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1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VL Coupe

The 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VL Coupe is a 2.0-liter inline-4 coupe with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $7,365 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Cavalier measures 174.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,359 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$7,365 ($20,234 *)
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
Highway33 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in (steel)
Wheels Rear13 in (steel)
Dimensions & Weight
Length174 in
Width66 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,359 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear30 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 1988 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

Jul 25, 1988 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.

Consequence: WINDSHIELD COULD SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIERTEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212. SUCH SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT INAN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND INJURIED.

Remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.

NHTSA campaign 88V121000

Jun 14, 1988 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.

Consequence: LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.

NHTSA campaign 88V095000

12 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet CAVALIER

Owner Complaints

12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet CAVALIER (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System3
Steering2
Visibility2
Exterior Lighting1
Hydraulic1
Seat Belts1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 1, 2005 · Visibility
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS WIND BLOWING AROUND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALANTS, ALLOWING COLD DRAFTS TO ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA RECALL 88V121000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS…”
Apr 9, 2004 · Visibility
“WINDSHIELD BONDING DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 212, 1988, CHEVROLET CAVALIER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 88V121000. *AK”
Mar 30, 2004 · Electrical System
“PURCHASED A 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FROM E[ILOTOS AUTO SALES 2230 FRANKFORT AVE. PHILA. PA. THE CAR WAS SOLD WITHOUT THE DEALER INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE DEFECTS. THERE WERE MANY....TWO MAIN…”
Apr 21, 2002 · Exterior Lighting
“NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK”
Jun 16, 1998 · Wheels
“WATER LEAKS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK.”

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 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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