Used 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews
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The Catfish of cars (they just don't die)
Jolex, 07/30/2010
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
They say that cars are a liability not an investment, but my 1998 Cavalier proved that statement wrong! I bought mine brand new and drove it for 13 years. It still runs and the only thing I ever really needed to do was regular maintenance. It's been through a lot and if anyone says that a Chevy is no good then there is no way that they have ever truly owned one. I would recommend a Chevy to anyone. It was worth every penny and it showed that American made cars are at the top of the list with foreign competition. I loved my car and my faith in Chevy will never be diminished.
They just don't die!
ahnalia, 02/12/2014
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my 98 z-24 cavalier with 101k "highway" miles on it in 2003. I have NEVER regretted the purchase. I have only had to have 1 major repair done on it (housing case) in 11 years. Mine has been through a lot. It has been stolen, and they hot rodded it and tore it up externally pretty bad, but it still runs. I let maintenence on it slip pretty bad over the years, and it still runs. No matter what punishment this car has been dished out, it just does not stop running. It also has some real "get up and go" when needed.
My very first car, and boy am I happy wiith it!
Jesus, 07/15/2016
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for $850 from some shady dude. I was skeptical since it's my first time buying a car but I think I got a pretty good deal! Car has 208k miles on it and it runs like a champ. I've owned it for around 6 months now, drive it everyday for work. Gas mileage is amazing, 15 bucks fills the tank and it lasts around a week and half! It handles beautifully and it's pretty fast too. It currently has only 2 issues, the gas gauge went bad and it needs the passenger side engine mount replaced, but it's nothing serious or that can't be fixed. I truly recommend this car if you're looking for your first car.
- Safety
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The Best Car Ever Is A Cavalier Z24 Conv
Chris Fontana, 11/29/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Cavalier Z24 is the best car for the money I have experienced no problems and everyone who says it is bad probably were not taking care of the car or they are bad to their cars all together. The five speed manual transmission is very fast and has great sound. Even with the convertible top down still has a quiet ride. The 2.4L twin cam engine is fast and is great for tuning for an American "Fast And Furiouse" car.
Amazing!!!
rush_2112, 03/10/2011
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Cavalier for about 6 months now and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The Vehicle was a trade in at the dealership I work at. I have always wanted a Cavalier so I inspected it and test drove it right away. It had 119,000 miles on it and the only problem I noticed was it was leaking antifreeze very fast so I new it wasn't the head gasket. I decided to purchase the Cavalier knowing I could replace the water pump myself for $15.00 with lifetime warranty! After I fixed the water pump I have never had a single problem with the vehicle. I drive it everyday to work, pleasure and trips and it has never let me down. People writing bad reveiws don't know how to take care of cars.
Great Car, Worst Buying Time
Litestorm17, 01/22/2010
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1998 Chevy Cavalier Z24 in December of 07' with 78000 miles on it. I loved the car, but exactly 364 days after I bought it (roughly 90k miles at the time) the entire computer system failed. The dealership has yet to figure out what caused it. It cost me well over $2k to fix. Also, the radiator randomly blew out on me. That was roughly $200. Mine burns oil, but not much. Don't let this rough patch deter you away though. I bought it with all of the wearable stuff at the end of it's lifespan, so now that everything is fixed it works like a dream. It is a great car if you travel long distances like I do. Put an aftermarket short-ram intake, and you can get close to 40 mpg!
I hate this pieace of crap car..
dymondeyz23, 09/23/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
i have had to replace basically everything on this car.. and it only now has 60,000 miles... i also ended up having to replace the engine.. i don't recomend this car... i have never had so many problems w/ a car until i bought this one.. car has been in the shop since the 1month i bought it... replaced... major electrical cords, fuel pump, belts, computer sensors, dents easy, head gasket, overheats, motor barrings... etc...
Not fancy but good value
Dan, 10/07/2007
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Not a fancy car but great value. 65k miles and only replaced starter (03), alternator (07), 2 tires (06), brakes (06), and AC (06) so far. For the price I paid it's great.
