboard rubbing together. But all in all, it was an amazing car. It had a lot of get up and go to it for a small car, and I was very sad to get rid of it.

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2.4

Summary:

Good performance and reliability

Faults:

Wheel Bearing failed @36,000 miles.

Water pump blew seal @50,000 miles.

Wheel Bearing failed @80,000 miles.

Fan resistor failed @90,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall this car has been very good. The 2.4 liter twin cam engine made this a much nicer car to drive vs. the standard issue 2.2 liter engine that always sounded strained whenever I got a Cavalier rental car. In addition, the 15" alloy rims helped the car to handle much better than the 14" default rims. The puny rims and engines that Chevy installs in the cheapest of Cavaliers really give the rest of the Cavalier line a black eye. Other than the water pump, the few repairs it has needed I have been able to do myself and quite cheaply.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2004