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1987 Chevrolet Cavalier RS Hatchback

The 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier RS Hatchback is a 2.0-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $9,260 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Cavalier measures 172.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,408 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$9,260 ($26,492 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0L inline-4, throttle-body fuel injection, naturally aspirated
Displacement2 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in (rally styled steel)
Wheels Rear13 in (rally styled steel)
Dimensions & Weight
Length172 in
Width66 in
Height50 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,408 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear52 in
Hip Room Front49 in
Hip Room Rear49 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet CAVALIER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

NHTSA campaign 06E043000

Feb 9, 1987 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY CONTAIN WATER WHICH COULD FREEZE WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING TRAVEL OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE TO BECOME RESTRICTED WHEN THROTTLE IS INITIALLY OPENED.

Consequence: ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSSOF ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.

NHTSA campaign 87V011000

Sep 15, 1986 · PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL

PARKING BRAKE LEVER MECHANISMS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ROLL AWAY UNCONTROLLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign 86V128000

24 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet CAVALIER

Owner Complaints

24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet CAVALIER (3 mention a crash, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Seat Belts6
Steering6
Vehicle Speed Control3
Hydraulic2
Power Train2
Seats2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 10, 2004 · Tires
“I WAS TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY EVENING. I WAS DOING BETWEEN 35 - 40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK MY TIRES FOR A FLAT OR SEE IF SOMETHING WAS HANGING…”
Jan 23, 2003 · Tires Crash 1 injury
“CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CONSTANT BLOWOUTS AND FLATS WITH THE TIRES. ONE INCIDENT LED TO THE VEHICLE SLAMMING INTO A STREET CURB. *JG”
Sep 20, 2000 · Seat Belts
“BELT THAT HOLDS DRIVERS SEAT TO THE FLOOR BROKE AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE SOMETIMES WILL NOT PULL OUT.”
Aug 10, 1998 · Steering
“THE BOLTS IN THE STEERING COLUMN ARE LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE FREELY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
Apr 24, 1998 · Seats Crash 1 injury
“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AND WAS HIT FROM REAR BY A PICKUP TRUCK, RESULTING IN THE REAR BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BREAKING, AND CONSUMER WAS IN A RECLINING POSITION, NOT ABLE TO GET THE SEAT UP…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1987 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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