Used 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews
Used Cavalier for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Not Good!
Shanna, 07/09/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my cavalier for almost three years and i've put more than 2 thousand dollars into it in a matter of a year. Something is always going wrong and it only starts up when it wants to. There is however nothing wrong with the car i have had it looked at several times. I wouldn't recommend purchasing any cavalier to anyone!
Fast z24
Tom P, 08/12/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been Good to me. No problems 2.4l has the best power of any 4cyl I have driven.Great shifting trans,shifts hard no lag.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Z24 ConvertibleMSRP: $4,497674 mi away
- Z24 ConvertibleMSRP: $5,999905 mi away
Friends dont let friends drive Cavaliers
kray, 09/08/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my car for a little over a year, and I hate it. It looks good, but the transmission and clutch don't work well together. This is the only car I ever had that I wish was an automatic. The seats and other interier bits are cheap and wearing too fast. It doesn't handle very well, and it has far too many rattles and squeaks. I wish I would have spent more money on a better car.
Why do I get stuck with the lemons
teacake, 09/17/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is already giving me problems
I'm running the wheels off!!
scottyd, 10/24/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and drive it 150 miles round trip everyday and it has not gave me any trouble(knock on wood). Hardly uses oil and gets about 33mpg. I have 130000 miles on it and it just keeps going. I plan on driving it till she won't drive no more.
Watch out for the exploding windows
Stacia Allen, 10/30/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has got to be the worst possible car ever. I've had the driver's window and the rear window explode so far. No one was around - nothing hit the windows. Just exploded while I was driving. The coolant light comes on everytime I make a sharp left hand turn. My windows leak like crazy whenever it rains. I've had it into the dealership 3 times regarding this matter. They told me to roll the window up first then shut the door to help it seal - still doesn't help.I could tell you for hours the things that are wrong. This is just some of the big stuff. Only some of it-I haven't even got started.
Cav
Spick, 10/05/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has gotten me through it all; rain, sleet, snow. And has not died on me yet.
love it
beigheye, 05/30/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You feel safe, it is a cute car, and everything is designed for the driver's convience. Great value car.
Poor
Ftmjohn, 11/11/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stupid car! So loud i can hardly hear the radio.
Great Car, had some problems, but its OK
GloryHorn, 11/20/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, this would be my first car that I ever bought for myself. It runs great and as long as you do some INTELLIGENT maintainence, you won't have any problems like other people have with this type of car. Right now, the only problems I have popping up is the tension arm on the serpentine belt is making noise and the seals on top of the engine are oozing oil. But they're easily fixed. People need to have some sense about cars if they're going to buy one. If you don't know anything about cars, you shouldn't own one.
Cavalier RS
Ecavalier17, 12/16/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car...Kicks the crap out of my friends Impreza 2.5 automatic. haha
1998 Chevy Cavalier..pretty good car
Erika, 01/28/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my car close to 3 years...I would recommend this to anyone for a first car...Cavaliers must in general be good cars...i mean they keep making them year after year...through the years...i replaced the battery, tires, ignition switch, and serpintine belt...usual oil changes, and transmission change, brakes were put on also...but in my opinion these were typical maintenance jobs within a 3 year time...
Very Nice Car
ben123, 01/29/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had no problems, besides the clutch but I changed it, and had no more problems.
Always good to go!
imdante, 01/31/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my wife and I had this car for 4 years 11 months (1 more month till paid off!). somebody rear ended our car yesterday. anyhow we were both sad to see it go. this car was always great to us. all that we had to do is change the oil. that's it. we took this car to Las Vegas all the time. never any problems. I've heard some not so good things about the cavalier, but ours was great and I would buy another one no questions asked! I would highly recommend!
Practical and classy
ccvi, 02/10/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle was comfortable, efficient, responsive and performed well both in city and open road driving. The extra boost needed from the engine when passing another vehicle was always just a press on the pedal away. It hugged the road giving a feeling of security and safety. Seat design gave support and comfort with its easy adjustment capacity. There is more space for both front and back seat passengers than in some larger model cars. There were no major engine problems during the 128,000 miles the vehicle was driven. Regular maintenance brought the result of not even an oil leak, even at 128,000 miles.
Great Car for the Money
Good Car, 07/16/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the Cavalier LS new in 1998 and have been very pleased with its performance. There have never been any reliability issues and it surprises us how it always starts with the first crank even when being left out in the cold Wisconsin winters over night. The gas mileage is about 30 HWY and has lots of acceleration. No beefs for the money spent and now it is practically paying for itself.
