Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews
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crap
bad choice, 09/16/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
This car is crappy. Not only is it ugly,it's crap!!! i hate my cavalier, i have spent 19,600 something, repairing it so far, yes, nearly 20 grand of repairs for this 15 grand car. WHYdo u ask,well i don't know, BUT CAVALIERS ARE THE WORST CARS EVER!!!!!!!!!!
Wicked car - Cavalier 1996
Kiprotich Arap-Ruto, 11/14/2007
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I looked at a number of cars before buying my Cavalier 1996. Its price was great and condition pretty good. It drives very well. I had to replace the gas tank (got a used one for a good price and free labor). Overall a very good car.
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Z24 CoupeMSRP: $1,500665 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $1,695823 mi away
Bad Chevy
Usedtolikechevys, 03/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car still under factory warrenty. Immediately the lifters started knocking, interior rattled, muffler began making an obnoxious rattle. Right after Chevy sent a notice that the head gaskets were defective the engine blew up. Next engine has had nothing but problems - emissions and drivability. 2 dealers and 1 independant shop cannot figure it out.
Cavaliers are BAD buys
Molly, 10/08/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Everything has gone wrong with this car in the past year. From the motor mounts to the rack in the rack and pinion steering to the struts.
Junk!!!
Nichole, 06/06/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I, like so many other Cavalier owners, have had too many problems with the car to find it enjoyable. To start with: the muffler rattles, the a/c only works on high, the glove box has traped my cd's inside of it, the driver's side mirror refuses to stay upright, it will not start if there is less than 1/4 tank of gas, the thing just eats oil like there is no tomorrow, and sometimes the car will turn off as I am backing up.
why i dislike my Cavalier
311, 04/14/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My 1996 Cavalier has been a very reliable car, besides that it is a poorly made car. This car is a basic ecnomy car, it will never be anything but an ecnomy car not even the z24 will be more. The horsepower to weight ratio is pretty bad(130HP to 2617lbs) , the Torque (120 ft-lbs) is also pretty bad. The interior of the car is very cheaply made, from the seats to the steering wheel down to the side door panels which always seemed to be crack on every Cavalier. If anyone is thinking of upgrading a Cavalier i would highly disapprove, go out and get a sports car and don't make the same mistake that i did.
Isn't there a lemon law?
eakwave, 02/23/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had to fix or replace the air conditioning, brakes, clutch, head gasket, and two valves before I even hit 50,000 miles. Of course, most of this happened about six hours after the warranty was up so it all came out of pocket. Gotta love Chevy.
Not a Ferrari, but under credited cars.
chogan85, 07/29/2009
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If your looking for a good first car for you teenager, do not dismiss this car despite GM's reliability and quality record. I am now 23 and looking for a newer used car but I have to stand up for the Cavalier, she's been an overall great little sporty car. With the 3spd auto, (some performance mods) respectable torque, decent stock suspension, the 2.2l 2200 engine may not pump out a lot of mind blowing horsepower, but it's been a very reliable engine. Acceleration could be a bit better for its class. Awesome gas mileage (*with* performance mods!) With a WAI, catback exhaust and performance header, I get 26 city and 31 highway. The interior isn't that bad, overall pretty basic and comfortable
Not a bad small car
cavowner, 05/01/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this car about 5 years ago. it had 60,000 miles on it. When I traded it in for a larger vehicle it had a whopping 122000 miles. the only things I had to fix on the car were maintenance items such as tires, brakes, alignment, and muffler. I really have nothing BAD to say about the vehicle. I had to trade up to a larger vehicle and had to say goodbye to the cav.
Great daily driver
amp108, 07/01/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car and very reliable. I have never had to have any major work or any problems with anything on the car. The car gets very good gas mileage (25-30) and is quick compared to other compacts.
Fun car - I was unlucky
quakk, 05/01/2010
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car out of school. For a 4 cylinder, it was fast and fun, great in the Arizona mountains. The seats folded down to allow transport of a bike, hockey goals, etc. I enjoyed the car, but would have liked a bit more pep. I opted for the 5spd manual. After 2 years and 36k miles, the clutch went out. Could have been me, but I've been driving a manual since 1989 and have never burned out another clutch. Sounds like my experience is the exception rather than the rule.
