1998 Chevy Cavalier Review
1998 Chevy Cavalier Review
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Used Cavalier for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Cavalier model years
Chevrolet Cavalier types
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low price, roomy interior, great basic transportation
Cons
- Cheap interior materials, buzzy standard engine
What’s new
A Z24 convertible is introduced, cruise control is standard on all but base models, power windows and remote keyless entry are no longer available on base cars, and buyers can no longer delete the AM/FM radio. Second-generation airbags debut on all models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$171/mo for Cavalier Z24
Cavalier Z24
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For 16 years, the Cavalier has been a staple sales leader for Chevy dealers. Understandably so, because the Cavalier offers reasonable value and is priced low enough to compete favorably in the compact market, often undercutting smaller models from other manufacturers.
The second-generation Cavalier debuted in 1995, and not a moment too soon. A very good car, this recently designed Cavalier, offers adequate room for four adults, decent performance and acceptable interior accommodations. Styling is attractive and contemporary, and there is a model to suit almost everyone's needs.
Changes to this successful formula are minimal for 1998. The LS convertible has been replaced by a Z24 droptop in an effort to drum up more youthful interest in the car. All the Z24's trim pieces are added, but the convertible doesn't get the sharp five-spoke alloy wheels from the coupe version. Instead, mesh-style rims grace the Z24 convertible. Other modifications include the addition of cruise control to the standard equipment lists of the RS, LS and Z24, and the deletion of power window and remote keyless entry availability on Base models. Also, the AM/FM stereo can no longer be deleted from lower rung models.
GM's venerable 2.2-liter four cylinder, whose droning exhaust note you are no doubt familiar with, is standard in the Cavalier. Equipped with this powerplant, the Cavalier lags behind its primary domestic competition, the Dodge Neon, in power and acceleration. Optional in LS sedan is a 2.4-liter twin-cam engine hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission that features traction control. The Cavalier is a much more livable car with this engine, and we wish that Chevrolet offered this powertrain in base models as well. The twin-cam engine is standard in the sporty Z24 coupe and convertible. Manually shifted Z24 coupes are as quick as the Neon Sport Coupe from rest to 60 mph.
Additional changes include one new exterior paint color (Gold), two new monotone interior color schemes and one new convertible top color (Neutral). Overall, we think Chevy has a winner here. The styling is attractive and contemporary. The interior is comfortable and well laid-out. Antilock brakes are standard equipment. And, best of all, the price is dead on; low enough to make the Chevrolet Metro sedan an exercise in redundancy. We recommend that you check out the Cavalier if a compact car fits your needs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
5 star(41%)
4 star(44%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(1%)
98 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
The Catfish of cars (they just don't die)
Jolex, 07/30/2010
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
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.
5 out of 5 stars
My very first car, and boy am I happy wiith it!
Jesus, 07/15/2016
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
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.
5 out of 5 stars
They just don't die!
ahnalia, 02/12/2014
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Amazing!!!
rush_2112, 03/10/2011
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
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.
1998 Cavalier Highlights
Sedan
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $165/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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