2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.4L

Summary:

A quick, sharp-looking, well-priced automobile

Faults:

Both rear struts broke (replaced under warranty). I think one of the front struts is going as well.

General Comments:

I was dismayed at the dash rattle. It's more pronounced in cold weather.

It is pretty quick for the money.

Wind noise can be tiring over prolonged distances.

A quality air filter (i.e. K&N) and good oil has a significant impact on the fuel mileage.

I've driven it across the country (Canada & US) a couple times and have no complaints as to the comfort of the seats.

The car starts in -40 degree weather and has made it through the rockies in the winter on more than one occasion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2003

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 2 door coupe 2.2 4 cylinder.

Summary:

You get what you pay for, cheap!!

Faults:

Where do I start? Bought the car used with warranty left to 60 000 km, just before it expired, I took it in to get thoroughly checked, and there was nothing wrong at all. Until I reached 63 000 km, and had no warranty left.

Relay switch for headlight quit working at 50 000 KM (warranty).

Brakes replaced at 53 000 KM (no warranty, regular wear and tear).

Steering column dried, needed lubrication; supposed to last the life of the car, but I have the problem again.

Both front struts needed replacing at 70 000 KM.

Rack and Pinion gone at 68 000 KM.

Ball joints in front are dry, rattle, and need replacing at 72 000 KM.

Brakes are dry and make the most horrible squealing sounds as I drive, but I have been told by the dealer that this is "normal".

Horrible pick up! Sometimes I wonder if I will be able to pass traffic in time!

So many rattles and squeaks, it feels as if everything is loose and ready to fall apart on me.

General Comments:

My first car was a Cavalier coupe, 1995, and this car was mint!! You sure can tell within the 5 years of my old car and my new one, how cheap they make the cars these days. For every repair I never had to make on my first car, I've had to make on my new one.

This car sucks, I don't recommend it to anyone who needs reliability. Nice looking though, and I don't mind the design of the interior. Have to work on the seat comfort, though.

If I weren't starting school in a month, this car would be gone, and I'd be driving a Ford Escape!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th September, 2003

2nd Jul 2004, 13:47

Well, Chevrolet has always had good cars. You may have not been taking care of your car. It sounds like you want to race all the time based on your comments. The Cavalier will put up a good road race, but if you were running and sprinting all day and no one gave you a break for a while you'd break down too. Think of your car as a person;don't overexercise it because it will get burned out.

1st Mar 2007, 18:52

Unreliable?? I have a 2002 cav 4dr and at 108,000 miles it has been the best car I have ever owned, I wish I had 2.

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe 2.2

Summary:

For $7000, I love this car!!!

Faults:

So far, I have owned the car for 6 months. Nothing yet.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a Suzuki dealership in January of this year, after I totaled a 93 Taurus.

So far I have had no trouble, just the usual oil change.

For a 4 cylinder I can still pull 80 mph down parkway in Pittsburgh with everyone else. Pretty Good!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2003

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2.2L 4 cylinder

Summary:

A decent means of transportation, for a reasonable price.

Faults:

The first problem I had with the car was in January 2003. Not too bad since I got the car in February 2001. One day I went outside as I usually do, and my car would not start. I had to have it towed to the dealer. The tow did not cost me anything, as it was under warranty, and I used the 800 number on the window. First the dealer told me there was nothing wrong, since the no start problem was off and on. So when I had her test the brakes because of the noise I hear from the brakes, it died on her. After 3 weeks, they told me it was the fuel pump and sending unit. While it was there, the fender, bumper, and headlight were damaged and fixed at no cost to me, however because of the law in Massachusetts, I was under 21 at the time, and could not have a rental. I had them look at other problems, and they said that there were none.

Problems:

The A/C line rubs against the radiator fan housing, cause the line to wear away. Have to use a wire tie to hold away from fan.

The trunk would not close as the trunk mechanism was bent. Had to fix this myself.

The trunk leaked from a small hole where the rear quarter panel, and the left tail light met. Had to fix this myself. Also noticed poor fix from the factory with just some cheap caulk dabbed on by finger. I used black silicone, and did both sides. Had to take out carpet and let dry.

Oil is very difficult to change. When you take the filter off, it drains all over the front exhaust pipe.

Air conditioner develops an odor during the summer. The odor is a musty moldy smell, from condensation on the A/C evaporator. The dealer told me the only way to fix it is to shut the A/C off about 5 minutes before I get where I am going.

Door edge guards did not match and half were missing from drivers side door.

Brakes are very noisy, and have a grinding noise. Was told there were no problems by dealer, and this is normal.

In July 2003, car again would not start for me. Had to have it towed again, for no charge due to warranty. I chose to go to a different dealer, as the previous one I had lost confidence in. This dealer had it for 6 days, and found the problem to just be a loose connection at the fuel pump. I have had no problems with the no start problem since then, thankfully.

General Comments:

All in all, this car is what you pay for. It is not a fancy automobile, but I expected a little better quality out of Chevrolet. I also expected a little better service from the dealer.

This is a decent car for the money, as it comes with standard A/C, ABS, power steering, airbags, Stereo.

Many upgrades to different features are available. I got a 4-speed automatic, rather than the 3-speed. I got a AM/FM/CD, with 6 speaker premium sound, and I am very impressed with the sound quality.

The engine runs very quiet, and the transmission shifts smoothly.

Car is comfortable and roomy. I am 6'1" and fit pretty good in the drivers seat. Of course it is back all the way and reclined just a tad, but that is OK for the price.

Also keep in mind that most parts are easily available, when compared with foreign cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th August, 2003