1988 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America - Comments

Water pump needed replacement at 80k miles

Starter kept going bad, though installation of 'lifetime' starter seemed to resolve this.

Brakes wear incredibly fast, though not quite a surprise for city driving

Oil Switch broke, causing massive oil leaks that were difficult to pinpoint

Severe rust on lower segments of door

Driver seat has worn tremendously

Throttle Position Sensor needed replacement.

Many other small things here and there

The car is simply fantastic. And for me, it comes from two aspects. First of all, the engine and transmission definitely deserve credit. After 100k both parts are still running great, though the transmission slips out of 3rd once in a while, especially when just finishing a hill. Couldn't ask for more from the engine. It's loud, but provides more than enough power for a rapid acceleration.

The other thing I like about this car is how it trusts the driver with everything. No power steering, no pw brakes, no nothing. The suspension barely does anything anymore (though it never really did). Well, I say this makes the ride far more fun. Anyway, standard steering is nearly as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I think its just more sensitive to fine details (compared to the Power Steering cars I've driven) in your handling.

The body is very durable, unlike stuff from today. A friend's '04 Corolla got hit by a shopping cart (we think), and it sustained 250$ in paint damage (dealer est.) Shopping carts just bounce off the Cavalier(I know, I take advantage of that all the time). I scraped the car against a cement lighting post one day when I was tired, and despite the loud noises barely any damage was visible (a lot of light yellow streaks, but not visible at all from a distance).

Well if you maintain it well, it'll treat you well.

If you love the Cavalier because it "trusts" the driver to do everything, no power steering or power brakes etc.

(where I come from we call that the INCONVENIENCE PACKAGE)

you would absolutely love driving around in Fred

Flintstone's car I guess!

I am also partial to non-power steering. I like the feel of it, for the reasons this reviewer mentioned, and it is also one less thing to break. All Cavaliers have power brakes though. You cannot get a car without one today, nor could you in 1988. Although I like manual accessories (not to the degree of being a Fred Flinstone car... I do not think you can get those either), power brakes are one thing I would not do without. Thanks for the good review.