1984 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

The only major thing that I ever had to replace in this car were shocks and struts.

Someone backed into my car when I first got it, and it took forever to find a new header panel for the car due to its age.

Normal maintenance was done such as windshield wipers, tires, oil changes, etc.

One thing I like about this car is that it has NEVER left me stranded.

This car loves to run, and will start up each and every time.

The front seats are very comfortable, but the back seats are cramped and not so comfortable.

This car handles like a dream, and is very easy to drive.

One complaint I have is that the 4-cylinder engine doesn't have too much power.

This car also had a problem with idling, it idled very roughly, but shifting into neutral solved the problem.

The car has a very good heater, but when I got it, the air conditioning did not work.

The radio also did not work very well, and one of the speakers did not work either.

If anyone is considering this car, I would encourage them to go with it. It truly is a great car.

It would also be an excellent first car, as it was my first car.

Power steering occasionally locks.

Exhaust rusted through.

Engine rebuild @ 118,000 miles.

Started died.

Floorboards rusted through.

Alternator burned out.

Fuel line rusted through.

Engine rebuild @ 145,000 miles.

My parents bought this car when I was only two years old, and I've had an infatuation with it ever since.

By the time I was able to get the car, it had sat in our backyard for over twelve years. I was told there was no way it would run anymore, but I persisted. We charged the battery and it still cranked over. There was a problem with the fuel system, so we sprayed carb cleaner passed the injector (throttle body) and it still ran.

I would say my biggest problem with the car is the motor rebuilds. The dash installed on mine is nothing, but idiot lights, a fuel gauge, odometer, and speedometer. I am pretty confident that the idiot lights no longer work. With this rebuild, I'm installing a new full-blown dash and upgrading to a 5-speed transmission.

Never biggest problem were the floorboards. I hit a puddle one day and a hole acted as a scoop and ended up ripping out a large piece of the underbody. I patched it temporarily, but only recently did I installed permanent, undercoated steel plates.

The car itself has the actual irony, despite its problems, of never leaving me stranded. My sentimental value in the car makes me consider sending my car to the shop when it has a knock in the motor instead of when it dies. I have a long time insistence that they must rebuild *that* motor, and that replacements are not an option.

Speed... could be better. The car winds up at 70mph (freeway speed in Houston) and it puts a lot of strain on the motor. I've found the brakes to be barely sufficient, but the car handles extremely well until my power steering decides to lock up on me.

I'd recommend this car really only to those that want a throwaway car. It doesn't fill that role for me, but the only way mine stays on the road is with a lot of love, precaution, and a wallet full of cash.

The Bushing that holds the alternator bracket tight was half gone, replaced it with a metal pole piece.

The catalytic converter was extremely clogged. Removed it and upgraded to a performance exhaust.

I replaced the idle air control valve, but that was my fault for breaking it.

Replaced the water temp sensor.

Other than that, it still sputters slightly. But that's just because of the 189,000+ miles on it.

If your looking for comfort and room, your looking the wrong way. As for performance, it is better then most cars I've driven. It beat my 1995 Eagle fairly easily.

The outside is decent, no collisions so far, minor bumps and dents, left passage side break makes some squeal, and the flip open roof leaks.

Great car. When it finally dies, it's getting a new engine, paint job, and a list of parts.