1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews - Page 6 of 7

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 3.1 litre V6 from North America

Year of manufacture1991
First year of ownership1991
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 3.1 litre V6 Manual
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.8 / 10
Distance when acquired24 kilometres
Most recent distance258000 kilometres

Summary:

For what I paid for it, and the fun it has given me... Great car!

Faults:

I'm on my third alternator.

The cruise control died just before 100,000km.

Fuel pump has been replaced.

High beam switching unit was fried.

Suspension is badly in need of new bushings.

Clutch requires replacement.

Engine is overdue for a rebuild, and the rear main bearing seal has a small leak.

Everything else is little stuff that you would expect from a relatively cheap car, and the fact that it is 10 years old. Like the cup holder which could never stay in proper working order or the dash around the center air vent which is warping away.

General Comments:

Overall my Cavalier has been a great car. It has pep, has lasted a lot longer than I ever thought, and was a good value for my money when I bought it new.

Unfortunately the paint job has really taken a beating due to rocks and my lack of attention to repairing the chips. Which is too bad as it looked really sharp when it was new.

I have only ever been stranded by this car twice and they were both minor. One was from a dead battery and the other was from an alternator.

I have mistreated this car a lot. I am heavy footed, and don't slow down for much, yet it has kept on ticking. And still has that peppy feeling when the gas pedal goes to the floor in a hurry.

I think I have spent maybe $2000 on overall maintenance so far on this car. However with the age and kilometers piling up I am looking at probably around $3000 to do some major work on it. But that is far cheaper than a new car, and I think I can make it perform better than when it was new. It's just too much fun to drive to give up yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2001

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 3.1 from North America

Year of manufacture1991
First year of ownership2000
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 3.1 Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.5 / 10
Distance when acquired165000 miles
Most recent distance179000 miles
Previous carFord Thunderbird

Summary:

Quick and sporty for the younger crowd

Faults:

My alternator died at about 167,000 miles, and also the sunroof seal is starting to go bad at 179,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a pretty quick little car. It isn't a fast top speed car, but it does have quite a kick in its pick up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2001

3rd Sep 2002, 23:28

I have a '94 Mexican z-24 and I really love it. It's a fast, good looking car, and in some aspects, economic. in the mechanic way, I just had a li'l trouble with an electric window, at 100,000 miles.

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 3.1 from North America

Year of manufacture1991
First year of ownership1999
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 3.1 Manual
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.3 / 10
Distance when acquired100000 miles
Most recent distance125000 miles
Previous carChevrolet Celebrity

Summary:

Runs hot, but worth it!

Faults:

Replaced the alternator.

That's about it.

General Comments:

It's a good car, but runs really hot. It's pretty fast. Has a 16.0sec 1/4 mile. The transmission is really rough though and I don't like it. I changed to a 160 degree thermostat and a chip and now it seems to run right. Otherwise it runs at a 197 degrees and when it warms up it loses power a little.

If you want a car with some nuts, but aren't into racing, get it, but if you are into racing then I suggest you either get a 2000 Z24 or a 91 Eagle Talon TSI. Just don't buy a HONDA, everyone and their mother has one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2001

3rd Mar 2003, 20:15

I found that my Cavalier has a lot of power (when the car has been lightened). It is a 1991 3.1 5-spd and I can race it all day long and beat cars with the names of Mustang, Camaro and other muscle cars. I feel this car has a lot of hidden potential that you just have to find out for your self.

I ran a 13.21 on the 1/4 mile, and I was happy.

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 3.1L V6 from North America

Year of manufacture1991
First year of ownership1997
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 3.1L V6 Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.6 / 10
Distance when acquired77000 kilometres
Most recent distance248000 kilometres
Previous carBuick Skyhawk

Summary:

I still love it!

Faults:

Heating and air conditioning completely shut off at about 170 000 km.

Driver power window brackets broke numerous times.

Replaced one engine mount at approx. 120 000 km.

General Comments:

I've driven this car so much in the last number of years, and I have to say I'm still very impressed!

I would buy another Cavalier Z24. Not one of those tiny new round things that Chevy nows calls Z24's, but the older boxy style! '91-'94!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2001

21st Jun 2002, 15:17

I would have to say I agree. I myself own a '91 and my parents own a a '98. I'm much more pleased with mine. Go second gen. ;}

15th Aug 2007, 18:51

I agree with everybody. I have a 91 Z24 5Spd and I love this car. I don't know what I would do without it.

Average review marks: 7.0 / 10, based on 33 reviews