1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Reliable, safe, affordable, nothing special, but a good car

Faults:

Front and rear engine seals were beginning to leak.

Stalled once or twice in warm weather, just when starting in the heat.

General Comments:

This car was not my choice, but I drove it for over four years without any major problems or complaints. It's a little basic, but nothing every failed on it. The road noise is a little high, but it's disturbingly reliable now that I'm thinking back on it. A pick up truck pulled out in front of me last week and we hit the side of it doing 60km. Instant stop, but air bags went off, front end crumpled. Not much left of the car, but the passenger cabin was fine and the two of us walked away with just a little stiffness and bruising. So, it's small, doesn't feel like much, but it saved my butt. So I might even buy another one cause I kind of miss this one now it's gone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2005

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.4 from North America

Summary:

I liked her

Faults:

At exactly 100k Waterpump died, timing chain went with it. Left window motor died at about 90k, it's a real struggle to replace and is apparently a common problem. Dashboard cracked in the centre top for no apparent reason at like 125k.

These cars are not very well designed, if anything does happen it's hard to work on their engine.

General Comments:

Overall though I loved this car. She only gave me the problems listed. Was OK on gas, and could rip most of the cars on the road with it's 150hp. I wish I had gotten a 5spd now, but whatever. Backseats are pretty cramped in the coupe. Trunk is to big they shoulda made more leg room instead.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 2005

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Fast, fun and cheap!

Faults:

The car now needs a new clutch. The front oxygen sensor is out, and it also needs new brakes. Only the clutch is a big deal, but it had never been replaced prior to my purchase.

General Comments:

The car is surprisingly fast. It has a new intake and when you put in 94 octane it really moves. I've beaten many civics ahhahaha. Unfortunately the governor kicks in at around 180km/h. But at that speed it rev's at about 4500rpm. Great power between 3500 and 5500 rpm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2005

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2.2L. OHV from North America

Summary:

It would make a very nice first car

Faults:

-fuel pump (UGH inside the damn tank)

-recharge A/C

-new battery.

General Comments:

Works good for the winter could have better gas mileage (20-25 mpg city) (30 on highway) but overall it's a very nice car. starts up on every try, runs smooth, kinda stiff suspension, but its not a big deal to get all worked up about.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st October, 2005

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America

Summary:

This is the worst car ever built

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong with the car?

General Comments:

This was the worst car in the world. I bought the car at 22000 miles. When the car broke down for the last time, it had 55000 miles on it. One of the major defects that I experienced was that not too long after I bought the car, the Rotors Broke in Half. The dealer would not pay for that to be fixed. Also, the check engine light would not go off and the dealer, even though I had a "bumper to bumper" warranty would not take care of that either. This car left me stranded, so I gave it back to the bank. Now my credit is ruined and I will never buy another Chevy car again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2005

20th Nov 2008, 15:30

I have not been impressed with my Cavalier, in less than two years I have had to replace 2 O2 sensors, a map sensor, all my plugs, and by check engine light is on again, for the 5th time. This car has been way more trouble than it is worth, I have never had to put so much maintenance into a vehicle at 60K miles.

I will never drive another Cavalier.

I am going back to Toyota.

10th Dec 2008, 08:17

That's funny you say that; Toyota actually used to build a version of the Cavalier.

23rd Mar 2010, 21:06

Yup, the Toyota Cavalier basically the same as Chevy, just with Toyota badges instead of the bowtie.

10th Jul 2010, 15:41

I would say most issues arise for improper maintenance and not knowing enough about vehicles in general. If you keep up on your maintenance regularly, most vehicles will last a long time.