1989 Chevrolet Cavalier Base from North America - Comments

My intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at 90,000 kilometers.

The alternator was replaced at 145,000 kilometers.

The speedometer was replaced at 69,000 kilometers.

Tires went at 50,000 kilometers and I replaced with Michelin XHC4 tires which were tremendous as far as grip and durability.

My Cavalier was a base model station wagon ordered from the factory with the 2.8 liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning and heavy duty/performance suspension which included 195/70-14 B.F. Goodrich TA tires, anti roll bars and heavy duty gas shocks.

The car was a quick, agile car that surprised many a sports car with both it's handling ability and acceleration.

When you hit the gas the car would lunge forward. Cornering was excellent, although the ride was hard.

We kept it for 14 years and it was still running fine. The reason we got rid of it was because the body was badly rusted.

The car was maintained well, suffered hard, family use and was one of the best cars I've ever had.

Very reliable, capable and cheap. A little over $12,000 (Can.) dollars when I bought it new. One of the best car bargains I ever had.

It was not perfect though, we had the base interior and the front seats were very uncomfortable for my 6 foot 3 inch frame. I bought a fairly expensive ($60), portable seat cushion that made a big difference.

I should of ordered the optional Rally Sport interior which offered much better seats and a gauge package.

Other than that a great car.

Just saying that I agree with that. I have a base model 91 cavalier with the performance package, but base interior... I have sat in more comfortable seats, but 4 years and a purchase price of $400 had done me well!! I have spend about $1000 in those years and I love my cavalier. I am upgrading to an 89 z24. Wish me luck!!

Thanks for the rather whimsical look back at your Cavalier Wagon.

Little sub-compact wagons are few & far between nowadays.

I sold my share of them back in the late 80's and I hate to through cold water in your face, but it is/was in no way, shape or form a "sports car". In fact the J-cars were a rather crude early attempt by GM to manufacture a front wheel drive subcompact. The handling was so-so, and equipped

with the little egg-beater engine, I rather doubt you "surprised" any real sports cars.

The performance versions handled a bit better, however I remember driving a turbo version of the Sunbird (the Pontiac version of the J), and although it had a bit of power, the torque steer was terrible.

I'm also surprised that $12,000. in 1989 was considered a "bargain" for a Cavalier. They must've cost considerably more in Canada than in the US.

Anyway, I did enjoy your trip down memory lane, although I do believe you're looking back at your little wagon through rose-colored glasses.

Remember: everybody has an opinion that is different from the next person. My dad had three of those, a Pontiac, a Buick (which essentially was a sports coupe) and the Cavalier. The Cavalier and the Sunbird were both wagons. However, all three handled very well, took the corners brilliantly, and could go kind of fast (once they got going) It's easy to spin the tires even with the weedy little four cylinder engines.

They were built like tanks, but rust does like to creep from the bottom up.