Folks, I have to share with you my wonderful experience with our '97 Chevy Cavalier LS. Purchased new in the Fall of '97, my wife and I wanted a commutable sedan that would lend itself to hauling around our then only daughter an be able to handle grocery and mall shopping capacity tasks. Did I mention that I drive 82 miles roundtrip a day and my wife drives 110 miles roundtrip a day? Since I work steady midnights (11p-7a) shifts and my wife works normal 9-5 hours, we share the cavalier for commuting. So this car during a five day period commuting alone goes 960 miles. We now have 122,000 problem free miles on our cavalier. We are so impressed with this car, we are now in the process buying a second 2001 Cavalier we will keep the '97 Cavalier as a primary driver. Both cars are LS sedans, except we are ordering the 2.4L engine in our new cavalier. For no specific purpose other than we wanted to have the larger HP rating. The 2.2L was described as "Venerable" when we bought our '97 and it certainly has been for us. What a great engine. I hope to report hope same on the 2.4L. By the way, the $2,500 rebate on the Cavalier was the incentive we needed to buy right now, otherwise we we just rely on our trusty '97 for the commute duties. I wish our '89 Toyota was as reliable as our '97 Cavalier has been.
I like high mileage cars...after you hit 250K email me...if it still runs I'll drive it for courier work and I'm putting about 1200-1500 miles a week on the 1995 Aspire I have now. No dealer will give you good money and many people are scared of high miles. I had a 1989 Escort once with 351K...I am NOT scared of high miles. The Cavalier can be a good car (I have seen them with over 300K) and the seat folds down and that makes it OK for my kind of work. Good luck keeping the odometer spinning!
The 2.4L should be a lot more fun to drive. We have a 99 with the 2.2L, but I find the power to be lacking a bit. It might be because I usually drive our V6 Intrigue, but if I bought another Cavalier I would go 2.4L for sure.
Hi I bought a new 2001 Black Z24. It has the clearcoat paintjob and is black. When looking at the car in sunlight or at an angle, there are what seems hundreds of fine scratches in the clearcoat. Again, its mostly noticable in bright sunlight. The dealer says that its normal and is more pronounced on a black car than on other colors. My friend has a new Monte Carlo, black, but doesnt have the same scratches. I undestand that the Cavalier is no comparison to the Monte, but its upsetting. Does anyone else have these fine scratches on there Cavalier ? Thanks
The paint used on the Cavalier is not quite the same quality as on the Monte Carlo. That being said, we have a black 99 sedan and it seems fine. I do take it through car washed (touchless and softcloth).
Those fine scratches or "swirls" are caused by the buffing of the paint job. From what you are saying it appears that the dealership did not do a complete wax job before delivery. But fear not, go to any autoparts store and buy yourself Maguires swirl and scratch remover and a bottle of Maguires wax. Follow the instructions for both and your car will look better than when it was delivered. Swirl marks are indeed normal to a paint job especially for dark colored cars. I have a navy blue malibu and the swirls are not even noticeable since I use Maguires wax.
I have to say, my cavalier has been the best car. Very dependable and cheap. I bought my 94 Cavalier in 96 with 29,000 on it. Got it for 6,500. Cheap. I know have 150,000 on it with no problems. I drive 140 miles round trip everyday. It has never failed me. I have no doubts in this car starting for me everytime I turn the key.
I do regular maintenance, oil change every 3,500 miles. I had to change the normal things too, like struts, shocks, alternator, radiator, battery. The 2.2 is a great engine. I have a friend who keeps waiting for the car to die. I don't think it will for a while. I know I can get atleast 200K on it.
NEVER PUT BOSCH PLATINUM PLUGS IN IT. I had problems with it missing with both sets of replacement plugs. I put AC back it. Not a problems since.
When that happens, I will probably get another 2 year old Cavalier. I Get a GM discount, but the resale value on these cars are not the best. I can get them alot cheaper a couple years old.
