1988 Chevrolet Spectrum problems
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 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems with the Chevrolet Spectrum 1988 based on complaints from owners:
- Torque Steer: Owners reported severe torque steer in the Chevrolet Spectrum, which could affect the vehicle's handling and stability, especially during acceleration. This issue could impact the driving experience and safety of the car.
- Rear Brake Lock-Up: Another common problem with the Chevrolet Spectrum was the tendency for the rear brakes to lock up without warning. This issue posed a safety concern for drivers, potentially leading to accidents or loss of control while driving.
- Missing Engine Options: The Chevrolet Spectrum missed out on the 125hp 1.6-liter engine that the Isuzu version offered, limiting the performance capabilities of the car. This discrepancy in engine options could have affected the Spectrum's competitiveness and appeal in the market.
- Boring Design: Despite being fun to drive, the Chevrolet Spectrum was criticized for its boring looks, which made it less memorable and appealing to consumers. The design aspect of the car played a role in its forgettable status among other vehicles of its time.
These common problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the Chevrolet Spectrum 1988, ranging from build quality concerns to performance limitations and design shortcomings.
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.
Who made the car spectrum?
General Motors (GM)
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.
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.
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.
Who made Chevy engines?
Chevrolet small-block engine (first- and second-generation)
| Chevrolet small-block engine | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | Chevrolet Turbo-Fire Nascar |
| Production | 1954–2003 Flint North (engine block and heads) Saginaw Metal Casting Operations |
| Layout |
Is Chevrolet American or Japanese?
Is Chevy American Made? The Chevy company is owned by GMC (who also owns Buick, Cadillac, and Pontiac), headquartered here, and based out of Michigan. GMC operates facilities in 35 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
1988 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Chevrolet Spectrum complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-17
- VIN: J81RF2177J7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HOSES INSIDE OF VEHICLE WERE CROSSED WRONGLY FROM DEALERSHIP, AND VEHICLE HAD BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-06-12
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT BECAUSE OF FRONT END MISALIGNMENT. ALSO, THE TIRES WORE OUT DUE TO THE TIRES RUBBING ON METAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: J81R65177J7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FIREWALL BROKE, CAUSING CLUTCH TO FAIL. *DSH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-21
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)*SD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: J81RF2174J7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH CABLE PULLED THROUGH FIREWALL WHICH INTERRUPTED DRIVING SEQUENCE. TT
1988 Chevrolet Spectrum recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum.
- 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.
- 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.
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