Chevrolet Cavalier

teo

Sorry my dear GM fanatics. It seems that I touched a very sensitive nerve around here.

Enjoy your jurassic era J and N body cars!

dindak

I think everyone knows the J-body is old and needs replacing.

I'm just suspicious of anything coming from small cars in Europe as I don't think they are all that great. I hope the new Cavalier is better than what I've seen drift over here in the past (mostly from Ford).

teo

Been to Europe recently?

If you haven't, then you have missed the most spectacular new small cars. Just to put it in very few words, they put our home grown compact cars to absolute shame.

dindak

Not since 93. Hope you're right.

malibu99

Enjoy your jurassic bodied vehicle as well teo! :-)

Hey guys check out this site:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/chevrolet_cars.htm

Great concepts for Chevy cars including the Cavalier.

mr10s

I have had my cavalier for 3 years. It has been a good car. I bought a warranty from Warranty Gold. 5 years. 150,000. Expensive but worth. Bought the car new. It has been good but the warranty has already paid for itself. Little things but I drive alot of miles and the basic warranty runs out at 30,000. I have 60,000. I have a 2 door with 5 speed. It has been good. knock on wood.

hoyahenry

Just got the notice that the ignition switch on certain Cavaliers from 95-97 can suffer high over voltages during extended cranking, melt, and cause a fire. The repair kits will not be available until June....

tomcat630

Business Week had a story about GM's new small car strategy and it refered to the 2005 Cavalier. So, it looks like two more years of the Jurassic Car.

At least the EcoTec engine is in the new ones.

teo

2005? Gosh! too far away! Oh well, it will be a new 2003 Pontiac Vibe for us!

alternator

there will be a 2004 Cavalier based on the Opel Astra. Click on: http://www.motortrend.com/future/2004.html

and scroll about half-way down.

alternator

will be based on a world-wide platform shared with the new Saturn ION. Click on:

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2002/newyork/highlights/h04-saturn-ion.html

for terrific conceptual views of that car. I personally cannot stomach the "centered" instrument panel. I hope that that mistake, at least, is corrected.

dindak

Ya, I read that. It will be an 05 model released in 04. Hopefully it will come out at the beginning of 04 as it's needed badly. I think the Ecotec will be the only engine choice for 2003 though which is good.

tomcat630

Motor Trend is hardly ever correct with car news. In the 70's they predicted a mid-engine Corvette every year.

csandste

let's see if I can think of ten good things to say about my Cavalier which I really don't like.

1. The Cavalier is Chevy's prettiest sedan, far more attractive than the Malibu or Impala.
2. I don't like automatics, but if you have to have one the GM four speed in the Cav. is pretty nice.
3. Cheap to fix, anybody can repair.
4. Mine at least has proven pretty reliable.
5. Insurance costs a lot less than the Elantra.
6. LS auto. has standard ABS and traction control.
7. Chevy dealers have proven to be fairly agreeable on the purchase and the few repairs I've had done. I think all of GM is influenced by Saturn. Seem to be better than Ford and DC and most imports.
8. Uh....
9. Welll.....
10. Duh....

caesarslegion

i put the cav on my consideration list.i was wanting to know if they are reliable?and how about the new 2.2 ecotec engine?i have heard that the old 2.2 blew head gaskets alot.any comments?

dindak

I would get the Ecotec if you can swing it. Much better motor thought we have had no problems with the old engine. Car is reliable and cheap transportation. It's not an exciting car though the Z24 isn't bad with a stick.

caesarslegion

the 2.2 ecotec cav is on my buy list.im waiting to see if i can get a deal on an off lease model.thanks for the info.

roderacer

<<The Cavalier is Chevy's prettiest sedan, far more attractive than the Malibu or Impala>>

Hmmm, have to disagree. Beauty is in the eye, I suppose, but my Impala seems to have a bit more pizzazz than the 'ol Cavi. Nice looking car, but a bit bland.

Enjoy the ride, all!