Hi all! I am new to this forum and this is my first post. but i have been reading the other posts since a couple of weeks and are they helpful or what!! i have a 99 chevy cavalier. 4-dr Sedan automatic with the 2.4L engine. i bought it a couple of months ago with 27000 miles on it. since 3 weeks or ago or so i am hearing a strange knocking noise under the hood it occurs when i go at low speeds on uneven roads or soemtimes when making sharp turns. i am sure something is loose down there which makes that sound when it gets shaken in some particular way since the sound is not there always. i took it to the dealer since its still under warranty but he couldn't find anything. A friend of mine says that sometime the engine becomes loose on its mounts or something like that(he owns a metro prism). i am not sure whether that might be the problem or not. Have any of you heard of a similar problem. please help me out with this one. that noise is driving me nuts. thanks
Mine did that too. Have them check the front struts. When mine did it, they checked the struts but for some strange reason couldn't find it the first time and said there was loose change in the glovebox and that I should just drive the car and enjoy it. After speaking with my attorney and when the technician who said that was terminated right on the spot, then they looked at the problem more seriously. It was a broken front strut. They replaced it at 40,000 miles free of charge.
I forget to mention. I get that noise sometimes even when i start the car, i.e. when i turn the ignition key and the engine is fired up. Is that because of the broken strut too, did u get that noise while starting the car? Please let me know. Thanks
I got this gargling-type noise when I started it all the time, but never when the car was running. They told me it was the computer cycling through its check. I would take it to the dealer and have it checked out though, before the warranty goes.
My 99 2.2 Cavalier also makes a knocking noise sometimes when I make a sharp turn and hit a bump. I've looked everywhere for the source of the noise. I think I've found it though. From the master brake cylinder the steel brake pipe goes downward and across to the passenger side front wheel. Where it crosses the firewall it should be firmly fastened by clips. If you reach down to the oil filter you'll notice the steel pipe going to the front wheel. Check that it's firmly fixed. By fixing that I got rid of one less rattle.
My mom has a 1996 2-door Cavalier with the 2.2L. This little car has over 118,000 miles on it and has never been a problem. She bought it in 1997 with 12,500 miles on it. She drives 400 miles a week, sometimes more and the car is always reliable. Living in Alaska the car hasn't had the easiest life, it will start down to -20 without the engine heaters plugged in and will still go at -50 as long as its been plugged in. She has replaced a fuel pump and a starter in this car. I think Cavaliers are great little cars.
I had a 98 Cavalier until last year when we traded it in for my wifes Impala (great car) now I am thinking of getting a Z24. My question is... in my 98 when the abs would engage the front wheels would vibrate and make a loud rattle noise. Is this normal never owning a car w/ abs before I thought it was but the Impala comes to a smooth stop every time. Any thoughts would be great.
I too have had those types of noises in about the 5-10 times that I've activated ABS on my Sunfire GT. I don't know about the vibration of the front wheels, but I did hear rattle noises. I talked to the service manager about it, and he said that it's normal. I suppose that I expected the ABS to sound smoother and if there were any sounds, they would be less delay between them. As for the Impala, the difference may be that Cavaliers and Impalas use different ABS systems. Cavaliers use cheap ABS, while the Impala probably has a more sophisticated ABS
I have a '97 Cavalier. I have the rattling noises also. I also have another problem. For about the last two years, the car will die for no reason about a hundred yards after I start driving. It always starts back up though, until recently. The check engine light comes on and it shakes. It is still under warranty, so I took it in. Of course they couldn't find anything wrong. They said I got some bad gas, suggested changing the fuel filter and putting octane boost in. Well, it started doing it again. I have taken it two places, and they can't find anything. I did get stranded once. I can't wait to get rid of the thing!
I learned to drive before ABS was even an option. I can remember my first abs can and how I felt about abs after the first time I tried to push the brake pedal through the floor. The can as fast as the car is going to stop and there is nothing more you can do about it. And while it is working it makes noise, lots of noise as all the valves are working on all the wheels. I am only saying what the noise is because that is what all the auto mags say it is. We have to be retrained to use this new braking system. The object is not to pump the brakes like we used to but to smash the pedal to the floor and thy to maneuver around what we think we are about to hit. Yes Virginia ABS lets you steer the car. What bothered me was that there is no real feel in the brake pedal. My last two cars have ABS and I am almost used to it. But sometimes I forget and, like I was taught, I have been known to pump the brakes. Not good because it defeats how the brakes work. If you have ABS get used to the panic stop noise. It's a new fact of life.
