I had a 1982 cadillac cimarron, 1st year they made them. I enjoyed it "well used" in 1999.
It was also the only year for the carb'd 1.8L, they went to a TBI 2.0 the next year (along with the cavalier.) The 2.8 V6 didn't show up until 1985 when they stretched the nose out.
Its MSRP was around $12k; I am to understand cavaliers started at $6k. Excise tax around here is based on a mill rate of the NEW MSRP, so it was printed on my registration.
Pretty sure this car had an independent rear suspension, unlike the beam axle cavaliers had. It rode pretty good, was mushy, sure, but a ride that could appeal to some people.
The seats were leather and incredibly cushy. Only other seats that have supported me as well have been in vans with tons of room for foam and springs.
It had the 3 speed automatic with lockup, and was setup to upshift at 2500 RPM unless you were really getting on it. The engine was cammed to make tons of power above 4000 RPM. One would typically drive sedately but the car could suprise you if you put your foot to the floor.
This car got tons of knocks for being "small" and "underpowered" but I look at it as an interesting exercise. Who says bigger is better? It would make a great city car with great maneuverability, tons of toys, and 30 MPG.
I look at it like I look at my beloved saturn s-cars, as a well engineered small car that can be optioned up and paid attention to without forcing an upgrade to a bigger car... losing the "bigger is better" mindset. Well engineered J-body? Yeah I really think so... Not rattly, easily serviceable, better than the k-car or escort of the time period.
I paid $700 for mine; I can understand being laughed at for getting one new as it sure looked like the half priced cheezy cavalier. As beaters go, GM (accidentally) provides interesting fodder.
