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Used 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
56 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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!

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1.25 out of 5 stars

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...

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4 out of 5 stars

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...

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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"

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

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...

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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!!!!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great little car

EX E4, 07/13/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I currently have about 250,000 miles and all I have had to do was replace the clutch and an a/c line (besides regular maintenance). I drive 90 miles a day to work and back and average about 30 mpg. This car has never left me stranded. The original battery lasted 8 years!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great little car.

Chad123, 07/09/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for 4 years now since it was brand new. I have had nothing happen with it and the only work that has been done is the scheduled maintenance. I have the automatic with AC and a CD player and everything performs great. I live in SD where the snow falls often and this car has done very well, especially the ABS and Traction Control. Performance is decent considering its a little 4 cyl engine.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 out of 5 stars

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!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Blown mind

jim, 09/02/2010
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car from a friend. Car has seen better days with the scratches and typical rust. But after about 154,000 miles engine seized. Good cars I just found a bad one in the six I have owned.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good

Axem, 04/24/2002
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been driven this car for more than two year, with no mayor problem, I drive 100 miles daily to work and he never left me down. Maintance is the key for this car

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car, great price

P, 05/30/2008
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first new car and has served me very well over the last 10 years. I use it exclusively for driving to work and put very few miles on it. For the most part no complaints. The battery post corroded from the inside after 10 years, can't beat that. CD broke after 9, but radio still works fine. Driver's window motor and A/C stopped working after 8 years. The A/C is something under the dash that is way too much to spend on a 10 year old car and the window motor, switch and relay has been replaced numerous times and it still doesn't work. Car always starts and still get 27 mpg average after 10 years. Great pick up for a 4 cyl. Most reliable car I've ever had.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever owned

Kelli, 07/29/2009
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my cavalier in 2004. It now has over 200,000 miles on it and it still drives like I just bought it! It is by far the best car I have ever owned. I would never buy any other kind of car . Go Chevy!

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2.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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