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Used 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
35 reviews

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Worst choice of my life

disturbedchic, 04/05/2005
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
27 of 27 people found this review helpful

Bought a '95 Cavalier to replace what I thought was an ailing car I should've kept. In the 7 months I've owned the car it's had mechanical problems 6 times. First day I got it found out something was wrong with the transmission which would make it freeze up and not switch gears when it warmed up. The water pump busted and I went through 4 jugs of antifreeze before it could get fixed, transmission started to go, car would max out at 50, back door popped right open one day around a turn, and just recently it would take a city block to get it to 30mph and the whole exhaust system nearly touches the ground while the converter looks ready to blow.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Repairs, more repairs, and more repairs

Parnelli, 09/28/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

We purchased this white '95 four door in August of 1999 when it had only 20,000 miles on it. We now have 74,000 miles on the car. We've replaced the head gasket ($650), water pump ($100), wheel speed sensor ($150?), air conditioning compressor ($450) and it needs to be replaced AGAIN (The condensor is bad, TOO.) The bottoms of the inside of two of the four doors have not rusted through ONLY because of the sanding, scraping, priming, etc. that I do yearly. The car goes on sale in three days!!

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Wow, I bought it twice?

kerocky24, 01/09/2009
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car gives me problems all the time. It rattles, it clanks, and it's falling apart. I had one shortly before this one. I should have known when it burst in to flames that it was a bad Idea to buy another. Live and learn huh? The car leaks oil, the speedometer is broken, (it dances as I'm going down the road) I have replaced the fuel injectors 2 times in the last year, (I know other Cavaliers that have fuel leaking!) The seats are so uncomfortable. The suspension stinks. I have tried to keep up with this car but have decided to drive it 'till it dies. My car has some miles on it but that's no excuse!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Chevy Cav

sunnygrl2930, 01/27/2007
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Love the car, love the way it drives, just diappointed about the head gasket. But I bought it with more than 100k anyway. Love the gas mileage. Love driving it. Never owned a Cav before, but my next car will be a Cav, too. Two door. Love them. Love the way it looks and sits.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Nothing but engine problems

maysi111, 04/29/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car has been burning oil since the day I bought it. I used to put a quart of oil in it once a month...now I put a quart in every other day. I made the dealership aware of this problem from the beginning and it was always that the valve cover gasket was leaking....I cannot tell you how many times that has been replaced. The starter has been replaced three times....the car was recalled for the gasket leaking antifreeze and was never correctly fixed. I also add antifreeze as well as oil now. The transmission fluid started leaking a couple of months ago and the air conditioner will cost over $800 to get fixed.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Loving my First car

Wbcheerguy, 08/31/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm a high school student, this car (2dr std coupe) 5-speed manual, is a great first car and is ideal for a teen like me, the car uses very little gas, can be customized easily, and reliable, i wouldn't trade my car in for anything. the car is priced low enought for a working teen to afford and the car is easy to service for regular care.

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5 out of 5 stars

9 great years and 127k miles

EddieG, 04/29/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Original Owner, this car has taken me all over the country and back. Has only needed routine brake and tire maintenance - ZERO mechanical problems. Fuel economy isn't what it was 9 years ago, but still better than most cars on the road. And one of the sportiest cars for its price range!

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Great in High-Mileage Form!

Willis, 08/14/2007
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car takes abuse and keeps coming back for more. I got the midnight blue coupe with the painted bumpers option and 5 speed manual. The 2.2L(ohv) engine leaves a bit to be desired for power but the manual tranny makes up for it. I paid $1500 for this car 3 yrs ago and it's just needed head gasket and ac recharge. It had 130,000 on it when I got it and it's never left me stranded at 162,000 miles. something is! The cheapest 30,000 miles I ever drove was in a crappy old cavi!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Surprised by Cavalier

melncolly, 07/01/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I grew up in a staunch Ford family. So when I bought my Cavalier...I was afraid....hah hah...not really...so far, I've done minor maintenance to it (oil, tires, front brakes, battery) I've put about 25K miles on it in 14 months and no problems with the car...and it is my first five speed, and I like dropping it down a gear or two to get some extra ZOOM! Watch out for me in my teal Cavalier! It's sporty and gets around and I can keep up with the Acuras and Hondas...if I want..;) I hope it lasts till I pay it off in April 2003!!

