1985 Chevrolet Spectrum problems

General information about Chevrolet-Spectrum
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the world. While the first generation was of a rear-wheel drive design, later versions were all front-wheel-drive, and the last two generations were no more than badge-engineered Honda Domani until the name was retired in 2000.

First generation (1974)

The first Gemini was the Bellett Gemini, first seen in November 1974. It was based on the third-generation Opel Kadett C on the General Motors T-car platform and came in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles. The chassis code was PF50, although the later 1.8-liter versions were called PF60 and the diesels PFD60.

In June 1977 the Gemini received its first, light, facelift. The bigger 1817 cc G180 series engine became available, fitted with rectangular headlights rather than the round units used on the 1600. This model offered 110 PS (81 kW), although this output dropped to 105 PS (77 kW) if an automatic transmission was fitted. In November of the same year the 1600 was updated, now with square headlights and an engine with the I·CAS oxidation catalyst ("Isuzu Clean Air System") which could manage the 1978 emissions standards. One year later the Gemini 1800's engine was also upgraded to meet the 1978 emissions standards. Power remained unchanged, and the automatic now offered the same power as cars with manual transmission. The ignition system was now of a transistor less type, and the trunk lid was now opened remotely (not added to the Gemini 1600 until the end of December). The Gemini Black and 1800 Minx were also added, the Minx with a two-tone paintjob and the Black with black paintwork and more sporty yet comfortable equipment including alloy wheels.

In June 1979, the Gemini received a new slant nose with rectangular headlights and a redesigned rear end. The changes were actually more comprehensive than that, also including a redesigned (longer) engine bay and a wider radiator opening for two new engines added in November (the twin cam G180W and the new 4FB1 diesel) which both required wider radiators for more air for cooling.

In Japan, sports models were available originally with the "ZZ" name. Later, ZZ/L (1980), ZZ/R (1981), ZZ/T, and ZZ/E models were added. These were equipped with an Isuzu G180W 8-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine, most commonly fuel-injected, producing 130 PS (96 kW) at 6400 rpm. These models also came with a shortened remote throw manual shift lever and optional factory LSD differential. There was also a mildly sporting model of the OHC 1800, called the LS/G.

In October 1982 a version of the diesel with Bosch VE electronic fuel injection was also added; this provided 8% more power than the regular version (66 versus 61 PS) and was fitted to the LT-E and LJ-E models. For those who wanted more, a 73 PS (54 kW) turbo diesel appeared a month later. Also featuring electronic fuel injection, this model also received a standard rear anti-roll bar. Counterintuitively, the two more powerful diesels were never available with the coupé bodywork.

The Gemini was complemented in 1981 by the Giugiaro-designed coupé Isuzu Piazza, based on the Gemini's platform, which was introduced in the United States in 1983 as the Isuzu Impulse and in Australia in 1986 as the Holden Piazza. After the front-wheel-drive second generation Gemini appeared in early 1985, the old rear-wheel drive version nonetheless continued to be built. The coupé model was discontinued, and a slimmed down sedan range (including the ZZ and diesel models) continued to be available. This diminished range was produced until February 1987, when the rear-wheel drive Gemini was laid to rest after 768,537 had been built.

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Common 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum problems

The 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum is a compact car that was produced by General Motors (GM) in partnership with Isuzu. While the car was praised for its fuel efficiency, it was often criticized for its lackluster performance and uninspiring design.

One of the most common complaints about the 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum was its lack of power. The car was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced just 70 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque. This was significantly less than many of its competitors, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, which had more powerful engines and better performance. As a result, the Spectrum was often criticized for being slow and underpowered, particularly when it came to acceleration and passing on the highway.

Another common complaint was the car's lack of style and design. The Spectrum was often described as bland and uninspiring, with few exterior or interior features to distinguish it from other compact cars on the market. The car's design was often criticized for being too conservative and lacking in personality, which made it difficult for the Spectrum to stand out in a crowded market.

The Spectrum's fuel efficiency was one of its few bright spots. The car was praised for its excellent fuel economy, with many owners reporting that they were able to achieve 33-38 mpg in daily driving and 42-44 mpg on highway trips. However, this fuel efficiency came at a cost, as the Spectrum's small engine and lightweight construction often made it feel underpowered and unrefined.

The car's interior was also criticized for its lack of features and poor build quality. The Spectrum's cabin was often described as cramped and uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom for taller drivers and passengers. The car's interior materials were also criticized for feeling cheap and flimsy, which made the car feel less refined than many of its competitors.

In addition to these complaints, the Spectrum was also criticized for its poor reliability and build quality. Many owners reported experiencing a wide range of mechanical issues, including engine problems, transmission failures, and electrical issues. The car's build quality was also criticized for being poor, with many owners reporting issues with the car's suspension, brakes, and other components.

Overall, the 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum was a compact car that was often criticized for its lackluster performance, uninspiring design, and poor build quality. While the car's fuel efficiency was a bright spot, its other weaknesses made it difficult for the Spectrum to compete with other compact cars on the market.

1985 Chevrolet Spectrum car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Spectrum problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Chevrolet Spectrum complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1996-05-22

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-05-22
VIN: J81RF77K8F8
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO CABIN. *SD

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1985 Chevrolet Spectrum recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1987-05-26

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORATION OF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONTENT IN THE FUEL PROMOTES DEGRADATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM COATING RESULTING IN RADIAL CRACKING OF THE DIAPHRAGM.
Consequence: A PERFORATED DIAPHRAGM CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THEFUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA. THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: A FUEL VENTILATION HOSE KIT WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM LEAKS AND THEREBY REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.