RR

dweezil

loves to continue to make the false claim that the J body is 20 years old.It is NOT,if you bother to do your research. This has been documented in Motor Trend, Car and Driver and other automotive nagazines.But it makes the accusation better if you overlook the facts, doesn't it?
The J was used as the platform for the first gen N cars[Aug-Oct.84 M/T] with the 92 re-do these changed to an updated platform. When the 95 Cavaliers came out they WERE BASED ON THE N PLATFORM that came out in 92 though still referred to as a "J".Car and Driver [Aug.-Oct 94].
I guess we should all despise the current MUstang because it's so ancient,it's still a Fairmont underneath isn't it? Give me a damn break.
Unlike some on this forum I give sources for my info, not biased ignorant proclamations. Who am I kidding??????
I happen to like these cars and have made it a point to educate myself about them, which is a lot more than some posters have bothered to do. I guess it is one of those things that "everyone KNOWS is true" though no one ever bothers to verify. Well I HAVE.
I also actually own a Cavalier,unlike some others as well.
No problems,runs fine,gets great mileage,looks good,comfortable,great value.Meets the needs of quite a few people it seems, but open season for uninformed insults and contempt.The car will NOT satisfy if you are into designer labels or think that paying a lot of money for something is a guarantee of superior taste.

csandste

From: http://www.nbody.net

What's An N-Body?

The Basics

"N-Body" is General Motors designation for the platform that GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am are built upon. Although these vehicles look very different from the outside, the drivetrain and body structure are essentially identical. GM shares its various platforms with all its product lines. For example, the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire are built on the J-Body platform at the Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio. Likewise, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird are built on the F-Body platform at the St. Therese, Quebec plant.

GM has used the N-Body platform since 1985, and since then many different makes and models of GM vehicles have been built on it, including the Buick Skylark & Somerset, Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Achieva, Alero, Calais & Cutlass and the Pontiac Grand Am. These vehicles have sold under many different trim levels with several engine options, from a 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder up to the current 3.4L V6.

From: http://www.j-body.org/

This website is dedicated to the General Motors J-platform vehicles. These include the Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Sunbird and J2000, Olds Firenza, Buick SkyHawk and Cadillac Cimarron. The purpose of this site is to educate and inform others about these cars, as well as to put j-body owners in contact with other owners and resources.

I thought these cars were significantly different, especially in the rear suspension.

dweezil

from Car and Driver when they came out. There was an extensive article in fall of 84 detailing the styling compromises among the three divisions and references to them as "Super" Js. Initially because the sales of the Cavalier and it's clones were so slow, GM wanted to use the excess capacity.
This was all reported when the N's were introduced. They were also to be replacements for the Toronado, Riviera etc.Chevy opted out, but THEIR version of the "N" was the Beretta [bang!]and the Corsica.[side note: GM had to pay plenty of bucks to the gun company to use the name even though the spelling was different]
I am going by what was reported at the time b\y the leading car rags.
The N IS substantially different but is based on the same platform, much like the A's[Century Ciera Celebrity] were taken from the ill fated X cars, even sharing the same wheelbase and passenger cubes.
One of the two [M/T or C&D] referred to the N/J platform at the time as being "GM's most capable".
Thanks for the new sites. I will go there when I get home tonite.
When the 92 N's came out they were substanially reworked, though essentially the same as the original. When the 3rd Gen. came out[and I am going by what I have read in the rags comparing stats between cars etc.],and a new Cavalier was finally being prepared,according to reports, it was being heavily reworked onthe former [92-96?]N platform.
GM has been doing this for years. I doubt you can find many interchangable parts between the 95-current and the 82-87 88-94 except for engines and trans.
The Car and Driver road test of the 95 Cavalier mentioned the fact that only the cowl and windshield frame were left over from the former version of the Cavalier, that it was in effect all new.
Sorry if I was a little brittle but I went back through some previous posts and was referred to as being "out of my mind". Haven't been on in awhile, so I was a little put off.I have no reason to make it up! LOL.
The car IS ancient, it DOES need to be made more competitive and if the current edition is around much longer, Chevy will have no need to build retro show cars, it'll have one in production.I love mine and all the things people are saying are in general true, but it is not as awful as people who come to the topic simply to bash the car and insult other posters would have you believe.
BTW, the current Cavalier got a COTY award when it came out in Argentina or Brazil.....somewhee in So.America.
csandste, again thanks for the new N web site. The Calais I owned is now being driven and enjoyed by my parents and with only 68,000 original miles on it since fall of 85 [86 model year]. I'll pass the info on to them as well. Dave

tomcat630

The J car is NOT 20 years old! It's 21, it came out in 1981.

