1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4 door 2.2 I-4

Faults:

Had to replace head gasket at 90000 miles due to recall.

Replaced fuel injectors at 150000 miles.

General Comments:

The usual maintenance is all that has been require of me in this car.

For me this has been a very reliable car.

Though not the most comfortable on long drives, it has decent comfort for day to day driving.

The 2.2l engine gives good performance and 30 miles per gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2005

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier SE 2.2L 4 cylinder

Summary:

It's junk and a death trap.

Faults:

When I first bought the car the entire suspension had to be replaced.

The heater only worked on the highest setting, until I payed 125.00 to have it repaired.

The door hinges were a constant problem having to be replaced every two months.

The head gasket blew at 90,000kms.

The top pan gasket blew just shortly after that.

Received 4 recalls in one week. A bearing in the steering could let go after 60 kph; Ignition relay switch allowed more current to go through and could cause a fire; Air bags would deploy if the floor became too wet; Malfunction of the gas pump in the tank could cause an explosion.

These recalls were all repaired after the 6 hour trip to the repair depot.

The cabin light was another recall I received after about 1 month. Seems the light would refuse to go off and could catch the headliner on fire.

The car was in the garage for electrical problems regarding check engine light, anti-lock brake light, oil light, and temperature gauge.

The fuel gauge was never right even after being replaced 8 times. The gauge showed more fuel then you really had.

Even though we have paved roads I was replacing the struts at least twice per year.

General Comments:

On January 2,2005 the car caught on fire and burned. According to the reports the fuel lines rubbed through and fuel sprayed onto the hot exhaust. When the air bags blew, the front seats went through the rear window. Good thing I was not inside. I will never buy a caviler again. Right now I am looking for a 1991 - 1995 Jeep.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2005

3rd Apr 2005, 18:24

You've just had a really bad motoring experience, don't tempt fate by buying a Jeep. Are you mad?!!

28th Aug 2005, 05:33

Well back again. Deciding now on either a 2000 Dodge Neon, or a 2001 Chev Cavalier. Loved the Jeep experience for a few months. Gas is the problem right now, over 6 bucks a gallon. Its also expected to go up. Yes this is Canada. Going for the Chev once again.

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2.2L

Faults:

The valves became noisy at around 145,000 miles.

Transmission has slips once in a while, this started around150,000.

Replaced valve cover gasket due to oil leaks at 152,000 miles.

Heater blower died winter of 2003.

Water pump died last summer.

Anti-lock brake system doesn't work well, so I disabled it and the car breaks better.Please, for your own safety, do not remove or disable your Anti-lock brake system. I only did it because I know the risk I'm taking.

The 30 amp fuse keeps blowing when I use the air condition in the summer.

Uses to much gas, but I think is because of the high mileage.

Recently I've been having problems starting the car, I believe the fuel pump is about to died.

General Comments:

When I first got the car I was happy with its performance. It has good acceleration, but it should have come with more horse power for a 2.2L.

The car gave me good fuel economy, but it decreased as the mileage went up.

The car will last if you treated good and keep up with the oil changes.

Overall I have pushed this car to the limit, drive 48 miles daily, and race other 4 cylinder cars.

I win and lose sometimes, but the car still runs.

The purchase of this vehicle is up to you, cars will live, run and last on how well you treat them.

I wouldn't mind buying another car from this manufacturer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2005

9th Feb 2005, 15:48

Oh for God sakes- give me a break OK. People drove for 90years without anti-lock brakes- no big deal not to have them.