Faults:

Had to replace the following parts:

1. Power window motor.

2. Starter.

3. Heater/blower motor.

4. Rear brake line.

General Comments:

I was looking for a low-budget convertible as a year-round daily driver, and I found it in my '96 Cavalier LS convertible. The rear window is glass, and doesn't fade like plastic. Great for winter.

The 2.4 L twin cam 16 valve engine is a blast to drive, and I get 600 kms to the tank. I just got lucky that the engine didn't leak oil, didn't overheat, and didn't have any major electrical/computer box issues.

No timing belt to worry about. The manual transmission also allowed me to go home when the starter went. I just popped it into 2nd gear and I got home. The starter was gradually showing signs, but I chose to ignore it (my fault).

Parts are so cheap, and even cheaper at the wreckers. If you're a little bit handy with tools and don't mind a little repair here and there, then this is the car for you. I love the power top. I sometimes open the top in the middle of traffic, and I feel like I'm driving something really special.

Too much negative write-up about this car made me do this comment. This is my second Cavalier, and for the price and low maintenance, I'd recommend this car for the budget-strapped motorist. My neighbor has a pair of his and hers Cavaliers, and they seem happy.

Really unfair to compare it to a Civic or Corolla. Just make sure that the engine is healthy and the electrical system is sound.

With a very bad resale value, I'll just drive this one into the ground. It's going to hit the 300,000 Km soon, and it just wants to keep going.

Great for hauling garage sale stuff too. I brought home a hockey net and elliptical machine. Just open the roof and presto!

Go ahead, throw tomatoes at my comment, but this is my own experience with the Cavalier :)

Faults:

Alternator went out a week after buying it.

The timing chain & tensioner went out 3 months after buying it.

After replacing the timing chain & tensioner, the car has a miss in it & has no power.

General Comments:

This car seems like it's gonna nickel & dime us to death. We've done more than what I've listed above to this car, & have only owned it 3 months.

This car seemed to be a decent car when it ran right for that 1 month.

Faults:

I've had two Cavaliers, both 96s, one with an auto, and the one I have now is a stick.

My current one is still on the original clutch after 200 k miles. At 99k it had a timing chain done. And did it again at 199k. I bought it from a friend of mine, and he bought it new. Never broke, but was done as preventative maintenance.

The car has had an alternator, a wheel bearing and muffler.

Cavaliers are good cars for reliability, and are decent to drive. I average 30mpg, mostly city driving too. Much lower cost of ownership vs a foreign car. Anyone who says they are bad just didn't treat it well.

Also I say they require DEXCOOL antifreeze, but don't use it, it ruins your gaskets, just use the regular green antifreeze, much safer.

General Comments:

The car handles good.

A/C works great, heat works awesome too. The car warms up quick.

Seats are very good for my upper back.

Very easy to drive. Fun with a stick.