1987 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.

Social links

Common 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum problems

The 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum is a compact car that was jointly developed by Isuzu and General Motors. While it was generally considered fun to drive, it had some common problems that affected its reliability and reputation among owners.

One of the most common problems with the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum was the carburetor, which was prone to issues and required frequent repairs or replacements.

Another issue that affected the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum was its build quality. The car was known for having poor build quality, which led to reliability issues and a bad reputation among owners.

The 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum was also criticized for its boring looks, which contributed to its forgettable status among car enthusiasts.

In addition to these issues, the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum also suffered from a lack of power, with a standard 1.5-liter motor that only produced 70 horsepower. This made the car less competitive in the compact car market, where many other cars offered more power and better performance.

Overall, the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum was a compact car that suffered from a number of common problems, including carburetor issues, poor build quality, and a lack of power. These issues contributed to the car's forgettable status and its poor reputation among owners.

How much horsepower did the 1987 Chevy Spectrum Turbo have?

105-horsepower

Yours for $9700 in 1987, the Spectrum Turbo came in a metallic charcoal with orange accents to let everybody know about that turbocharged four-cylinder, which produced 105-horsepower—some 40 percent more than the standard 1.5-liter in the base model.

What years did Chevy make the spectrum?

The Chevrolet/Geo Spectrum was available as a four-door sedan and as a three-door hatchback, from the 1985 through 1989 model years. For 1988 only, a Spectrum Sport Coupe package, featuring some trim upgrades and these rad decals, could be had on the hatchback.

What is a spectrum car?

The Chevrolet Spectrum was a compact car sold by Chevrolet in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. The Spectrum was a rebadged version of the Isuzu I-Mark. It was the result of a collaboration between General Motors (GM) and Isuzu, with GM owning a stake in the Japanese automaker during this period.

What was the fastest accelerating car in 1987?

The now-repaired Koenig/RS Turbo Porsche was quickest, with a time of 11.6 sec at 133.5 mph, and the RUF was just a tick away, running an 11.7-sec quarter mile at the same speed. The Porsche 959 Sport was the 0-60 champ, doing it in an incredible 3.6 sec, with the Ruf and Koenig/RS tied at 4.0.

How much horsepower did the 1987 Chevy Spectrum Turbo have?

105-horsepower

Who made Chevy Spectrum?

Isuzu

The Chevrolet Spectrum was a subcompact sedan and hatchback made by Isuzu. It was renamed Geo Spectrum in 1989 as General Motors introduced the Geo (sub-)brand for Japanese engineered small cars to be sold by Chevrolet dealers.

What was the fastest accelerating car in 1987?

How much horsepower does a 1987 Chevy 5.7 have?

These vehicles featured a 350 ci, 5.7 Small Block Chevy with TBI (throttle body injected) EFI system, and swirl port heads. Producing up to 210 hp in factory spec, this engine can also be retrofitted into an older car with a performance carburetor to produce up to 250 hp. Torque: 300 ft.

1987 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:

Vehicle speed control problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Seat belts problems
Power train problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Chevrolet Spectrum complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1997-07-31

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-07-31
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: REAR PASSENGER'S RESTRAINT BELT STICKS. BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-03-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-18
VIN: J81RF2176H8
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: SUDDEN ACCELEARTION WHEN FORCE IS NOT APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-03-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-18
VIN: J81RF2176H8
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: SUDDEN ACCELEARTION WHEN FORCE IS NOT APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-02-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
VIN: J81RG5178H8
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: THE CLUCTH WOULD NOT LOCK OUT OF GEAR CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A NEAR ACCIDENT. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-02-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
VIN: J81RG5178H8
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: THE CLUCTH WOULD NOT LOCK OUT OF GEAR CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A NEAR ACCIDENT. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-07-14

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-06-01
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE REAR SEATBELTS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELTS DO NOT LATCH PROPERLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-07-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
VIN: J81RG5174H8
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-06-13

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
VIN: J81RF2170H8
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: IDLE SET FOR 1987 SPECTRUM IS NOT ADJUSTABLE-WILL NOT HOLD. TT

Add Complaint

1995-06-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-12
VIN: J81RF2170H8
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR, CAUSING HIGH IDLE PRIOR TO SERVICE RECALL. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-01-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
VIN: J81RG5179H8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO 'NON FREE WHEELING' DESIGN OF ENGINE WHICH CAUSES PARTS TO BIND WHEN TIMING BELT FAILS.

Add Complaint

1995-01-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-18
VIN: J81RG5179H8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SKD

Add Complaint

1995-01-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-18
VIN: J81RG5179H8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE TIMING BELT BROKE AND ENGINE IMMEDIATELY FAILED. TT

Add Complaint

1987 Chevrolet Spectrum recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1988-03-29

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE MAY PROVIDE INADEQUATE AIR FLOW UNDER LOW ENGINE LOAD CONDITIONS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW WATER/OIL MIXTURE TO BUILD UPIN THE HOSE FROM THE OIL SEPARATOR TO THE AIR INLET DUCT. AFTER THE ENGINE ISSTOPPED, THIS WATER/OIL MIXTURE CAN, UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, FREEZE ANDCOMPLETELY BLOCK THE OIL SEPARATOR AIR DUCT HOSE. THIS BLOCKAGE WILL RESULT ININCREASED PRESSURE WITHIN THE CRANKCASE. THIS CAN CAUSE OIL LEAKS, IF ASUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF OIL CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: THE PCV VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW VALVE.

1988-03-23

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK OR THE ATTACHED FUEL FEED PIPE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TANK OR FUEL FEED PIPE MATERIALS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULDSPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.