Even with all the "make overs" it still is out dated. At least they offer a new engine this year and a whole new car is coming in 2 years.

dindak

Lease is up on our 99 Cavalier and it will be replaced with an 02 Alero.

It's been cheap basic transportation, nothing more really. Had a rear shock replaced and a rattle fixed, but that's about it in terms of warranty work. Features such a standard ABS were much appreciated in a car of this price.

Looking forward to getting the Alero which is much more of a driver's car!

bigdaddycoats

Yesterday I saw a Cavalier on the rod with manufacturer plates. My guess was that it was an early build 2003 Cavalier. From what I can tell the rear and front facias are slightly re designed. Front end had a more aggresive look and the rear had a conteperary look to it. It looks better that the current models, but still needs a complete overhaul.

vocus

Weird that GM would decide to reskin the old patform of the Cavalier/Sunfire when they are slated to be replaced soon. Also, you would think they can put the redesigned car on the market now, and make more money than they would selling the old car with $3000 rebates. I don't know though.

alternator

must make it one of the best car buys ever (in my opinion).

tomcat630

Thats the highest rebate I've ever seen for a J car. When will the $5K ones come?

asdxere

Just how expensive of a repair is this valve cover gasket replacement that I read about in this forum ? Is it more than $200 ? Everyone seems to indicate that it's soooo expensive.
Is it ???

alternator

on 4 cyl Cavaliers is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project. Chilton's Repair Manuals (see Wal-Mart) have enough info to do the job if you are inclined to save money.

dindak

A reskin doesn't cost much and just a little tweaking of the looks can sell more cars. Cavalier replacement is 1 1/2 - 2 years away so they have to keep the current model selling. The standard Ecotec for 2003 should help also. The car is a huge bargoon with the incentives. It's still the 2nd or 3rd best selling car in Canada.

hoyahenry

DIY for $6 - $9.80. I did it recently. The biggest problem was putting the valve cover bacl on with the new gasket. I'd be curious in anyone knowing how it's supposed to be done. I'm keeping my method a secret b/c it was not a conventional solution.

asdxere

I appreciate all the DIY responses, but I don't have tools, and I'm not very mechanically inclined. How much would a Chevy dealer charge for the valve gasket replacement ?

alternator

about $20 for the gasket, $60 for the labor. An independent shop might do it for less.

vocus

I had one of these replaced, but it was on a 1988 Dodge Aries America. I was charged like $30 for the whole job. Pretty easy and cheap item.

tomcat630

I hope they do have the Ecotech standard, the pushrod 4 is older then God.

alternator

owners please describe their experiences? Are these engines exceptionally quiet while idling per reports I have read? How quiet are they at cruising speeds, and at high speeds? Are they easy or difficult to do regular scheduled maintenance on? Any problems? Thanks for info in advance.

I am particularly impressed by the chain-driven valve system.

rbb2

I have a 2002 LS Sport w/ 2000 miles on it. I've never really listened to the engine when idling but haven't noticed it either. I am impressed with the engine. It consistently gives me 30 mpg even from the get go. I am mostly highway driving though. I had a 96 Z24 and I would say when driving it is quieter than that engine but again it's a 4-banger and you know it when it's driving, especially around town. It's not real noisy but you know it's there. Nothing that bothers me.

I did notice that it appears that the oil filter is to be changed from the engine compartment rather than underneath. I don't have the proper wrench to remove it. Does anyone know where I can get it? The filter is paper, just like how it is on the 3.5L found on the Intrigue.

Overall I'm happy with the engine. It drives nice and gives great mileage. It has the pep I need when passing on the highway but not like the 2.4 does.

joe3891

1960 Jeep has a paper filter,boy that is progress

newcar31

almost ALL cars have paper filters. The difference is whether it is an internal canister filter (like the Intrigue and new eco-tech) or a regular spin-on.

jpelder

Actually, the filters in the eco-tech are "progress". They utilize less waste material and are much easier to change than the spin off type. They are easier to get at, and you can remove them without dripping oil.