I have a 2000 Cavalier Sedan that uses 4-5 qts. of oil between oil changes and am going to Arbitration with GM after they have failed to fix whatever this is and while they said four months ago they would give me a 100,000 warranty, they have since reniged and are now making it an ultimatum... either a new engine or the 100,000 warranty. I want what I paid for --- a new car.
I am looking for INDIGLO GAUGES for my 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. I been searching online and I haven't come across anything for my make and model. Could anyone assist me. Any suggestions would be grateful. ) thanks
Have a 1990 3.1 cavalier RS. Lately I have found that their is little heat coming from the heater even though I have changed the thermostat. When I come to a stop the heater blows cool air instead of hot. When I start driving again it blows only warm air. Also have a clicking sound coming from a area close to the battery. When clicking starts I find that the Battery indicator in the card drops below half , lights dim, wipers slow, and fan drops low. Have changed battery, checked charging system and tuned up car. But has not solved problems. Any suggestions?
Have a 1990 3.1 cavalier RS. Lately I have found that their is little heat coming from the heater even though I have changed the thermostat. When I come to a stop the heater blows cool air instead of hot. When I start driving again it blows only warm air. Also have a clicking sound coming from a area close to the battery. When clicking starts I find that the Battery indicator in the card drops below half , lights dim, wipers slow, and fan drops low. Have changed battery, checked charging system and tuned up car. But has not solved problems. Any suggestions?
I just purchased a 1998 Cavalier 2 door 5 speed with AC , I like this car it has enough pep, good safety features , I did not buy a Neon though very peppy like all Chrysler products they lack quality . Chrysler's depreciate fast for example were I purchase my car here in Toronto Ontario Canada there is a 1999 300M I that is going of 24 000 candain you figure that new it was 40000 canadain that is a 16000 lost in just two years -neons goe for 21000 with taxes and in the first year they lose at least 7000 dollars. The Cavalier is a well made car and I paid 9888 for it with 53000 KMS , so stay away from a company that will fold very soon. So I will keep you posted on my little chevy.
Hi. I, up until last week, have loved my 99 Cavalier... it is my first brand new car and I have taken great pains to keep it in good condition. Needless to say, last Friday (yes, three days before Christmas), my transmission gave out... that is to say the car would not go into gear in the middle of the city. I had it towed first to a transmission place wherein I was told that the whole transmission would likely need to be replaced. The mechanic also informed me that this sort of problem SHOULD NOT happen in a car that is a year and a half old. Now, herein lies my problem: my car, though only a year and a half old, has 37,500 miles on it, 1500 over warranty. Obviously, a new transmission in such a young car is indicative of a problem. The car is at the dealership being "diagnosed" now. My question for you all is this: has anyone else had a problem with the transmission in 99 Caves? I will be asking for cost assistance and am leaning towards asking for the whole thing to be covered. 1500 over warranty is bunk.... that's about a month of driving for me.
Any comparable stories, ideas comments? Thanks!!!!!
I would not worry about it. If you are only 1500 out of warranty chances are very good thqat they will either cover the whole thing or assist you with the cost so I wouldn't worry too much. I can honestly tell you that tranny issues for the Cavalier are very uncommon, they make great trannies and are very smooth but as with any mass produced item you have a chance of getting a bad one. Don't despair solutions will come and I'm sure they will treat you good ( car's only 1 year old afterall). Good luck!
Colemar, you didn't say what transmission you had - 3 sad auto, 4sp auto or 5 sad stick? You say that the car would not go into gear. Were you driving it or were you starting up? On the automatics there is mechanical interlock between the ignition key and the sifter. If the cable linkage between them should fail you might get the symptom you described. Always look for the simple things first and get a second opinion before you change the entire transmission.
As far as I know the Cavalier automatic has a very reliable transmission. I'm very happy with my 99 model.
Look what the spelling check did to my posting! Changed spd to sad! Sorry, that should read auto 3spd or 4spd and 5 spd stick shift. And sifter is supposed to be shifter. Seems like Edmunds new spelling check automatically corrects spelling now.
