🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Cavalier Year: 1998 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car positioned as an affordable, economical, and practical option in the North American market. It competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Dodge Neon. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: The Cavalier of this era offered a straightforward design, relatively low purchase price, and decent fuel economy, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers, students, and those seeking basic transportation. Its emphasis was on affordability rather than luxury or performance. Key Features Key Features: Fuel efficiency, accessible pricing, a range of body styles (sedan, coupe, hatchback), and a straightforward mechanical design contributing to reasonable maintenance costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical system, climate control, interior and exterior features, safety systems, instrument panel, controls, maintenance, troubleshooting. Page Count Page Count: Approximately 150-200 pages (estimated for typical owner's manuals of this era). Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems. Transmission Systems: Automatic transmission operation and fluid checks, manual transmission operation. Brake Systems: Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS (if equipped). Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, fusible links, wipers, horn, power accessories. Comfort And Convenience: Climate control (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, audio system operation. Safety Features: Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), child seat installation, child security locks. Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing wiper blades, bulb replacement, jump starting. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic drivability issues, starting problems. Driving Information: Instrument panel and controls explanation, starting and driving the vehicle, parking, fuel economy tips. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Covers operation, basic maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: N/A (Printed) Print Quality Print Quality: Typically black and white text with line drawings and some basic diagrams. Print quality varies by original publication but is generally functional. Binding Type Binding Type: Stapled or perfect bound booklet Paper Type Paper Type: Standard paper stock suitable for everyday use. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Displacement Hp Torque: 2.2L OHV L4 (130 cu. in.) producing approximately 115 hp @ 5200 rpm and 130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm; Optional 2.4L DOHC L4 (146 cu. in.) producing approximately 150 hp @ 6000 rpm and 155 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm. Performance Fuel Economy: EPA estimates for the 2.2L engine with automatic transmission were around 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway. Fuel System Fuel System Type: Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI). Engine Oil Recommended Oil Viscosity: API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Coolant Coolant Type Capacity: GM-spec (green) ethylene glycol coolant; Capacity approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission. Optional Transmission Optional Transmission: 3-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 125-4LE). Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic transmissions; Manual transmission uses gear oil. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Dimensions Wheelbase: 101.3 inches (2573 mm) Length: 174.6 inches (4435 mm) Width: 67.4 inches (1712 mm) Height: 53.9 inches (1370 mm) for coupe, 54.6 inches (1387 mm) for sedan. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), depending on body style and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Rating: Not explicitly rated for all configurations or test procedures as per modern standards; generally considered adequate for its class at the time. Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Driver and passenger front airbags (standard), three-point seat belts for all outboard occupants, front seat belt pretensioners, reinforced safety cage construction. Child Safety Child Seat Anchors: Rear seat positions suitable for child safety seats; manual includes guidance on proper installation. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Systems: Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and up to 4 speakers. Manual covers operation of basic audio controls. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited driver assistance features; ABS was the primary advanced system available. Connectivity Connectivity Options: No advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB ports. Analog systems only. Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Features: Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, engine temperature, oil pressure warning light, brake system warning lights, airbag warning light. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations. Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (9,600 to 12,900 km). Coolant...
The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car positioned as an affordable, economical, and practical option in the North American market. It competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Dodge Neon.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
The Cavalier of this era offered a straightforward design, relatively low purchase price, and decent fuel economy, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers, students, and those seeking basic transportation. Its emphasis was on affordability rather than luxury or performance.
Key Features
Key Features:
Fuel efficiency, accessible pricing, a range of body styles (sedan, coupe, hatchback), and a straightforward mechanical design contributing to reasonable maintenance costs.
Instrument panel and controls explanation, starting and driving the vehicle, parking, fuel economy tips.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Covers operation, basic maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
N/A (Printed)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Typically black and white text with line drawings and some basic diagrams. Print quality varies by original publication but is generally functional.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Standard paper stock suitable for everyday use.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Displacement Hp Torque:
2.2L OHV L4 (130 cu. in.) producing approximately 115 hp @ 5200 rpm and 130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm; Optional 2.4L DOHC L4 (146 cu. in.) producing approximately 150 hp @ 6000 rpm and 155 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.
Performance
Fuel Economy:
EPA estimates for the 2.2L engine with automatic transmission were around 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway.
Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic transmissions; Manual transmission uses gear oil.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase:
101.3 inches (2573 mm)
Length:
174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
53.9 inches (1370 mm) for coupe, 54.6 inches (1387 mm) for sedan.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), depending on body style and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not explicitly rated for all configurations or test procedures as per modern standards; generally considered adequate for its class at the time.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard), three-point seat belts for all outboard occupants, front seat belt pretensioners, reinforced safety cage construction.
Child Safety
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat positions suitable for child safety seats; manual includes guidance on proper installation.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and up to 4 speakers. Manual covers operation of basic audio controls.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited driver assistance features; ABS was the primary advanced system available.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
No advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB ports. Analog systems only.
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, engine temperature, oil pressure warning light, brake system warning lights, airbag warning light.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (9,600 to 12,900 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic transmission fluid inspection every 15,000 miles; fluid and filter change typically around 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as recommended by driving conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III ATF.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Front struts/shocks, exhaust systems, catalytic converters, radiator, water pump, intake manifold gaskets, and some electrical components like window regulators and ignition switches can be prone to wear or failure over time.
Engine Specific Concerns:
The 2.4L DOHC engine (LD9) could occasionally experience issues with intake manifold gaskets and coolant leaks. The 2.2L OHV engine (2200) is generally considered robust but can suffer from oil leaks and intake gasket issues.
Tire Specifications
Common Tire Sizes:
P185/70R14, P195/60R15, P205/55R16 (depending on trim and options).
Wheel Specifications
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 100mm (4 x 3.94 inches)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is one of America's most iconic automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from economical cars to trucks and performance vehicles. The Cavalier has historically been a volume seller for the brand.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Introduction:
The 1998 Cavalier is part of the third generation of the model line, which debuted for the 1995 model year. This generation introduced a more modern, rounded styling compared to its predecessor.
Production
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured at General Motors' assembly plants in the United States, including Lordstown, Ohio.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Market Perception Awards:
While not typically a recipient of major automotive awards, the Cavalier was consistently ranked as a high-volume seller in the compact segment, reflecting its appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Often cited for affordability.
Ratings
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power varied but generally placed it in the average to below-average range for its class during this period.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Meets all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in effect for the 1998 model year.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.