Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe Consumer Reviews
Used Cavalier for sale
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.
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base CoupeMSRP: $1,695900 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,999906 mi away
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.
I love my car
mandy, 02/27/2009
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! Purchased for $800 from a family member who needed $$, who can beat that?! Was wrecked before,don't know anything about the prior history, but it's been my baby. 28-33 mpg still! Replaced alternator & fixed break fluid leak shortly after purchase. Replaced motor at a little over 170K, 2 yrs ago, $900, cheaper than a new car. At 217K now & still rolling. Oil send unit went out a few months ago,replaced. Having a bit of off-and-on trouble w/the low beam lights(a wiring prob.) Having trouble locating the problem bc of course it doesn't happen when my mechanic has it! LOL No big since I don't drive at night much & if I do I just drive my other vehicle.
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.
Good for a first car
Krista , 06/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 16 and my parents bought me my cavalier. It had 115,000 miles on it when I bought it! It is a '96! Despite the high miles, it has been nothing but reliable. Being a teenage girl and not knowing a lot about cars I need a car I can depend on. I can depend on this car.
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
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.
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.
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.
fooled
miffed, 08/31/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a chevy z-24 prior to buying the standard 2 door coupe and loved it!! So much has gone wrong with this car I dont even know where to start. The transmision is new, the engine gasket, numerous brake problems, water pump, new trunk latch, alternator, and much more that I am forgeting about at the moment. I am so fed up with chevy that I now refuse to buy another GM product!!! I would advise any one looking into buying a car to stay away from the cavalier. The only good thing about the car is the sticker price but you will end up paying alot more.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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+
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
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
One amazing car
jayman, 11/12/2007
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I truthfuly just needed a car with good fuel mileage. I never thought I would sit down in a little 5 speed rocket that gets 34 miles to the gallon on the highway. I have had my Cavalier for about 2 weeks and I have not had any problems with it at all, I bought it for $1500 from an individual who took really good car of it. It's only got 100,780 miles and it runs amazing. I was really suprised when it out performed a new Scion Tc. I will keep this car till it dies, or until I die which ever comes first.
Most fun inexpensive coupe you can get!
Brian, 11/19/2007
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Z24 for $3000 in Dec. 2006, and I have loved every minute of driving it. It has more horsepower and torque than any available new car less then $20,000. I get 30 mpg driving in city highway traffic to work. Takes corners very well. Seats are pretty well designed except maybe a little too firm. The plastic upholstry cracks pretty. Had to replace quite a few standard wear and tear parts after I bought it but no water pump yet. I couldn't ask for more from a $3000 car.
My car is always broken!
Unsatisfied cavalier, 05/16/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had almost everything fixed and it just keeps breaking down. I bought it used as a bargain, and it has been far from that. I've put more money into than I paid for it just three years ago. Off the top of my head, things that have been replaced are the entire cooling system, the computer chip, brakes more than once, air conditioner, and the inside is falling apart!
Good Car
Sugasara14, 05/27/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very good car. I havent had any problems with it. It has a lot of power for a 4 cylinder.
best car
cavy, 06/02/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is the best car i've ever had it's amazing. its powerful, fast sporty and runs perfectly.
Z-24 Review
Joe Hydralics, 06/14/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for two years now. I can say that it is a reliable car that is sporty and fun to drive. I have put 29000 miles on it so far, and it now has 85000 miles. No major mechanical problems have come up yet, though the struts are in need of replacing. The 5-speed manual is easy to opperate, but it will slip out of reverse from time to time.
This car saved my husband's life
GBate, 06/26/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car in 1996 new. We never really had any major problems with it. It was good on gas mileage and when our children were small, it was comfortable for them. As they grew; however, the back seat was too small for anyone over 5'. My husband was side swiped on a major highway and crashed into a guardrail at 60mph. The car was totaled but he walked away. I give credit to the solid build of this car.
One of Chevy's best
khoist, 04/27/2008
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the five speed model, and it's a blast to drive. Repairs are somewhat inexpensive, and It's dependable. Switching from my 1997 Taurus this car is more upgradeable
Trusty Rusty
luckyday, 01/30/2012
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car from 2004-2011 and only needed to have routine maintenance done on it....until the end. The clutch blew, had it fixed cheap by a friend, a few months later the exhaust fell off. At that point, I figured it would just nickle and dime me to death so I took it to a salvage yard. In the time that I had the vehicle though, it was a great little car.
Can't wait to get rid of it!
Jon, 05/06/2009
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 68,000 miles on it, and it was in OK condition. 4 years later I'm at 92,000 miles and I can't wait to get rid of it. I have massive oil leaks from several spots on the engine, my radiator hoses blew a few months ago and I too have headlight issues due to faulty wiring. Road/wind noise is unbearable, more so then the constant chatter of the plastic interior and rattling of the suspension. On cold and rainy days the engine tends to flood itself. ALL the seals leak in this car leading the interior and trunk to get wet. The entire electrical system in this car is horrible. Apart from the headlight problems, the electrical system tends to give out at high speeds.
What a Great Car!
Jeff83, 10/23/2003
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I special ordered this car and have been the only owner for seven years and 61000 miles of trouble free ownership. Had it for five years before I had to do anything to it other than oil changes because the battery started leaking.It is almost 8 years old now and the only major repair has been to replace the water pump for a heafty 800 dollar bill last year.It still has the origional rear brakes and all 4 struts.I got 50000 miles out of the origional tires. No rattles,leaks or anything that does not work. Overall a great car!
Loving it
NCS, 03/18/2002
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my first car that I actually owned, a 5-speed Z24. What a great fun little car. I got it with over 130k kms, and am now over 170k after a little over a year. The jump for a car in this class is great, much more $ is usually needed to get anything worthwhile the torque department. Very few minor repairs, and regular maintenance keep things going smoothly. I've also drive a 1990 Corsica with over 500,000kms on it driving in northern Ontario for 9+ years and it still runs fine...whats that about North American cars again? I've got nothing bad to say about it.