20th May 2004, 11:06

You said the door is hard to close? You probably need new bushings, alternators go every now and then, it's just a simple fact, and the CD player is screwed up, that's just a cold, hard fact, factory radios are not known for being quality electronics, that's why you should consider an aftermarket stereo, better sound quality, better overall quality, nowadays you can get a good one for a decent price.

8th Jul 2004, 14:45

I have a 97 Cavalier and just went over 100,000 miles today. It runs great and the only thing major it has needed is a new fuel pump. It is running great...Don't know why everyone says a cavalier will fall apart at 100,000. I am glad to see others out there agree with me.

7th Aug 2004, 15:07

I have a 97 cavalier and my car has 213,000 miles on it so saying that it will not run after 100,000 is so wrong. I haven't had any major problems with my car. I think it is true if you take care of your car then you won't have any big problems. I love my cavalier so much that I'm getting ready to buy a second car and I've been looking at another cavalier.

28th Oct 2004, 16:13

I have to say, my Cavalier has made me very happy. I have a 99' and it's beautiful. In fact, I've started putting a lot of after market and custom parts to it. I was afraid to invest in such things at first, but it's been well over a year since I got it, and not a thing has gone wrong with it with one exception. The only thing I'm having a problem with is one of the windshield washer sprayers keeps getting plugged up. Other than that, I'm 100% satisfied. I read the consumer reports before I bought the car, and they all gave great reviews to the 99' Cavalier. So, the first comment posted on this is absolutely ridiculous. I almost shot Pepsi out of my nose laughing when I read that the CD player skips. How does that have anything to do with reliability of the car? In most cases, it's an after market CD player (the GM ones are about $1000...no joke). In this case, the argument would have to be placed on the manufacturer of the CD player, and not the Cavalier. It sounds to me that that particular Cavalier was run into the ground, not taken care of at all, and bought from a street corner dealer. Next time, friend, inspect the car before you buy it.

3rd Jul 2006, 14:05

I must say that even in my cold salty conditions in Ontario in Canada my 99'Calavier has held out very well. It has 190,000 kilometers on it and I am the original owner. I have taken care of it. Yes I am a spirited driver, but not rough. I have had to replace a fuel pump and usual wear and tear. So what? I expected a lot worse for what I paid for the car 7 years and 190,000 kilometers ago. Treat your Cavalier well and it will pamper you in return!

4th Apr 2007, 14:23

I could not agree more with the last comment. I'm the owner of a 2002 Cavalier sedan and I as well reside in snowy, salt infested Ontario Canada and up to now my Cavalier has been great. Other than an oil pan gasket (under warranty) and a faulty fuel pump, it's been a dream to own. I'm the second owner and I have had no major problems. A car needs to be maintained and remember that the Cavalier/Sunfire is NOT a sports car nor is it designed to be. Sounds to me like the reviewer drove the daylights of this car with no mercy.

13th Apr 2007, 12:14

We have a 1999 Cavalier, we've replaced just about everything on the darn thing and we still can't get it to start. I will never buy another one!

15th Dec 2007, 03:42

Oi I'm looking into buying a 99 z24. So thanks for all the good reviews. I will check out the car and really think about getting it.

19th Mar 2008, 10:17

Yes, I concur with the improper maintenance being the culprit. Many people whine about the brakes on these cars; well maybe one should make sure that the brakes are properly serviced at regular intervals. Many shops are just slapping the new pads in, this is where the problem lies. The brake hardware has to be cleaned, lubed, and then re-installed. Don't blame the item. Repairs need to be done right!!

4th May 2008, 22:41

I have a 99 Z22 and it's no good. I had a Honda Accord and it was way better, so I'm going to buy a new Honda. Never will I buy a GM again.

19th Jun 2008, 22:38

To the OP:

If the car doors don't close properly, it's your fault. When was the last time you lubed the hinges and latches? No rocket science here.

In my opinion, the Cavalier is a good car for the money. The 2.4L is horrible to work on, but it has a surprising amount of power. Most 4 cylinder engines are pretty lame.

The only other sore point on this car is the design of the slave cylinder for the clutch. It's right in the middle of the transmission, making replacement without removing the transmission impossible. First time I saw this newfangled design was on a Ford Ranger. Go figure.

It's a cheap car! What do you expect, it to be built of gold? If these little things bother you, go buy a Rolls Royce! You'll need good luck on that one.

6th Mar 2009, 10:05

I have a 1999 Chevy Cavalier and it has over 160,000 miles and it goes good. Sure it has something wrong, but I am going to get it fixed. I bought mine not knowing that there is something wrong with the gas gage and the gas mileage. But I am going to be getting it fixed. I am 17 and I can't afford to get it fixed. But I am getting it fixed. All cars need to get routine maintenance done.

My Cavalier is supposed to be getting around 30 miles per gallon, but I am getting only 15. I am getting it fixed and I just bought it. Not all GM vehicles are bad. You can't say that they all do because there is more than one GM vehicle.

17th Mar 2010, 22:20

I have a 99 Cavalier. I'm having problems starting it. The problem started when I moved to Texas. Sometimes to get it to start, I have to give it gas, and it started fine before in Ind. It's gotten worse since I had a car alarm put on it with a kill switch. I smell a burning smell and see slight white smoke coming from the back by the carburetor.

I really like my car; I just want to get it fixed. Any suggestions on what's wrong with it? I have taken the car and they put on a part, but it's still doing it. Please help!

16th Jun 2010, 02:24

1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24. It's total garbage!! I would never ever buy anything GM ever again!!

22nd Sep 2010, 08:56

To 22:20.

If your car hasn't burnt up yet, you have an electrical short that could cause a fire. I suppose it is near that thing that you believe to be a carburetor. Since these things have fuel injection, I can't tell what you are looking at.

If all fails you may consider moving to an other state. Strange things are happening in Texas! (Caution: internet humor)