My Cavilier
Mikeh, 11/26/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 46 Years Old and this is by far the best car I have ever owned! It has 200,000 Miles on It and is still going strong. The two biggest drawbacks about the Cavilier are the interior Plastic door panels, dash parts etc. (which break and crack from normal use) and the Air Conditioning system which devolped more leaks than any car I have owned! The repair on the A/C System would cost more than the vehicle value. But it does keep going and going!
Great car for the price
pmlinn, 03/16/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the car in 1996 because I need a work car. Bought new and have had little or no real problems with the car. After 97500 miles, the brakes did need done and that was it. Can't complain one bit. A fine GM product.
Fun and Reliable
Christina, 09/23/2005
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Chevy Cavalier was my first car. I bought my car used and she ran great for all 3 years that I had her. The only reason I had to get rid of the car was because of a car accident. I was hit by a driver from behind who was probably going about 35 miles per hour, which also caused me to hit the car in front of me. In my accident she performed perfectly, my only injuries were from the airbags and I was able to walk out with no serious injuries. This was perfect for a first car, was fun to drive, and was dependable at the most crucial time. I would recommend this car to anyone for its style and reliability. I loved my Cavalier!!
96 CHEVY
DEBBIE, 09/23/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
IT IS A GREAT CAR FOR ANY AGE GROUP.
Reliable but lacks comfor
Scott3125, 04/12/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have to give it to Chevrolet, this Cavalier has not one mechanical problem since I have owned this vehicle. It is the most reliable vehichle I have owned. Comfort scale is low though. Interior could fit the driver better. Dependablity has put this car in a class by itselt. Thanks Chevy
Mary's Review
mary smith, 05/26/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this car is great
CAVALIER
COCO PUFFS, 06/12/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MY CAR I BOUGHT BRAN SPANKIN NEW IN 96 ITS STILL RUNS BESIDES 2 RUN-INS WITH DEER ALL I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERWISE IS THE CLUCH AND THE IDLER ARM OTHERWISE IT IS A VERY GOOD AND RELIABLE CAR RIGHT NOW IT HAS 185,000 MILES ON
Cavy
deuce, 02/27/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Cav had a number of computer problems that caused the "check engine" light to come on frequently even if nothing was wrong--at least that's what the dealer said. They could never find anything wrong when I took it to them. The interior is plastic and looks very cheap. Yet, the controls are close to your fingertips and easy to use. This isn't a good car for an inexperienced driver, although I see them driving them all-to-frequently. The cars performance in the crash test left me wanting.
Great car for the Money
Dan79, 10/26/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been absolutely great for me, I bought it in 98 with 20K and now it has over 160K. Thank God this car has practically never given me trouble, the only thing I remember changing was the AC compressor. The car doesnt have great pick-up but what can you expect from a 4-cyln, but it flies I do 70-80 mph with no problem and no shaking. Its starting to show its age now, but I can't complain considering how it has performed till now. I don't know if I was bless, cause I've seen some pretty sh*tty reviews here and on Consumer Reports, but I'm extreamly happy with it.
I LOVE MY CAR!
Deeee, 04/12/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car in the summer of 1999. With the exception of a couple of recalls, and a new ignition coil, I have had no problems with this car. I wouldn't recommend getting a white top, as it is impossible to get it clean. Other than that, I love it and I love the dealership I bought it from.
Over 200K and still going!!!
SandBoa, 12/17/2005
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been AWESOME to me. I bought this when I was a freshman in college in 1999. I put a TON of miles on it and it has literally never been in the shop other than for routine work like oil changes and brakes. This car still remains in my family to this day. It now has well over 200,000 miles on it and it still has never seen the inside of a shop!! I would recommend this car to anyone. The only reason why I bought a new truck was because it was a tight fit for me considering I'm 6'3", but I knew that when I was buying the car. If I was a smaller guy, I would probably still be driving this car to this date.
Small , Fast, Fun, and American made.
BodasZ24, 03/01/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new as a dealer leftover. Had 3500 miles was driven by service manager. Car is a blast to drive have had minor problems waterpump, cooling fan, basic stuff any home mechanic can fix. Overall has been a very dependable car.
