1989 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.8
Summary:
Could have been better built!!!
Faults:
My engine went at 246,000km.
My alternator died at about 100,000km.
My A/C is constantly giving me trouble. I had retrofitted from the old R12 and it just hasn't been anywhere near as cold.
I have had the front hubs replaced twice.
My cruise control hasn't worked for years.
When it was still new, I slid a bit in the snow and bumped the R front wheel against the curb - very lightly. But I put the rack out of alignment and bent the frame. The car has not handled the same since. It constantly pulls to the left. I can't count how many times it's been aligned- but to no avail.
The ECM has gone three times!!!
The fuel pump and heater core also needed replacing a few years ago.
Recently the power steering pump needed replacing.
General Comments:
When the car is working fine it's fun to drive. The acceleration is great and I don't mind the fuel economy. I just wish that GM had put a little more effort in the design of this thing. It really could have been a great car instead of just an okay car. I'll never buy another GM vehicle again, but it is my first and only car and in a weird sort of way I love it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th June, 2005
17th Aug 2007, 13:23
Regarding your alignment problem, I had a similar problem with my '89 Z24, but it was fixed by a clever mechanic. I slid in the snow on a road in Colorado and slammed into the curb very hard on the passenger front side. It bent the control arm and one shop said $$$ to replace it. I went to another shop and the mechanic slightly notched the hole where adjustments were bolted down and after an alignment on the rack it drove like new, straight and true!
10th Feb 2006, 18:09
After all that, you'd probably have enough $$$ to buy a brand new or at least newer car!