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4 out of 5 stars

Awesome little Car

Manuel, 12/16/2015
updated 07/14/2020
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

For being a 95 coupe it's all expected of a small vehicle. Sure their might be others that perform better but for what you pay for is what you get. I paid $800.00 for mine. 136000 miles. YES it is used. In the short time that I owned it. Never game me any problems except for miner wear n tare. Like tires,brakes,antiflush,oil change, smog. Expect gas mileage to be a plus with this car. You need to keep up with all maintenance on any type of vehicle. That's how they last. If you're just going to gas n go. Well looks like you'll be come a member of the foot patrol. Don't mock this vehicle it's very reliable. (I was involved in an accident while I was driving to work in this vehicle. Young girl (17yrs) turned left on a RED light. SMASHED/CRUNCHED/Head on Collision. air bags deployed,I walked away. Like I said RELIABLE. Gonna miss HER

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Not a bad little car

Not a bad car, 05/20/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
1 of 20 people found this review helpful

Well I bought the car in 1999 and it had around 50,000 miles on it. Around a month or two later the A/C compressor started grinding and was covered by warranty. Next after it was payed for the head gasket blew which was around $700.00 to fix which was a bargain considering the work. I still own the car that is the extent of the work that has been done on the car besides regular maintenance. Well last month i had my A/c recharged at that time the whole system was checked for any leaks and it was approved. Over all i'm satisfied with this car now it has just peaked at 100,000 miles and still running strong.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great for the price!

Heywood, 04/22/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car when I was in college. I paid $13,000 for it. I am very happy with the car. It is still running fine after 7 years and 65,000. Over the 7 years I have spent about $500 in repairs (normal wear and tear). I have taken the car from NJ to Philly to Chicago to South Dakota back to Chicago and back to NJ. It has survived everything from 100+ degree heat to -50 degree cold. Chevy company has been very good with any recalls (very minor). I would recommend this car to someone. It is a low end car, but great the the college or high schooler.

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2 out of 5 stars

Horrible, horrible vehicle

me2000, 02/22/2009
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems with this car. The water pump went out, the head gasket is currently leaking so I have to keep putting coolant in ($10 per bottle adds up!), continuously having to replace the brakes every year, electrical problems. I have stalled three times because of this crappy car. It's rusting beneath the gas cap. Overheats all the time. I can't even put the AC on or it'll overheat. Do not buy this car. It's a money pit. I'm getting a new car in two weeks because I cannot take it anymore. I absolutely dread going into this car every time I drive it. You don't know what's going to happen next! You fix one thing and another thing breaks!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

nothing but trouble

jeb11233234, 05/28/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I would highly recommend that you do not buy a cavalier. Maybe the newer models are better but I bought mine, a '95 a year ago and it's worth about $1500 - $1900 because it has 128000 miles on it. The it takes a lot of oil and has leaked antifreeze into the engine. This costs between $800 and $1200 to fix so I plan on maybe selling it to a junkyard for a couple hundred dollars. It has been nothing but a pain in the ass to pay for the upkeep of this car. Get a honda.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

95 Chevy Cavalier RF

Rick Frost, 06/03/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was surprised how reliable this car has been considering all the horror stories I've heard about GM cars. Only one major repair in the 7 years I've owned it. The solenoid for the transmission failed at 83,000. The car was still driveable, but would get stuck in overdrive on the highway. Engine would then die upon deceleration. Body and paint are still looking like new. Would consider another Cavalier if crash test performance were better.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Car considering its cost:

Steve, 05/06/2010
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ok I've read enough about the negatives of this car. 5/2010 mine is 15 yrs old has 162K miles & other than mostly normal wear/tear/maintenance like oil, tires, anti-freeze, battery, brakes, belts, hoses, trans flush, plugs/wires, fuel filter, light bulbs its a great value for what it cost. I get mpg around 20 city/30 highway. A few "Out of the norm repairs", AC compressor, Rack-n-Pinion steering, power window motors, one wheel bearing, broken side mirror. Honestly other than a few cracks in the plastic trim, worn seat belts & a little hesitation in acceleration from age this has been a joy to own.

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4 out of 5 stars

It's been a great car for all 7 years...

troy, 07/08/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Z-24 in 1995 when the new design was first introduced. You might notice that the Honda Civic is both more cramped inside and does not provide an adequate arm-rest in the center console. I'm not a short guy, so I highly appreciate the increased space on the inside, especially for all of the long distance cross-country travel I have done. I'd buy another one, but Chevrolet has stopped offering Z-24 models as of this year. This 95 Z-24 in Hawaiian Orchid paint, factory five-star 16" wheels, and added tinted windows has been the perfect college student car, as well as daily commuter and distance travel vehcle for me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

SupaFly, 07/23/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 1999 (95' Coupe), it's a great car (especially if you are 6'6" like me). It drives nice and gives you a roomy feeling. I am currently looking into getting a 1999 Z24 Cavalier right now because I love the slick design of the Z24's and the extra features they come with.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Value

BusyMan, 09/02/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the 95 Cav used with 140K mi on it in Dec 1999 for $2500). It is 3 years later, at a whopping 183K and aside from reg maint(oil, tires) I have only had to make one small repair to the bearing ($300). This car won't die! The body still looks like new, inside is great (roomy for a tall guy like me), and I still enjoy it. I have the most base model you can get, just bought it to drive into the ground (long commute). I have gotten more than my money's worth!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car for a first Car!

ValliAlli3, 09/19/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's a 95 and I recieved it as my first car. One of the reasons I would reccomend this car is my father has a 1991 cavalier...same motor as mine, just a diffrent body style and he's put over 200,000 miles on it and the cavalier still runs like a charm! I also knew someone who had a cavalier and got in an accident, rolled the car 3 times, she walked away as if nothing ever happened!!! What a great car huh?

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Cavalier Owner Rating

jcolon, 09/25/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is very dependable. I love it. It is also great on fuel. I have had this vehicle for over 4 years now and the only problems I have had were a timing belt problem and a coolant problem. Maintain it and it will maintain you happy.

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5 out of 5 stars

95 Chevy Cavalier Coupe

JWingert, 09/26/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my '95 Cavalier about September, 1998. Today, the car is running just like new. The syle is sleek and curvy. The enterior is filled with fun features like a sunroof, cd player, comfortable seats, nice sterio system, etc. The engine is very , VERY reliable. I etimated that I get about 29 MPG on it. I have never had to fix anything major yet, just the regular mantainence.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

good at first but watch out

AshMcG, 01/17/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My cavalier is cute and zoomy, and fun to drive if you're not looking for major speed...I really enjoyed it for awhile. However, I took this car over it's 100,000 mile point, and no sooner than I did that than EVERYTHING went to hell. I got the 100,000 mile tune- up like you're supposed to, but now that car causes me nothing but tears...I am afraid to drive it half the time because it may break down or anything! It used to be totally reliable but now... I recommend this car as like a first car for teenagers, but toss it before it gets too high in mileage, the enginge does not take it well.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Head Gaskets-Bad

Sandy, 01/13/2005
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car went trough its first set of head gaskets under 12,000 miles, then again in the 20,000's. These first two times it was under warrenty. But it went again, this time I had to pay. It is not cheap. You think Chevy would have recalled or taken care of this problem. I was not the only one. So can you guess what this car needs now again for the 4th time? Yes, head gaskets again... So you know that this time I will not buy a Chevy again. They just don't take care of their customers. Time to buy a Honda Civic.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Time to Give Up MY BABY!!!!