I love my car!
lia, 01/26/2006
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a great experience with my Cavalier. I love its design. I have made some really long trips recently and motor is still excellent. I highly recommend it.
Big Problems and Hefty Bills
midnyte_sun, 08/04/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since 1998 and it ran fine for the first year and a half. Then it started having all kinds of problems. At 85,000 miles I've had these problems: Electronic Modulator busted, water pump busted, engine constantly overheats, a/c, vent, heating only works at max, catalytic converter busted, oxygen sensors malfunctioned, and I get horrible gas mileage : 275 miles on a full tank. (I'll be nice and won't even include new tires, shocks, struts, brakes, etc). Total repairs: $7,000+
Happens all at once
Jeff, 05/03/2009
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car has been fine no big problems. I had to have brakes and the air went out. I keep smelling gas so if everything starts to happen then the car is falling apart. Before the gas smell the car was great.
I love this car!
hummgbird, 07/29/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car brand new, with 15 miles on it. After 114,856 miles.. it still purrs. Haven't had a lick of trouble. Just normal wear & tear. I love my car and would recommend it to everyone.
Who would have believed it?
kmay, 08/19/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 1996 LS with 26k miles on it in September 1997. What a pleasant surprise this car has turned out to be! Still rolling at 126,800 miles. I get 35 mpg on long highway trips, 24 in the city. No special work - except a new alternator and starter last year. The oil light has been on for 2.5 years, but 6 different mechanics have said there is no leak - it's just the sensor. Paint has held up - no chips, no dents.
A good car for the money
KMadhouse, 01/06/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my cavalier with 110k miles on it in 2001, I have 140k on it now and have been pretty happy with it. The water pump seems to go on these between 105k and 115k, so watch out for that. Backseat's kinda small, hard to get things in and out of. I replaced the transmission at about 130k, which was a pain. Still has some pickup despite the mileage, but the 4-speed automatics are a bit punchier. The paint job on it has held up really well, it still looks fairly new. Overall, it's a nice little flashy, pretty dependable car. I'd get another newer one.
Good Car
1996 Chevy Cavalier, 02/05/2008
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my Chevy Cavalier. I have had it since 2000 and I am the third owner. I bought it at 56000 miles and it now has 219000 on it. I have only had regular maintance on it except for around 70000 I had to replace the head gasket which is normal for these cars.
great car
chevygirl96, 02/09/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been my favorite vehicle. I love chevys and I love this car. It handles very well and goes through the snow almost as well as my husbands 4 wheel drive blazer.
Reliable car
Donald stavish, 03/01/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no costly repairs to talk about
7 years and counting...
iowadoc, 10/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new and now have 133000 miles. Only one significant repair (just off warranty). I just did my first tune up! Runs like a tank, reasonably comfortable, handles very well, fun to drive. I plan on going 200,000 with it. On the highway I get about 33 mpg or better. The engine will still be running when the body falls off. I've owned at least 10 cars and this is my favorite.
It is ok
Ryan, 05/09/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not the best car in the world but it gets ou around.
solid car
jonesy169, 05/27/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 53000 miles on it and three years later its now at 118000 and was still going strong (some bozo crashed into me and it got totaled). It was extremely dependable and the only issues i had with it were normal things like an alternator, brakes, battery, and a map sensor. It got great milage (30mpg hwy) and was peppy for a compact.
Excellent Car
Savage, 11/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a proud owner of a 96 Chevy Z24 for around 6 years now, I have enjoyed owning this car and never once regreted buying it. It's powerful 2.4 twin cam engine and 155lbs of torque give it a fun sporty feeling of driving and its sleek sporty look is even better. Great reliabilty and perfect for anyone to own
Best Car I have owned
shadow822, 06/28/2004
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and have been very pleased with it. Love the 2.4L engine. I am 5'9" and the driver's seat is fine for me. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg in town. I have looked at the new Chevrolets and the seats seem very hard and uncomfortable to me. The maintenance on this car has been very little. The main reason I would not buy another is the seating and they no longer offer the 2.4L engine.