The cheapest car ever built...
cavalierssuck, 08/04/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 98 Cavalier last fall for $5,200. It sounded like a bargain at the time. My family has always had Chevy cars and trucks so I figured it would be a good car. WRONG. The first week I had it, the spark plug wiring needed to be replaced because it would sputter like crazy. Three weeks later it needed a new clutch (yes I am a very good manual driver). Almost every morning in the winter it wouldnt start, and if it did start it ran bad. 3,000 bucks later it still runs like garbage. VERY CHEAP CAR DONT BUY IT!!
be good to it and it will be good to you
b76, 09/04/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this car used and has been great so far except for sunroof coming off track once. Easy fix if you have or know anyone with knowledge in that area.
Great little car!
REVBOO, 10/14/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best part about this car is the maintenence costs. I've owned it since new and have never had to spend anything on repairs. I'm just now starting to spend on normal items that wear out (tires, brakes, etc.). The only thing that has been replaced on it is the stereo. The CD player quite working while under warranty.
Driving till the wheels fall off
Scottyd, 03/31/2005
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I now have 206,000 miles on my Cavalier and it is still running like a champ! I still get roughly 33 mpg and I don't ever use any oil. The only major repairs were that I replaced the front brakes and rotors twice, and both front bearings twice, but it has never let me down. Great Car!
Too much money spent to keep car running
Joerell, 11/10/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 1998 Chevrolet cavalier rs, which now have 90k. This car has been the worst. My brakes went 3 times in a year and a half, which didnt come cheap. at 81,000 mile my gasket went, at 89,000 my alternator went, now at 90k it in the shop because of its transmission. After a while the trunk wouldnt close so i had to get new lock parts for it as well as the drivers door. It seems like the car is in the shop more than on the road. For a student or a 1st time buyer this was the worst car, in the future i would stay away from american cars. My mom have a Subaru Legacy Out., which have well over 100k,the only expensive thing she paid for was brakes.
Good car, especially for the money
Ray, 05/03/2005
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this vehicle for 7 years and am sad to finally depart from it. This car has travelled the southeastern US with almost no problems other than a window motor! Excellent car for the money!!! After 113,000 miles the only problem was the window motor and the paint. The engine is a true workhorse!
Pretty good 5yr old buy.
josamas, 12/23/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used (I would never have bought it new, 16.5k to high), the car was a steal at $3,300(thanks GM for your high deprec. rate). After five years the car still performs well for it's kind and I would highly recomend it to someone bargain hunting for a compact car but want something that looks, and perform good or a teen going off to college, use the money you save on your college tuition instead of using it on a lousy car note for an over priced automobile.
MY chevy
kimoea, 02/21/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is very fun to drive. I think it should have had a different spoiler desing.Other than that it is a great car. I put my own sound system in it and it "ROCKS"
Can't beat it!
johnny-boy, 05/10/2006
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've put 100,580 miles on this jewel and never had to think about it quitting. I drive a car hard and this one just keeps on goin'. New brakes once, new rear struts once. The 2.2 liter engine is more than I exspected. I'll cruise at 70-75 all day and just relax and listen to the radio.
Very dependable car
Elysian, 04/06/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I haven't had a problem with this car yet. I've put it through a lot, and the worst that has happened is that the locks tend to freeze in winter. My mother owned a Cavalier also and had no problems for eight years. Definitely recommended for drivers who want cheap and reliable.
Love my Cavy
PDizzle, 05/12/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been cheap and reliable for me since I bought it with 12,000 miles. I had to put wider tires on it and tweak the engine for more power, but other than that it has been quick, comfortable and fun to drive.
98 Cavalier Sedan
Tim Seekins, 06/11/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first thing I noticed after doing a machine test on this car was how incredibly noisy the engine is(since its closer to the driver than usual). For a 2.2, its horsepower isn't very good but the torque isn't bad. It was difficult to get the car up to 100 mph. The acceleration is decent and the mobility and turning is excellent. The transmission shifts rather quickly and rougher than usual. If your looking for a reliable-modest sedan... This is a car for you.