Sexy little car
CarLA98, 12/20/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The problems I have had with this car are minor. I had a window rattle in the door which the dealership fixed, I had to replace the brakes after 30,000. The sound system is good, but don't try to crank it up too much. The one big problem I have had with this car is the cigarette lighter. For some reason, using it to charge my cell phone caused an electrical short which at various times caused the horn not to work or the roof not to go up or down. By and large I am very happy with this car. I like the way it looks, it can comfortably seat five "normal" sized people, and with the back seat folding down I have a lot of versatility in transporting things.
Cavalier is a worthy car to own one.
Road Runner 2000, 09/16/2006
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driving control and stability is excellent, especially on highways, comparing to the car in the same segment such as Civic, Corolla and Focus. Surprisingly, it's even better than Camary and Accord of the same year model. The acceleration is very impressive even though equipped with a shy horsepower engine. However, the engine is torquey. That compensates for the car's weight quite well. Fuel consumption is outstanding on highways and resonable in town. Car's appearance is handsome, and roomier than the like ones. C-Pillar looks very beautiful. I like this the best.
Good old Chevy
debvalentine, 06/16/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car and fun to drive.
My pal
Rolling Cherry, 07/02/2016
updated 01/08/2018
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My cavalier has been an amazing car! I purchased it in 2009 with 140,000 miles and now 9 years later it is still running with 224,000 miles. Of course as with any car, I have had to do regular maintenance as well as some wear and tear repairs. I had one major repair of the head gasket in 2012, but seeing as the car has continued to run great for another 6 years, I would say it was definitely worth the investment. This car gives me freedom to drive through town, explore in the the country and travel on interstate trips.
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Not exciting, but reliable
yeti, 06/18/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Cavelier, bought new in 1997. For both of them, the engines held up extrememly well as I piled on the miles, but they were not particularly exciting to drive. In hindsight, I should have plunked down the money for a Honda Civic for not much difference in price and gotten a little better milage and better long term reliability and resale value.
309,200 miles and still purring
Julie Mays, 12/26/2017
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4th car I have owned. Last one was good. One before was better. I got hit in my 1995 Beretta with a full tank of gas. The woman was traveling 50 mph. Didn't brake, just plowed into me. I didn't blow up. 4th car is the one I currently drive. I bought a 1998 Cavalier for 700$. She had 184,???, something. 7 years later, I have 309,200. Has a minor oil leak. But I don't mind. I have replaced the starter, water pump, tensioner and passenger side motor mount. Changed the oil and thermostat in 2010. That's it. I know buying any used car is a big gamble. My Cavalier has surprised me over and over again. Under the cushion in the back seat, there's a date burned into the seat padding. My seat was made on my birthday in 1997. Amazing. What I'm saying is. If you want a reliable car that has plenty of get-up-and-go, great on gas mileage and looks good with minimal maintenance, buy a Chevy.
Z24
Abusif, 03/08/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I think that it's a good -low price- performant car. It look nice and it's reliability is fair... Good choice...
Love it
blondie, 04/28/2007
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 2 years ago and wanted a cheap but yet nice sporty looking car and when I saw this one I knew it was the one! I haven't had any problems with it besides very minor knock on wood. It's a good little car and you can add the fun tall lights and tint the windows and let me tell you its a looker!
Great car
nick, 04/24/2007
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had two recalls. That is good in my book. This car is great on fuel and cheap to run. Overall it's a great car. Even at 270,000 km it's running great.
Not again
vaaccess, 03/21/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like my car, well enough that is. It's a good car if your looking in this price range, but I, for one, won't be buying another American car again. Next time I'm going to German Engineering.
A sad goodbye
Kristina, 06/01/2006
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my convertible new in 1998. I love this car. I have owned this car for 8 years. My car had 140,000 miles at the time of its death. My car was totaled by a full size Explorer (and the car took the hit). My Cavalier was the best car I ever owned. It never gave me any real problems except for the AC went out once but it was an easy fix. I am sad to see this car go.