Good 1st car. dont fall in luv too quick
ewest, 06/16/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought my cavy in 96 and was in love wit the looks. the dealership also told me it was very safe with the "steel cage" and all--5*'s. but after i bought it i read on edmunds and other sites that the safety was iffy at best. i havent had many problems with it outside of the faulty circuitry that makes my "check engine" light stay on all the time. i wouldnt recommend it to anyone other than a teen as a first car. but you should DEFINITELY upgrade the engine and stereo system.
LOVE IT!
Jeanine, 07/18/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 15,000 on it. In one year I put over 24,000 on it. It still ran beautifully. I had no "major" problems. The plastic did start to crack and make little peices fall off like the seat belt cover. However this is a small price to pay for the relability and the hassle free ownership of the car. I just totaled the car by rear-ending someone going 65mph. I have to say if it weren't for the air bags and the strudyness of the car, I would have a lot more than bruises on my body. I'd reccommend this car to anyone, in fact I just bought a 97!
I've Been Happy!
Michael B, 02/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car w/ 24K.Bought it to enjoy w/top down. Comparble convertible of this size & quality would have cost much more. Been extremely pleased w/reliability of this car. Normal wear & tear things replaced.Power top works great. Still get great comments on car & can keep up with rest of traffic when I am not leading it. Get in the 30's for mpg. Drove this car w/ top down into new millenium. Give it a chance! So far I have put 58K on mine for a total of 82K.
Nothin but Chevys
NA, 09/15/2005
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd out of 3 Chevy's i've owned and once again, no problems. I bought it from a young HS girl and even after a beating it still drove beautifully. Gas mileage was awesome, around 30MPG and a very peppy fun car to drive. A few minor maintenance issues, brakes, new battery, ect...but that's to be expected with any car. The seats were not the most comfortable and the back seats were not accomodating to anyone. Had a few problems with sticky buttons, dials, and such but I think it was due to previous owner. Truck space was good. Would reccomend to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, fuel effecient, and peppy car!
Love it!
Amanda, 01/28/2006
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, yeah it may be a Cavalier but I think it's a great car. The car is fun to drive, drives well, and is great on gas. It's easy to get in and out of, the seats move easily and its more spacious then i thought it might have been. I honeslty enjoy this car more then the others I have had, so overall I believe it's a great car for a 21 year college girl!
Good 1st car out of college
ddemania, 11/12/2005
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car (Z24 Coupe) right out of college, and am now after 9-yrs moving on to bigger (mini-van) days. The car served me will through 9-yrs, some maintenance problems, especially in the last year which has pushed me to sell.
Fun, reliable Car!!!
Ann Krueger, 12/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not a bad car at all. I purchased it as a newer car that had some miles on it. I went to the dealership when I was living in downtown Chicago and was going to college full time. I told the salesman that I wanted a reliable, sporty car that was small and had good gas milage that I was able to afford. The first car he showed me was the one I still own to this day and am happy with!
I love the Z24
domesticdemon, 08/09/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great, even thought i bought it used, it still is a great car.
IT'S REALLY AN O.K. CAR
MICHELLE HAPPY, 09/28/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAVE GOTTEN USE TO V-6,AUTOMATIC ENGINES,BUT FOR A 4 CYL.-IT REALLY RUNS SMOOTH. ONCE YOU START MOVING, IT'S VERY QUIET AND EXTREMELY FUEL EFFECIENT AND I ONLY PAID $1500 FOR IT.
96' Z24
kingcarz1, 10/18/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car when it runs, The Quad 4 was a down fall for GM, as with fuel pumps
Awesome car
mannyd98, 08/26/2006
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of my favorite cars. I owned one in '96 and regretted getting rid of it. When I saw this one, I had to buy it. Also very safe and reliable. We were just in an accident. A Ford F250 ran a stop sign and hit us. It totaled my Cavalier, but we were all alive
American tough
IDLE13, 03/21/2006
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a few months ago cheap! Its been super reliable and gets great gas mileage. Perfect for someone on a tight buget or someone looking to mod a car. With its OHV engine it produce good steady power.
Trouble
colorsendinink, 09/08/2010
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i just bought this car with 71,000 miles and it's already giving me problems. i took it back to the dealer 3 times to get it repaired because it overheats all the time. the car has no power whatsoever. one good thing about it is the gas mileage, thats awesome because i have a long commute to school every day.