First, things are much better concerning the transmission situation. Malibu99, thank you in particular for your message as I at least felt better that this problem is not common in Chevy transmissions. Essentially, the mechanic at the dealership decided it was a "serious" defective problem and the entire thing is being replaced. So far, I will have to pay for labor though probably not even that, despite being over warranty. I am happy... because I do love this car, and its my first new one, so having had used/old cars all my life, I am paranoid about repairs and automobile reliability in general. But, Chevrolet, I am proud to say, has treated me very well so far. Thanks for the insight, Malibu99 and 7937. I appreciate it.
Colemar;glad to hear things arebeing resolved.My 99 is a 2.2 w/4spd. auto.I've never had any more than 3 speeds [manual on the column-63 Valiant or auto.]and it's smoooooth. It is my first new car as well and I love it. The ABS was different and makes odd noises when it comes on, but the brakes are great. BUT: I live in L.A.have 15,600 miles on my car and the dealer at it's 15,000 mile tire rotation told me the front brakes have only 25% of their pads left!!! A third of my mileage has been freeway, including a 2000 mile round trip to Oregon. Anyone have an idea what the average life of the factory brakes is? I'm not a "boy racer",just an average slob doing ordinary things. I love the car,just curious. THX in advance everyone. Dave
Colemar, I'm also glad to hear your problems are being resolved. Keep us posted.
Dweezil, a thumping type noise when the ABS kicks in is normal. Just keep your foot on the brake all the time when it's in operation. My ABS works great on my 99 Cavalier. Why you should be having so much brake pad wear is a puzzle though. Just see when they are replaced that premium pads are fitted.
Glad to hear the issue is being resolved in a great fasion. Don't expect anymore tranny issues though, they are excellent tranies and you probably got a bad one. Good Luck and enjoy your car!
First, you all seem keen that I keep forgetting to mention what type of transmission... sorry! Its a 3-Speed Automatic.
So here's the latest. We are going on two weeks tomorrow (Friday) that my car has been at the dealership. Not ONCE has anyone there called me... I have to continually call them. "How's my car?" "What's going on?" Not ONCE had I been able to speak with the Service Manager... I was only getting relayed messages that cost assistance would be granted but no specifics as to what was exactly wrong or when it would get fixed. At the end of last week, I wrote a lengthy letter to Chevrolet, MAC, and the dealership explaining the whole situation and a little about me and how I do not expect to have to pay anything for this problem (or at least, pay very little). So today, two weeks after the incident, the Service Manager calls me... he explains that at the dealership, they are in the middle of waiting on a part for this one car they already had which is slowing my repair up and all this kind of stuff. I basically told him that if he had bothered to call me last week and explain the problem with my car in full as well as the surrounding problems of why this is taking so long, I probably wouldn't have had to contact MAC or Chevy. Essentially, the service is carp, the service manager is carp and I am two weeks without a car. UGHH!
So, although I know in the end that Chevy will do right by me, the intervening factor of the Dealership is seriously ticking me off... and its one of those situations that is unfortunately beyond my control. The Service Manager promised to call tomorrow with definite answers and a definite time as to when I can get my car back.
And so, everyone, things are good with Chevy, not so good for their dealership. I am afraid I will be raising bloody hell over this with those Service kept. people. thanks again for all the input and I'll let you know how the soap opera ends up.
Sounds like it's time to find a new dealership. Like finding a new car is important so is finding a great dealership. Did tehy give you a loaner car? They have to give you one, and no not one of those little Metros with 10 HP. Once this is over just stay away from them, Chevy will cover any warranty issues at any GM dealership. Good LUck!
hey, the dealership lost my car key so they can't start the car or get the steering wheel unlocked... and apparently, cutting a new key isn't working so i have to drive an hour to them now and give them a spare. this is fun.
Hey all I have a 98 rally sport, and in the last few months i have noticed a horrendous squeaking noise coming from the front where the dash meets the window. Has anyone else had this problem and/or does anyone know how to fix it?? Any help is greatly appreciated on this one! Aus!
Has anyone experienced excessive oil consumption with the 2.2L in the 2000 Cavalier? I have 12,000 miles and it has used 1 QT every 2000 Miles from day one. GM considers 1 Qt. every 2000 miles normal oil consumption. My 94 Beretta with the 2.2L had 142,000 miles and never used that amount of oil except when the PCV valve was stuck. The 2.2L in my 2000 Cavalier does not have a PCV valve. My question is, Does anyone know why the PCV Valve was eliminated and the specifics behind the redesign?
my friend had a 98 cavalier, 25k, 3new sets of brakes,blown engine gasket, leaky radiator, bad steering rack, 2 motor mounts,most under warrantybut gm was not suprised w/theproblems considering it lower mileage, Get a clue j-body=JUnk
Keep us posted buddy. My fiance's 2000 Cavalier drives nicely and gets great gas mileage. These are great little commuter cars and I haven't had problems with our Cavalier and I haven't heard any complaints from friends/family that have em. Hopefully after they fix your tranny you will be a happy camper.
