2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base review from North America

Brakes done at 30,000km intervals front disks and pads. Service adviser stated that this was the norm for the vehicle.

Service engine soon light came on at about 23,000 Solenoid was changed. This problem has re-occurred 2 more times.

Was in twice in one week for steering problems. The first attempt at correction was to re-lube the intermediate shaft. Second attempt was to do this again... guess someone did not do it correctly the first time around.

At 30,000 the entire dash padding was replaced due to the passenger air bag cover lifting. Dealer said not to worry the bag would not deploy, requested to be changed nonetheless. The rear seat fold down also had to be tightened at this time due to rattling.

At 51,000km the front strut mounts were re-torque and the strut bearings where re-greased.

At 67,000 the vehicle was in for a mystery clunking noise coming from the front end, the glove box door rattling and the window seal folding up with the window. After getting the car back the clunking noise shall remain a mystery for the time being as the service tech could not find anything wrong. The glove box is not covered under warranty and I refuse to spend another red cent on this car. The window seal is invisible to two of the service techs until myself and one of their grease monkeys pointed it out, turns out this is not covered under the warranty either, therefore it shall remain as is.

This car has been the worst purchase I have ever made. I had an 87 olds regency, which will be on the road long after this thing finishes falling apart. I got better gas mileage from the olds and longer wear out of the brakes, from a vehicle, which is far heavier, and with an automatic. The olds even with no warranty cost less to keep on the road as I have spent more money on brakes (approx $900 and counting) in 67,000 on the cavalier than total repairs on the olds in 60,000. I purchased the cavalier hoping for a little peace of mind as the olds approached 15 years old and 220,000 km, and had to purchase the extended warranty on my cavalier for fear of being stranded with it.

Bottom line this car is great if you don't drive it. It is not fuel efficient, the seats are uncomfortable for any kind of distance driving. The brakes wear down quickly. The car rattles and shakes over every little bump on the road.

When my lease comes up I will gladly turn in the key on this vehicle and look at a Japanese car, or heck even a KIA or Hyundai anything would be better. The money I saved buying a GM product has not been worth the time, inconvenience, or stress. NEVER again will I purchase a GM product. I have come to realize GM stands for Generally Mediocre.