1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-Door review from North America
"A poorly made money pit"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gasket blew around 80,000 miles.
Transmission blew at 100,000 miles.
Air Conditioning broke at 98,000 miles, and was unable to get fixed.
Suspension became very loose by 90,000 miles.
Factory Speakers blew after I installed a new head unit, and originally sounded very bland.
Gas gage always displayed the wrong amount of gas in the tank.
Rear power window motors blew every time you put them all the way down.
Cruise control was unreliable.
Horn blew multiple times. Had to replace it with one with a lifetime warranty.
Rear seat fabric faded after two summers.
Trunk too small to fit stroller or any major luggage in. The trunk bar actually snapped when I tried to fit the stroller in the first time.
Key-less entry only worked when I was close enough to use the key to open the door.
Elastic straps on visors stretched when anything bigger than a letter was put in them.
Car is very hard to start in cold conditions.
Totaled the car in a 10 mph accident; completely unsafe. Car Crumbled like a can, and the air bags went off at only 10mph.
General comments?
This car is quick, and somewhat economical.
With all the problems I have had, along with everyone else I know having the same problems, I wouldn't recommend this car to anyone.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | I will drive this car until the wheels fall off |
![]() ![]() | Good strong runner, a definite yes for the price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 113000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st December, 2003 |