I don't know the answer to the PVC valve. I do know that I've had vehicles in the past (2 Fords,1 Toyota, 1 Camaro, 1 Subaru) which used oil from day one (in the range of the yours). 100,000 later(except for the 1 Ford)they used about the same. You probably got a bad ring somewhere-luck of the draw. I assume that your oil gets dark fairly soon after changing.
Tommy100 Cavaliers are not junk- far from it. I assume your brand loyalty is other than GM. Let me know whar your favorite is and I'll probably be able to give you a horror story or two about it.
Does anybody know where the EGR valve is on the 99 Cavalier? I'm having no problems but I would like to know as a matter of interest. In my opinion they don't use one any more which is a good thing. I have the latest Chiltons manual which covers the 1995 to 2000 models and all illustrations and fotos show an EGR valve. I'm talking about the 2.2L engine here. My engine doesn't appear to have one which is good as they are a source of trouble.
It has a digital EGR valve,it has to be located under the intake manifold as I dont see it any where else.Look in your Chilton wiring diagrams and you will find a EGR wired in. Joe
I own a 2000 Cav.2.2 and does not use oil between changes also a 99 Sonoma 2.2 no oil use between changes.Have also owned 2 other 2.2 an at 120K no oil use between changes.One time on a extended trip went 8500 miles without adding oil.You have got a bad one an they should fix it or replace it.Copy my post an show it to them.They are just making excuses. Joe
I have a 94 Cavalier, 2.2L Engine. Recently, When I drive it at about 50mph for about 3-4 miles. The "Check Engine Light" will come on. and collant fan begin running, although the coolant temperature is not high. and fan keep runing until I shut down the engine.
If I shut down the engine and restart it.(do not wait engine to cool) the light is not on. And every thing is normal. But if I drive it at about 50mph for 3-4mails again the light come one again. If I drive at low speed(under 40mph) the light never come on and fan shown no problem.
If I start the engine and run at idle. The fan will begin working when engine is hot and shut down automaticly when coolant temperature is low.
Joe3891, many thanks for that. When I have time I'll have a look under the intake manifold. The Chilton manual for the 97-00 Cavalier shows a linear EGR valve in the wiring diagram though. But they may not be up-to-date. I know the 3.1L engine used a digital EGR valve and the old 2.3L and 2.4L engines did not use an EGR valve at all. I'll have to investigate and see what's going on here.
Comments
I bought a new 2001 Black Z24. It has the clearcoat paintjob and is black.
When looking at the car in sunlight or at an angle, there are what seems hundreds of fine scratches in the clearcoat. Again, its mostly noticable in bright sunlight. The dealer says that its normal and is more pronounced on a black car than on other colors.
My friend has a new Monte Carlo, black, but doesnt have the same scratches. I undestand that the Cavalier is no comparison to the Monte, but its upsetting.
Does anyone else have these fine scratches on there Cavalier ?
Thanks
Have you waxed?
Good luck!
Very dependable and cheap. I bought my 94 Cavalier in 96 with 29,000 on it. Got it for 6,500. Cheap. I know have 150,000 on it with no problems. I drive 140 miles round trip everyday. It has never failed me. I have no doubts in this car starting for me everytime I turn the key.
I do regular maintenance, oil change every 3,500 miles. I had to change the normal things too, like struts, shocks, alternator, radiator, battery. The 2.2 is a great engine. I have a friend who keeps waiting for the car to die. I don't think it will for a while. I know I can get atleast 200K on it.
NEVER PUT BOSCH PLATINUM PLUGS IN IT. I had problems with it missing with both sets of replacement plugs. I put AC back it. Not a problems since.
When that happens, I will probably get another 2 year old Cavalier. I Get a GM discount, but the resale value on these cars are not the best. I can get them alot cheaper a couple years old.