My Cavi is great
msenne, 02/26/2003
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car. I like it because its sporty and economical.
Good, cheap fun
RBTaylor, 02/02/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first convertible and my first Chevy, and I love it. Some people complain about the engine noise from inside the car; I think it's got a great purr. Not too loud, but not dead silent like a Honda. Acceleration is great for a four-banger with a four speed auto, and handling is smooth. The ride is nice, but still sporty, allowing you to feel the road. Riding up front with the top down, it's remarkably quiet and not too windy. I replaced the factory stereo with a Rockford, which sounds great even with the original speakers. I've driven from Utah to California and back a couple of times and never had a problem. Just a fun car!
Great Car
Dannyboy166, 05/09/2004
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
2 of 27 people found this review helpful
I am an 18 year old male driver! I have run this car into the ground and it still runs like new... I have put about 50,000 miles on this car in about 5 months and I have never had any problems with it.. Works great, never breaks down, good gas mileage, etc. Perfect all-around car
First Car
Kaitlyn, 08/09/2005
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
2 of 31 people found this review helpful
Alright, so my first car was a little more expensive than what most teens got at my school. However, it was definitely worth the investment compared to the "junkers" my friends bought. I've only had one thing go wrong with my little Cavalier, and that was due to a poor mechanic. Not only that, but my little car was able to plow its way down the road on snowy Michigan roads that had sometimes a foot of snow.
Chevy Cavalier
Blondie, 12/14/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
1 of 39 people found this review helpful
This car is great for a college student it is good on gas and great in the snow
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.
Brought back from the brink of death
Beverly Noble, 08/10/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband to be and I bought this vehicle from my mother who did no maintenance on it whatsoever. We have literally rebuilt this car and it runs like a lean mean fighting machine with over 276,000 on it and we will go a full one million on it before we both die of old age. Chevrolet Cav's are built to take a licking and keep on ticking hopefully not like a bomb.
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
good car
bernz1, 08/09/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I no longer own this car, but I really have to write a good review. First car I ever financed. I owned the car for 7 years, put a ton of miles on it. Very reliable. Only problem I had was with the alternator. I owned a second generation cavalier previously and the same problem. I had the alternator replaced 3 times in a 2 month period, but after that was no problem. Unfortunately left me stranded each time, but a cheap fix and the only problem I ever had with the car. Very reliable otherwise. Good handling and fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone, if you get one still in good shape.
Not bad, but not the best
annm, 05/02/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with an extended warranty a week ago. From what I can tell so far, it has decent pickup, a nice look, and ample features. I heard it doens't always handle well, but I dont' find that to be the case. It could be bc of the tires bc on this car they're wider than the standard.
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.
Happy camper, reliable car!
Anderson, 08/06/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very happy overall with my 1998 Cavalier. It is by far better than my 2002 Malibu which is a piece of junk. I have about 180000 miles on this car and to date I have had to make no major repairs. I don't understand it. Only the Japanese cars are supposed to be like this. The only money I have invested in this car is for basic maintenance and a minor repair to the heater fan switch that quit working. My only real complaint on this car is that it is not that great in winter driving. It might be to light. I live in MN and for a front wheel drive it has poor traction on packed snow even with decent tires. Trax light always comes on. Other than that it's been a great car.
The litte car that could.
anthony farmer, 08/14/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my 1998 Chevy cavalier from my parents and love it. I am currenty still going to school and working and loving the car. This car is the best on gas mileage and a really good car. My car now has 222,076 miles on it and all I have ever done to it is regular maintenance except there was a little time period when it was overheating bad but it turned out it was my fan. I got it fixed and it runs like a top. My advice to anyone is if you can get one of these little boogers its best that you do cause it will save you so much money in the long run. By the way mine is the 2.2 liter 4 cylinder there the best.
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.
