1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe from North America - Comments

The door will not shut without being slammed, this results in the door paneling coming out, and requiring fixing about every 10 or so closings.

Passenger door will not open from the outside.

Alternator went shortly after buying the car.

Trunk leaks water.

About 6 or 7 rattles and such in the car.

After removing key from the ignition, a sound of pressure being released happens for about a minute or so.

The transmission is starting to go.

Dealer broke the seatbelt cover, the top of the seatbelt, and left wheels without 4 lug nuts.

Cd player does not work sometimes, and frequently skips.

Car often will not start, and sometimes requires as many as 4 or 5 tries.

Water leaked within side corner lights, and killed the bulbs.

Paint is peeling off all over the car, holes as big as one inch around.

One day, the ABS decided to randomly turn on, and almost get me into an accident.

Piece holding headlight in place broke, resulting in extreme shaking.

It is very cheaply made, and shows it. Also, from what I hear, they do not last beyond 100,000 miles. The car has a beautifully designed exterior. The dashboard feels like its made as the same plastic as a coke bottle. It feels like it's going to break down at any second. It looks much faster than it actually is; I have trouble passing minivans. I have not driven this car hard at all. The ride is very rough; I could feel a dime on the road. The car feels like it weighs 6000 lbs., because the brakes are so terrible. I would not suggest anyone ever buy a Cavalier. I will never ever buy a GM product, I'm sticking to imports.

I do not believe you. I had a 99 Cavalier and never had any major problems. The brakes require good brake pads.

If you buy good pads then brakes are excellent.

Cheap pads and shoes often cause poor performance.

I do not want to deny you had problems, but some of them are ridiculous.

You wrote:

"Car often will not start, and sometimes requires as many as 4 or 5 tries."

This means you had a major problem, leaving it unfixed might harm your engine.

"Dealer broke the seatbelt cover, the top of the seatbelt, and left wheels without 4 lug nuts."

Which dealer? Where? Phone number? Did he fix it later?

Was it resolved? Leaving wheels without lug-nuts is extreme danger. He should loose his dealers license! It is unacceptable. Sometimes it happens that the car owner has locked lug-nuts and when a key is lost then you have to cut these in order to replace tires or just maintain wheels (wheel balance). When the shop technician asks you if you want to pay additional 20 bucks for these then some people disagree. It happened to me few times so I know.

In most cases it is required for the customer to sign a document releasing the liability. Otherwise you will NOT get your car back unless you approve this.

You know what? I think owing a car is responsibility.

You have to pay sometimes for the proper maintenance.

Oil change, filters, other parts once a while.

It pays back.

I have to disagree with your generalizing statement that the cavalier does not last over 100,000 miles. Mine is currently at 168,000 and still roaring like a lion.

You said the door is hard to close? You probably need new bushings, alternators go every now and then, it's just a simple fact, and the CD player is screwed up, that's just a cold, hard fact, factory radios are not known for being quality electronics, that's why you should consider an aftermarket stereo, better sound quality, better overall quality, nowadays you can get a good one for a decent price.

I too agree with the other comments.

The car sounds as if it was poorly maintained and abused. There is only one simple fix, grow up, stop whining for your mistakes and actually take care of your car..

Dealer forgot to replace 4 lug nuts? That is a load of bull.. Either that or your dealership really wants to get sued for doing a stupid thing. Besides, If the lug nuts were missing on my car (which is a chevy), i'd notice it right away and I would take the issue with whoever worked on my car. Thankfully no one touches my car except me and except some friends when it is inspected..

Go buy an import, and you will notice a BIG difference between american and japanese built. Japanese cars only last 10 years and then it is time to dispose of it due to rust while american cars will go on 15-20 years before becoming disposeable. Parts for american cars are cheap, dependable, and made in the USA/Canada. A small simple repair on an import can cost more b/c it has to be ordered from overseas or long distances..

I have a 97 Cavalier and just went over 100,000 miles today. It runs great and the only thing major it has needed is a new fuel pump. It is running great...Don't know why everyone says a cavalier will fall apart at 100,000. I am glad to see others out there agree with me.

I have a 97 cavalier and my car has 213,000 miles on it so saying that it will not run after 100,000 is so wrong. I haven't had any major problems with my car. I think it is true if you take care of your car then you won't have any big problems. I love my cavalier so much that I'm getting ready to buy a second car and I've been looking at another cavalier.

I have to say, my Cavalier has made me very happy. I have a 99' and it's beautiful. In fact, I've started putting a lot of after market and custom parts to it. I was afraid to invest in such things at first, but it's been well over a year since I got it, and not a thing has gone wrong with it with one exception. The only thing I'm having a problem with is one of the windshield washer sprayers keeps getting plugged up. Other than that, I'm 100% satisfied. I read the consumer reports before I bought the car, and they all gave great reviews to the 99' Cavalier. So, the first comment posted on this is absolutely ridiculous. I almost shot Pepsi out of my nose laughing when I read that the CD player skips. How does that have anything to do with reliability of the car? In most cases, it's an after market CD player (the GM ones are about $1000...no joke). In this case, the argument would have to be placed on the manufacturer of the CD player, and not the Cavalier. It sounds to me that that particular Cavalier was run into the ground, not taken care of at all, and bought from a street corner dealer. Next time, friend, inspect the car before you buy it.

I must say that even in my cold salty conditions in Ontario in Canada my 99'Calavier has held out very well. It has 190,000 kilometers on it and I am the original owner. I have taken care of it. Yes I am a spirited driver, but not rough. I have had to replace a fuel pump and usual wear and tear. So what? I expected a lot worse for what I paid for the car 7 years and 190,000 kilometers ago. Treat your Cavalier well and it will pamper you in return!

I could not agree more with the last comment. I'm the owner of a 2002 Cavalier sedan and I as well reside in snowy, salt infested Ontario Canada and up to now my Cavalier has been great. Other than an oil pan gasket (under warranty) and a faulty fuel pump, it's been a dream to own. I'm the second owner and I have had no major problems. A car needs to be maintained and remember that the Cavalier/Sunfire is NOT a sports car nor is it designed to be. Sounds to me like the reviewer drove the daylights of this car with no mercy.

We have a 1999 Cavalier, we've replaced just about everything on the darn thing and we still can't get it to start. I will never buy another one!

I got a 99 Cavalier and it has over 216,000 kms on it and the only thing I changed on it was the battery, and regular maintenance like oil changes, engine flush, fuel system flush.

I also speak to my car ands sometimes almost talks back it's like herbie from that old show lol jk, but yeah my car is running like a brand new porsche.

Oi I'm looking into buying a 99 z24. So thanks for all the good reviews. I will check out the car and really think about getting it.

Yes, I concur with the improper maintenance being the culprit. Many people whine about the brakes on these cars; well maybe one should make sure that the brakes are properly serviced at regular intervals. Many shops are just slapping the new pads in, this is where the problem lies. The brake hardware has to be cleaned, lubed, and then re-installed. Don't blame the item. Repairs need to be done right!!

I have a 99 Z22 and it's no good. I had a Honda Accord and it was way better, so I'm going to buy a new Honda. Never will I buy a GM again.