1988 Chevrolet Celebrity 2.5fl

Faults:

All four of the suspension had to be changed.

Radiator had to be changed.

The alternator was changed twice.

The head liner is falling.

If you hit the gas too fast when in reverse, it dies on you.

There is also no emergency brake.

Muffler was changed as well as the catalytic converter

The motor mount in the front is completely finished.

General Comments:

The car is pretty fast for a 2.5 4 cylinder. I have no problem passing on the highway.

The only thing I really hate is the bench seats - they're uncomfortable and ugly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2005

1988 Chevrolet Celebrity V6 2.8 Fuel Injected

Summary:

Good old piece of American machinery!

Faults:

New front brakes needed. Rust problems did in a brake line and fuel line.

General Comments:

I absolutely loved this car until the ignition module went and I did not want to fix it.

The body had a lot of rust and the paint was peeling on the hood, roof and trunk.

I really did not get good gas mileage with the 2.8. I got about 20 normally.

The interior was very clean and very comfortable. I paid $1000 for it and probably only put in a couple hundred more dollars into it.

If the car was a little newer I would definitely consider buying another one. I do have a soft spot for Celebrities and one day I hope to buy one and restore it.

This was my first car and was great to get me to and from work and school and was very comfortable.

Ironically the cruise and AC both worked great, but in my 1995 Jetta neither worked until I actually spent money to repair them.

I have also use five of them in demolition derbies and have had very good luck with them.

The 2.8 Fuel Injected motors do not die!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2005

1988 Chevrolet Celebrity CL 2.5

Summary:

The Celebrity, all-time misnomer

Faults:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th August, 2004

13th Aug 2004, 15:01

Keep the maintenance up and you can expect at least 250,000 miles on the odometer before any major repairs are needed. These cars may not be pretty, or fast, but they are reliable.

1st Sep 2005, 12:58

I had the ignition module go out as well. My father replaced it, which was apparently very difficult since it was behind the engine and low. However, the replacement was only $80.

1988 Chevrolet Celebrity 2.5

Summary:

Not costly

Faults:

Alternator went. Battery replaced, idle replaced, engine module replaced, needs new muffler, needs new radiator (put stop leak in it), power steering fluid leaks (can't find the source) Typical problems for a very old vehicle.

General Comments:

My previous car was a 1999 Mazda 626. "VERY UNRELIABLE" I brought my Celebrity as a result of an auto accident with the MAZDA. All in all the Celebrity was cheaper when it needed repairs and I've had it for four years and I will keep it going for as long as it will go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2004