Keep 'em for the long haul.
4-dr Sedan automatic with the 2.4L engine. i bought it a couple of months ago with 27000 miles on it. since 3 weeks or ago or so i am hearing a strange knocking noise under the hood it occurs when i go at low speeds on uneven roads or soemtimes when making sharp turns. i am sure something is loose down there which makes that sound when it gets shaken in some particular way since the sound is not there always. i took it
to the dealer since its still under warranty but he couldn't find anything. A friend of mine says that sometime the engine becomes loose on its mounts or something like that(he owns a metro prism). i am not sure whether that might be the problem or not. Have any of you heard of a similar problem. please help me out with this one. that noise is driving me nuts. thanks
I forget to mention. I get that noise sometimes even when i start the car, i.e. when i turn the ignition key and the engine is fired up. Is that because of the broken strut too, did u get that noise while starting the car? Please let me know. Thanks
Any suggestions.....
Also have a clicking sound coming from a area close to the battery. When clicking starts I find that the Battery indicator in the card drops below half , lights dim, wipers slow, and fan drops low. Have changed battery, checked charging system and tuned up car. But has not solved problems. Any suggestions?
Also have a clicking sound coming from a area close to the battery. When clicking starts I find that the Battery indicator in the card drops below half , lights dim, wipers slow, and fan drops low. Have changed battery, checked charging system and tuned up car. But has not solved problems. Any suggestions?
Chrysler's depreciate fast for example were I purchase my car here in Toronto Ontario Canada there is a 1999 300M I that is going of
24 000 candain you figure that new it was 40000 canadain that is a 16000 lost in just two years -neons goe for 21000 with taxes and in the first year they lose at least 7000 dollars.
The Cavalier is a well made car and I paid 9888 for it with 53000 KMS , so stay away from a company that will fold very soon. So I will keep you posted on my little chevy.
Any comparable stories, ideas comments? Thanks!!!!!
As far as I know the Cavalier automatic has a very reliable transmission. I'm very happy with my 99 model.
Dweezil, a thumping type noise when the ABS kicks in is normal. Just keep your foot on the brake all the time when it's in operation. My ABS works great on my 99 Cavalier. Why you should be having so much brake pad wear is a puzzle though. Just see when they are replaced that premium pads are fitted.
So here's the latest. We are going on two weeks tomorrow (Friday) that my car has been at the dealership. Not ONCE has anyone there called me... I have to continually call them. "How's my car?" "What's going on?" Not ONCE had I been able to speak with the Service Manager... I was only getting relayed messages that cost assistance would be granted but no specifics as to what was exactly wrong or when it would get fixed. At the end of last week, I wrote a lengthy letter to Chevrolet, MAC, and the dealership explaining the whole situation and a little about me and how I do not expect to have to pay anything for this problem (or at least, pay very little). So today, two weeks after the incident, the Service Manager calls me... he explains that at the dealership, they are in the middle of waiting on a part for this one car they already had which is slowing my repair up and all this kind of stuff. I basically told him that if he had bothered to call me last week and explain the problem with my car in full as well as the surrounding problems of why this is taking so long, I probably wouldn't have had to contact MAC or Chevy. Essentially, the service is carp, the service manager is carp and I am two weeks without a car. UGHH!
So, although I know in the end that Chevy will do right by me, the intervening factor of the Dealership is seriously ticking me off... and its one of those situations that is unfortunately beyond my control. The Service Manager promised to call tomorrow with definite answers and a definite time as to when I can get my car back.
And so, everyone, things are good with Chevy, not so good for their dealership. I am afraid I will be raising bloody hell over this with those Service kept. people. thanks again for all the input and I'll let you know how the soap opera ends up.
Aus!
Tommy100 Cavaliers are not junk- far from it. I assume your brand loyalty is other than GM. Let me know whar your favorite is and I'll probably be able to give you a horror story or two about it.
Joe
Joe
If I shut down the engine and restart it.(do not wait engine to cool) the light is not on. And every thing is normal. But if I drive it at about 50mph for 3-4mails again the light come one again. If I drive at low speed(under 40mph) the light never come on and fan shown no problem.
If I start the engine and run at idle. The fan will begin working when engine is hot and shut down automaticly when coolant temperature is low.