Market Segment:
Compact Car
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.
Model Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, widely available parts, straightforward mechanics.
Manual Purpose:
To educate the owner on the safe and proper operation, maintenance, and features of their 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Engine Systems:
Operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance, troubleshooting common indicators.
Transmission Systems:
Operation, fluid level checks, basic care.
Brakes And Suspension:
Parking brake operation, ABS indicator awareness, tire pressure, basic suspension component identification.
Electrical And Lighting:
Fuse box location and identification, bulb replacement instructions, dashboard indicator lights explanation, wiper and washer operation.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control operation (HVAC), seat adjustment, interior light controls, door lock operation, power window/mirror operation.
Safety Features:
Seat belt usage and adjustment, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation guidance.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid; tire inflation; windshield wiper blade replacement.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic steps for minor issues (e.g., jump-starting a dead battery).
Emergency Procedures:
Instructions for flat tire changes, jump starting, and basic accident procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Designed for the end-user; focuses on operation, basic checks, and user-level maintenance, not in-depth mechanical repairs.
Engine Code:
L43 (2.2L OHV)
Engine Displacement:
2.2 Liters / 2198 cc
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV) with 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Horsepower Rating:
115 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque Rating:
130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Optional Engine:
2.4L DOHC I4 (LD9) - approximately 150 hp (often found in Z24 models)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
53.1 inches (1349 mm) (Coupe)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.0 inches (127 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500-2700 lbs (1134-1225 kg), depending on body style and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.0 - 15.0 cubic feet (368 - 425 L), varies by body style.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on era standards, no specific 1996 data readily available for this model).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on era standards, no specific 1996 data readily available for this model).
ABS:
Available (typically on higher trims or as an option).
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; Passenger airbag often optional or standard on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear lap belts (three-point rear belts may be optional/varied by body style).
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard; relies on seat belt routing for child seats.
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speaker System:
Typically 4 speakers (door and rear deck).
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or on higher trim levels.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional, as noted in safety features.
Auxiliary Input:
Not available.
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (check manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual, especially for automatic transmissions under severe use.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (2.2L).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (green color).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (ATF) or specified power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system, oxygen sensors, ignition components (spark plugs, wires).
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks, gasket failures (intake manifold, valve cover), occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage examples.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoids can fail, manual clutch wear.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, blower motor resistor failure, corroded grounds.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing reliable and affordable vehicles, established in 1911.
Cavalier Generations:
1996 model belongs to the third generation (1995-2005). This generation saw a complete redesign from the previous model.
Platform:
GM J-body platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Lordstown, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Production Volume:
High volume, as it was a mainstream compact car for Chevrolet.