Very good car
anderson, 06/23/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 Cavalier new 10 years ago. This has been a great car. Very reliable. The only money I have put into it is basic maintenance and exhaust. I have 170,000 miles on it and I am still on the original engine, original tranny and this car leaves no fluid stains on my garage floor. I have been so happy with this car. My only complaint with this car is that that traction is not that great in the winter even with new tires. They spin very easy even on a snow packed road. It's like the car is too light. Overall this car has been a great purchase for me.
Left me stranded
jimmy, 12/21/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 34,000 miles. Drove great filled up once every 2 weeks. Great on gas. However the gauges didn't indicate when there was a problem with the engine. The water pump wasnt connected properly. Long story short. Headgasket blew as well as the engine. Get it inspected after you buy it.
Best car I ever owned
libra26, 09/06/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the most reliable car I ever had in my life. I never had to put anything major into this car in the 6 yrs I owned it. Absolutely the best and I loved it. I wish they still made the cavalier. I owned 2. I tried to get another used one but they were hard to find. I'm sorry I didn't keep it until it had major problems. I only got rid of it because I was scared of the mileage 110,000 and it needed a new coolant system put in it. I missed having air conditioning too. I didn't want to put any money into it. I was afraid having an 11 yrs old car was risky. I got great mileage. I never not once had it not start for me in 6 yrs. That's pretty amazing.
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.
reliable
pb, 12/21/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 10 years and I'm sitting at 200000 miles and no major repairs yet. I wish all chevys were this reliable.
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.
Glad I bought it
BC, 02/15/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded it in today after just shy of 11 years. Over 128,000 miles an it was the most reliable car I ever owned. I didn't lose sleep over $4/gal gas because this baby got over 30mpg. My biggest complaint was that the brakes and rotors generally only lasted 25-30k miles. The exhaust tended to be the next biggest issue but I don't think I ever had to replace the catalytic converter or the expensive pipe that came off of it. Pipe was rusted through when I traded it though. I didn't wash the car much and the only rust was near the bottom of the doors and I live in upstate NY where they love to salt the roads. 5 speed manual was fun to drive. Climate control fan had to be on 3 (of 4) to blow by year 3.
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
What a great buy
bandit88, 04/14/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as the second owner with 234, 000 miles on it, about three years ago. I've put about 60,000 miles on it and I've put minimal amount of money in it. It is fun to drive, easy to learn stick on, and I average 33 mpg with most highway miles. This car owes me nothing!
Good cheap car
JenniE, 04/18/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've used this car for my commute for the past 3 years. So far it's been very reliable. Sure, there's normal wear and tear on brakes and such, but for the price I paid for it, it's been great. The car's at 80K now, and I have not had any problems with it yet. I'm not planning on getting rid of it until at least 110K.
Buyer Beware
Mad_Max86, 12/28/2007
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in the summer. Drove great during the test drive and ride home. Bought it with 123,000 miles on it. I have only put 3,000 miles on it, and a rough 3,000 at that. Two days after I bought it, a brake line burst. $150 to replace, two weeks later it needed a new belt tensioner, $350. Now it needs new struts, and the compressor is shot, about $1,000 to fix. Car looks good because it has a body kit, but my mechanic informed me that this car had been in a major accident and needed to be scrapped. I enjoyed driving it while it lasted. enough room for 3 people in the back, and a nice trunk. Nice sounding pickup, decent speed, good comfort, but it does have good handling
Best Car I've Owned So Far !!
Warren L, 06/23/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been an awesome car for my family to travel in. It has plenty of room for baggage in the trunk, and enough room for the 4 of us inside the car. I've been able to carry long items by lowering the back seat and sliding the item through the trunk. The power this type of car has is remarkable to say the least. I installed a great set of spark plugs after I bought the car, and it flys! When I press on the gas after stopping it picks up and goes immediately. On the highway when passing, I'm impressed as to how quickly it moves around the other car. It idles smoothly and quietly, and gas mileage is great for this cars size.
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.
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