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1994 Chevrolet Cavalier

1994 Chevrolet Cavalier

The 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was available in sedan and coupe body styles. It was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

  • 2.2L I4 engine with 120 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission
  • 2.4L I4 engine with 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission

The Cavalier was a popular car, with over 300,000 units sold in 1994. It was known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, it also had a number of problems that plagued owners.

Engine

2.2L I4

  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.4L I4

  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power, engine failure
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Water pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed manual

  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, shuddering
    • Solution: Replace clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

4-speed automatic

  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, shuddering
    • Solution: Rebuild transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace struts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Alternator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light illuminated, difficulty starting
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power window failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, switches not functioning
    • Solution: Replace power window motors or switches
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust on body panels, fenders, and quarter panels
    • Solution: Rust removal and repair
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard
    • Solution: Replace dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door panel warping
    • Description/Symptoms: Door panels warping, sagging, or detaching
    • Solution: Replace door panels
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier had a number of issues that could affect its reliability and performance. The most serious issues were related to the engine, transmission, and suspension. These issues could be expensive to fix, and they could lead to a loss of power or even a complete engine or transmission failure.

Overall, the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier was a relatively affordable and fuel-efficient car. However, it had a number of problems that could make it a risky purchase for some consumers.

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