A very reliable Chevy--'98 Cavalier
matjag, 06/18/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has had moderate to heavy usage since its purchase in December, 1997. It seems virtually indestructible in that it has required only oil changes, brake work, and new tires in the past 6.5 years. Very quick (2.4 litre engine) for a compact vehicle making it a joy to drive. The only drawback is its very low profile. At times it appears that kids on tricycles can reach down and touch the roof of the vehicle. The motor is still very quiet and smooth despite the 85,000 miles of Houston city driving. With minor supportive vehicle repairs, I see no reason why it cannot attain 150,000 -- 200,000 miles. This is the best automotive bargain I've received.
Get the LS, upgraded engine
MNB, 07/21/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Could be a great compact to get really, really cheap because it depreciates like crazy. Find 1) an LS, big improvements over STD, 2) an upgraded engine. I have the better engine, and it makes the car much better to drive, accelerate, etc. Makes the Neon & Corolla feel like a Big Wheel in comparison. I find it pretty comfortable, but some people don't. Tires were good in the winter, haven't had to replace. A few of these cars were lemons (read other reviews) so be sure to get maintenance records from the seller. Up to 40K, I've only replaced the brakes. But you could get a pretty solid car with this one. My car is only worth $5K, that's a steal.
Reliable Cavalier
JMeadows, 08/23/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A very good, reliable and gas friendly vehicle. Very little up keep; other than basic oil changes, etc.
I agree with "Not again by vaaccess"
Hell Boy, 08/25/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I agree with Vaaccess a 100%! I bought my Z24, because I wanted a cool car to get me to college, and work. But the car became more problem, then it is worth it. Several times I went down to Toyota and Hyundai dealerships looking to trade inn my z24. But I just could not trade in my sports coupe for an Accent or an Echo. The only thing that stoped me was a thought of giving up my hard earned monthly paycheck just to pay for the new car and insurance. Other wise I would have done it a long time ago! This tought me a valuable lesson of never buying another American car again.
I love my Z24
jjz24, 09/11/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for almost 7 years now and I love it as much as the day I bought it. I've had absolutely no problems with it. Wonderful vehicle!
My Worst Nightmare
Spikez0740, 10/20/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After trading in my Grand Am for this this car I realized a mistake I had made. Bought with 71,000 miles it was a steal for $5000. 10k later I spent 1/2 that to replace control arms, a new tranny, ball joints and bushings. The problems just kept going downhill, misc. repairs such as power window motor, sunroof motor, a/c sompressor and some electrical work for the headlights. after all that i would be a fool to get rid of it. Now with 138,000 it needs a new exhaust and thats about it.
I love my Chevy
Jules, 05/25/2005
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 98 Cavalier brand new, in September of 1998. I have driven this car 124,000+ miles. It has taken me all over the east coast, with no issues. This car is very reliable. I have replaced, tires, brakes, and battery, and just had to get new rear struts 6 months ago. No other repairs have ever been needed other then an occasional factory recall. Right now I have Toyo tires on it, and it drives better then ever. The only complaint that I have is that my family has outgrown it, and I am now looking to buy something bigger.
I've had worse
tcrews, 06/08/2005
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife had this car when we got married. We've had to do some motor work (2.4 ltr.), but it has 197,000 miles. What gets me are the comments from mechanics when I take it in. Every mechanic that sees it says, "Oh great!" and tries to pawn it off on one of the other mechanics to work on. They tell me the motor's a pain to work on and was known for overheating. I drive it 150 miles a day bare minimum. Still getting 28 miles to the gallon. Very uncomfortable. Best fix for the road and motor noise is a louder stereo. Was going to trade it in for a different car but nobody wanted it.
Love my Z!
SHVD98Z24, 02/16/2006
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 23000 miles on it and it now has 41000 miles on it....6 years later....I know...I only drive it 3000 miles a year but it's a blast. I have done bodywork and stereo systems, lowered it, big rims, you name it. The stock parts hold up well. It isn't like the foreign cars where you have to upgrade 2 other things to upgrade one. The engine is strong...as strong as any non turbo foreign motor. The only problems I have ever had are electrical and thats from adding stuff on. The ignition system is pretty complicated in these cars.
Heather's car
Heather , 03/28/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything has went really well except the alternater went out and made my battary go dead and left me stranded because i forget my cell phone. It has excellent gas milliage and gets me everywhere i want to go!! have fun!! Its the perfect car for me im a teenager!!!!!
