1994 Vauxhall Cavalier GLS 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Loved this car

Faults:

Faulty fuel pump, also replaced water pump when I changed the timing belt.

I kept the car serviced on time, and did not have any problems beyond normal wear and tear (tyres, brakes, exhaust, etc).

The locks were very weak though and disintegrated. Very hard to get into in winter, but this was typical of older cars.

General Comments:

What a brilliant car I had a long time ago. I have good memories of this Cavalier. Dark blue GLS model looked good when I put aftermarket alloys on it.

The car was a common sight up and down UK motorways in the 1990s. As basic and boring as it was, I respect how simple and easy to own cars like this were back in the day.

The 1.8 was fast enough for daily driving. You could get close to 40 mpg as well on a long cruise. Very comfortable interior and quiet and smooth. Was a sad day in 2005 when I sold it and bought a Vectra. Not a bad car, but gave me more problems in the long run than my Cavalier ever did.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2021

1994 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi 2.0 16v petrol

Summary:

Still one of the best Vauxhall's

Faults:

Radiator fell apart, coolant leak, also seemed to go through brake discs and pads like crazy. I never had much mechanical problems other than wear and tear to the suspension. Kept it serviced on time; was generally reliable. Interior plastics felt cheap and there were some cracks here and there. Faulty relay on indicators.

General Comments:

As one of my first decent cars bought in 1997, I have great memories of this car. White Cavalier SRi in white; alloy wheels and the red SRi badges really looked the part. Body-kit was subtle but made the car stand out from your average Cavalier.

SRi is not the top model however; GSi was faster with a V6 from what I remember. This 2.0 16v petrol was not slow, but not exactly very sporty. I believe it was the same or a slightly more powerful version of the standard 1.8/2.0 found in lower spec models. It did do over 30 miles per gallon though, respectable for its time. The car handled OK and the gear change felt slick.

Interior had sporty seats but again like lower spec models, looked much same with black and grey plastic everywhere. Was comfortable though, if a little firm ride.

I love the look of the car and this is cliched to say, but they really do not make them like they used to. Maybe I am blinded by nostalgia, but this car never gave me any major problems. Compare it to cars today and it is obviously outclassed in every way, but the car has character and simplicity, and the general reliability was great - something that for me has not been replicated in more recent cars.

I sold it in 2005 at 11 years old with over 110K on it, fearing it would get unreliable and it was looking a little rough. But the next owner who I knew kept it for a good few years and it soldiered on. Wish I had kept it - mint Cavaliers are selling for thousands now as they are so rare, especially the sportier ones.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2021

5th May 2021, 19:16

Regarding the trim levels, GSi and SRi are much the same, there was a turbo version which was the fastest if I recall, all used the 2.0 engine.

V6 was not available till late in the Cavaliers life, usually badged in CDX or top spec Diplomat trim, 2.5 capacity I think.

Anyways the Cavalier was a great car from times gone by. Wouldn't touch one today though unless you know a mechanic that worked on these cars back in the day, and can find parts.

4th Jun 2021, 13:54

That's pretty much right. The turbo 2.0 4x4 version is very rare and fast. Same for the V6's.

GSi had a slightly more powerful 2.0 16 valve version (150bhp) of the 2.0 8 valve engine than the SRi I think, which had only 130bhp standard. The lower/mid models standard 2.0 engine had about 115bhp. Other lower spec models had the 1.8 petrol with about 90bhp, will feel lethargic to drive today, but a decent reliable unit. And the 1.6 petrol is best avoided, slow and not that economical either. 1.7 Isuzu diesel engine cars seem to be reliable and economical, though performance is poor as expected for an older diesel engine.