It amazes me how manufacturers continue to put maintenance items such as oil filters in such hard-to-get areas. The ecotec setup is a refreshing return to common sense.

alternator

If eco oil filters are not spin-off, what the heck is the method of attachment, and how is it that no oil will be spilled? Would appreciate being educated on this.

jpelder

The ecotec filters sit in a part of the crankcase housing, which extends a bit out from the crankcase. It is positioned right in front of the engine, very easy to reach. You remove a threaded cap with a wrench, then lift out the filter. The whole process is vertical, which minimizes the oil mess. You can actually let the excess filter oil drip off the old filter back into the chamber before swapping filters.

joe3891

Thats what i said paper,the ones you buy now are metal with the paper inside.My Jeep is the paper type,no metal when it comes out of the box.

hoyahenry

I'm presuming the Alero, Grand Am and Cavalier ecotech engines are all the same and that the oild filters are also. If so, what are folks here paying for the filter? From where? Autozone online has the STP filter for 7.99. That's better than the $11+ I paid back in November after calling everybody looking for the AC Delco pf2244g.

jpelder

I paid about 4-5 bucks a few weeks ago at Autozone for one. I believe it was a Deutsch, which was the only brand they had in stock.

rbb2

I got mine at Murrays. It was AC Delco and I don't believe it was more than $4.

taskmaster

First, I could have bought virtually ANY car I wanted. I looked at mid-size sedans but there wasn't one I REALLY liked. Maybe in a few years. I have rented quite a few Cavaliers while traveling and have been amazed how nimble they are but they have a (nearly) mid-size car's ride and feel without the size and expense.

I always wanted to own one so when a local L.A., CA Chevy dealer's ad appeared with a $2250 discount and the $3000 rebate, I went looking for it.

I was surprised a dealer had one on the lot. Just one accessory, auto trans. I was going to order one with auto and cruise but just as well. List price with delivery charge was $15,300.00.
I asked how much? He said, "$9995.00" With a decent price given for my trade-in (I couldn't believe how fast the sale went, it was near the end of the month and there was nowhere to go on this car anyway)I took it. Wrote a check for the difference. Love it. Two things:

1) The "bolts" on the plastic wheel covers squeak against the wheel lugs when driving over bumps. I have tightened them but it doesn't help. Maybe something can be placed between the plastic bolt threads and the lug threads. Anyone experience and resolve this?

2) The steering feels pretty stiff at low and medium speeds. I have about 33 PSI in the tires. Is it because it's new and tight? Is there a computer code that can set to have the power steering at a level like at cold start? Can the idle speed be set higher?

Thanks for the help.

brakeman1

So I have a 99 Cavalier LS with 42000 miles on it. Before it went off the 3/36000 warranty, I took it in to the dealer to have a couple of minor problems fixed (accessory outlet not working, oil leak, front engine oil seal leak). Than at about 40000 miles it starts leaking again, so I took it to my regular mechanic to take a look, and he showed me where they replaced the oil pan gasket, and for some reason used silicone, because it has bulged out around the pan. The seal above and behind the pan (hard to get to) is where the oil was leaking from in the first place. I am not even sure the oil pan was leaking to begin with anyway. But so the seal above and behind the pan, where the oil seemed to be coming from, I am not sure what they did to fix that in the first place, but it is leaking again. So I take it to the dealer and they say, 99 dollars to inspect it, and no, the car is off warranty, so even though the original warrantied repair is leaking, 6000 miles later, to have it repaired again, is not covered. Shouldn't that be covered now. Same problem, fixed under warranty, and leaking again, or am I just asking to much. I can not, or will not got back to the dealer again, (Potamkin NYC), because I know what they will say, and I dread going near the place.After 15000 miles I took it in to have the trunk release repaired, which they fixed, but only after handing me an estimate for 1200 dollars for maintenance work they recommended (engine cleaning, PCV valve, Fuel system cleaning etc), which I declined because the car otherwise runs fine and none of that work is mentioned anywehere in the manual. They were insistent that I risked major damage to the engine if this work was not done of course, so you get the idea of what Potamkin thinks about service...

Any advise/comments?

vocus

The car's repairs, most of the time, are under a 12 month/12K warranty. If the same thing happens again, they have to fix it for free. Chevy dealers don't know the meaning of the word "service", so your case makes sense. I went through a simliar thing when I had my Cavalier.

They told me this rattle in the front was loose change in the dash. At 39K miles, I had them inspect the struts after practically threatening to kill the service manager. They did, and sure enough, the right front one was bad. They replaced it under warranty, and that was that.

Hope you have your paperwork from the repair. It will help immensely.

joe3891

is what the factory uses to seal the the pan,what engine have you 2.2 or 2.4.Either way its an easy job,both surfaces have to be clean clean before reseal no oil.