Cavalier - Outdated and old.
tman7773, 03/29/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The exterior and interior design looks about 10 years behind every other compact car. The brakes, manual transmission, acceleration and steering all feel cheap, rough and weak. All 4 brakes went at 35,000 km and had to be replaced when I started feeling a warp when braking. I hit a ground hog while driving and that resulted in a $650 replacement of my radiator. When the car idled it idled rough and I was told by the service techs that there was nothing wrong with the car. The vents that aim the air popped out place now and again. The odd time ( 3 times) I'd hear a horrible racket in my vents, and out would pop a dried up whirly bird helicopter from a tree.
Cavi
lbc, 05/09/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my car at 80,000 miles and now its at 100,000. I love her. I had to replace the power steering pump once. And theres rust eating at the bottom of my car but I love how I have never seen my check engine light. This car has been perfect.
Cavalier
ChazH, 04/01/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is small and quicker than I expected. It is a five speed, which makes the fuel economy even higher. I usually get 480mpg. There is alot of aftermarket items avaliable which makes it easy to up the performance. I would highly recomend this car to anyone.
Fun to drive, great on gas, unbeaten!
bigbird91, 05/27/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our 1998 Cavalier Z-24 coupe (2.2, 5 speed manual, the car had an engine change after previous owner blew the engine using NOS). Even with the smaller engine, this car is very fast, it's a piece of cake to do a burnout. It has been very reliable, it has about 150,000 miles on it now. It gets great gas mileage (about 38 to the gallon if my dad drives, about 30 if I drive, but I'm 16 and like to punch it.) Over all, this car is great, handles way better than the non Z-24 version, and looks great.
1998 cavi
Chris, 12/24/2017
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is a 5 speed with 337000 miles and counting I'm the third owner and before this I had a 2004 also a good car reliable as can be.
- Comfort
Great on gas that's for sure
Lexxa, 06/17/2021
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It runs very good ,only 2nd car iv owned and it first to deal with ..i bought my car a year ago it has about 170k miles and runs great I do not what so ever regret this purchase for 1,500.
What the heck
Halie , 10/25/2022
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My boyfriend and I bought a used 98 Chevy. Low mileage, and about a month after we got it the AC unit just died & we can’t use it. Recently the car has been having issues starting, it won’t turn over unless you press the gas first. And if you release the gas all the way the car will die, you pretty much have to double foot the car anywhere if it doesn’t start up the first time. Any suggestions???!
Love of a Lifetime ❤️
RC Lufkin Texas , 01/13/2025
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had our 98 Chevy Cavalier 2 door w a sun roof, plum purple. She was a beauty and only one in town, every where we went people would ask us if we would want to sale her. Negative she was like a family member to us. This was in 2008-2015 she shine like a brand new car and was always ready to hit the roads when we were. 2017 we were in the process of moving , had to store her on a man's property for a couple weeks til we got moved. She was stolen off the property and in the mist of reporting it and searching even questioned the man. The man passes away. Never found our car it broke our hearts major. We like to think she's still out there running up and down the roads shining like a diamond and whoever has her is treating her like we did. The best car we have had you can beat them. Love to get my hands on her again or at least have one just like her and name it Barney the Second !¡
98 cavilier 4dr
Joe, 06/11/2010
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have recently come to own a cavalier. Now I'm no stranger to understanding a good car from a bad one, and this one is certainly on the downer list. I can respectfully say deigned interior well, decent on gas. But lacks in power and suspension is weak. Car wasn't abused too badly but will look to get rid of this horrible lil car as soon as possible. I do not recommend this car to anyone. These cars were designed poorly. For a 4 dr it should have more power so that when you do have passengers it doesn't sound like the engine has to work so hard. Driver and maybe one passenger, that's it.
Avoid at all costs
Matt198, 08/03/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new at the beginning of 1998. Within four months/4,000 miles, the car had its first problem-- ruptured fuel pump I think--and that was only the beginning. Over the course of the next two or so years, the car, an automatic, would sporadically stall without warning or cause. On top of all that, GM refused to acknowledge the problem until the car stalled out as I was leaving the dealership. Anyway, I sold the car during summer 2000 and bought a Protege--I couldn't be happier with the new car.
Great Car
Jen's Car, 10/01/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this car for almost six years, it's fun, has great acceleration and will drive for over 400 miles on a tank of gas. The five speed transmission is great for passing cars. The resale value once I paid it off (60 months) wasn't very good, which is why I am trying to drive it for as long as possible. I would definitely not buy another one NEW, or finance another one for that long.