Overall Happy Owner, 10/10/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

OK, my Cavalier and I have been through alot of events. My kids becoming teenagers, three 1500 miles trips out of state, one marriage, some repairs, and my twenty-some-things. Anyway, I have drove my Cavalier for about 8 years. She has at times cost me money but, never more than $500.00. Transmission still runs, you will fix breaks alot, has started up mornings for years (except for those repair times), and BEST FEATURE.....MY BABY has 184,000 miles and still running. In early 2004, I will retire her but, not to get rid of her. In two years, my son will be at the age to drive....and guess what he will be driving!!! Thanks, for reading.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

worst car I owned

frogger, 11/08/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Constantly in the shop for engine problems, many mechanical defects including head gasket, drivetrain

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4.5 out of 5 stars

what a surprise!

thewrightstuff, 11/30/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I took this car over from my mother when i moved to the area in 1999. i drive it hard because i live 50 miles from work, plus regular driving from place to place. this car has been reliable and beautiful! it looks brand new when washed, 7 yrs later, what a nice finish! as an ARCHITECTURAL interior designer, i would make improvements to the interior, but as a vehicle it's been great and efficient. my mother bought the car used and someone had switched radios. it works but is a pain to figure out and there's no documentation on it. the clock is always off.

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4 out of 5 stars

Not too Bad...

Grayce, 02/07/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new. I have put a LOT of miles on it(158 000). I like the way it looks, inside and out. We have changed the head gasket twice, replaced gas tank/lines and had many! brake jobs. It's also had a really bad problem with rust around the bottom of the doors and on the hood (rusted right through).It is near the end of it's useful life now and I will replace it soon. I'm not sure if I will buy another Cavalier though. Upkeep has been expensive, but it has always started (even in the coldest weather) and never left me stranded.

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4 out of 5 stars

I Love My Cavy!

luvmycavy, 02/09/2006
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Really fun to drive. Not very reliable though.Cramped with many people in the car but perfect just for me. Needs more horsepower. Perfect first car. LOVE IT!

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2.38 out of 5 stars

NEVER buy again

Cavalier hater, 07/11/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car from my mechanic in 2000. I have had nothing but problems with it since purchasing it. I had to replace the transmission, I have had leaks in the oil and radiator. The A/C works, but using it causes the car to overheat. Problems w/ the starter and acceleration, very noisy. Speakers on the driver's side don't work, door panneling is falling off, and locks are falling off. This car is in the shop every 3-4 months. I had a '87 Olds that drove better and needed less repairs. My b/f has a 2001 Cavalier and is having problems with it as well. I wouldn't recommend buying this car used.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Good under the 100 thousand mark

eileen, 03/06/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Good under the 100 thousand mark

Eileen, 03/06/2003
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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1.88 out of 5 stars

none

Eug, 03/27/2002
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Will never buy the car again

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Good for the money

kmant, 03/15/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought my Cavalier used with 57,000 miles on it. I had to replace the pulley on the a/c and the rear strut mount right away. I noticed it started leaking oil around 110,000 miles. I replaced the head gasket one weekend around 115,000 miles. There is rust on the bottom of the front and rear door on the passenger side. Had to replace the spark packs at 135,000 miles. There is a low humming noise when I turn left. I have 138,000 miles on it and that 2.2 still runs strong. No oil burning. Other than the above mentioned, the car always starts. For the money it is a good car and I would buy another.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My great little cavi

venusL13, 03/01/2004
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought the car used and have owned it myself for almost 5 years. This car has been nothing but wonderful. Repairs have been few and all milage appropriate. The car handles beautifully and is fantastic in the snow. The car has over 100,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I would highly recommend this car.

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