Faults:

The 1996 convertible Chevrolet Cavalier that I own has over 214,000 miles miles on it, and it has always been reliable and has never given me any problems. Only a few minor things had to be fixed such as the motor for the window, and convertible top, but for a vehicle that is over a decade old, one can't complain too much, and both things were easy to fix at a low cost anyway.

Take care of a vehicle good enough, and you will have a long lasting car.

General Comments:

My Cavalier has been through a lot, and it still runs great at over 214,000 miles. It always turns on for me, doesn't rattle or hesitate, I just love how I've been lucky to have a car that doesn't give me any problems like most older vehicles.

Everything under the hood is in great shape. The only thing that I had to change was the starter, but it was a quick and easy fix.

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a fun, easy going ride, it can pick up speed easily and won't whine, and it handles well in the snow and rain.

I wish that they didn't discontinue the Cavalier. The Cobalt is a good ride too, but it's not the same as the Cavalier. The Cavalier has proved to be one of General Motor's best selling cars.

Faults:

Power window motor broke, replaced, $250.

Needed new front struts/mounts: $660.

Other general maintenance things: tires, oil, transmission fluid etc...

General Comments:

This has been a great car. It is fairly powerful, it runs well, and has been a cheap car to maintain. As it ages I'm not so sure what problems might occur, but so far so good!

Recommended.

And if I get a new car in a few years, I will definitely consider its successor, the Chevy Cobalt!

Faults:

Replaced original fuel pump at 257,000 miles.

Replaced fuel injector o-rings at 273,000 miles.

Replaced front brake pads about 1 every 2 years.

Replaced rear brakes once.

Replaced front right hub assembly at 180,000 miles.

Changed spark plugs every two years.

Changed fuel filter every year.

Changed oil every 5000 miles.

Had the head gasket changed the first month we bought the car.

General Comments:

The car handled better than any other car I have drove.

I drove the heck out of this car and it always ran fantastic.

Drives our canyon at 70 mph without breaking a sweat.

A/C and heat always worked like new.

We were pushed into a concrete barricade going 75, the airbags worked, and we walked away without a scratch, and only my 5 year old nephew was buckled up. The car saved our lives.

The best car I have ever owned, outdoes any foreign car I have ever drove or worked on.

Excellent in the snow and ice.

Faults:

Rust underneath, EVERYWHERE! The rust has caused me to blow and replace all my brake lines, fuel tank, fuel lines, and now the fuel line from where you fill up to the fuel tank has a small leak and is rusted. Also have rust in the interior on the track the seat slides on, and had to replace the whole exhaust system due to rust.

One window handle fell off and will not stay on, both back doors will not stay closed, used to be able to lock and keep them closed by fiddling the latch with a screwdriver, then slamming them closed, now I have to hold each door closed with a ratchet strap.

Radiator hose blew.

Headlight wiring freaked out.

Gas cap door has mold, heat only works on full blast.

Battery lights been on for 3 years with no problems?

Engine light and coolant light always on, gas gage messed up for awhile, but is back to normal somehow.

It leaks antifreeze from the head gasket, and leaks oil. Have to fill it every week.

Had to replace struts, and both strut mounts snapped.

Clock randomly changes the hours, but not the minutes.

Needed all new brakes and rotors at 75000 miles.

All the interior plastic shrunk and rattles. Things fall off in the interior (plastic pieces).

Strange sounds from the engine that seem like they should be causing problems, but has made these sounds for a long time with no change on how it drives.

Stereo system and speakers act funny, sound comes and goes in certain speakers. Both back speakers are blown and I don't even play the radio loud.

Oh yes, there's more, but I'm getting sick of typing.

General Comments:

Overall this car was a nightmare!

It's tough when you can't afford another car and have to deal with whatever this thing dished out.

I finally saved enough to buy a Toyota Corolla that was a year older and had 20000 more miles, and have had no problems at all to date.

One thing I'll say about this car is that it always started for me and the engine never died, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time.