This has been an alright car despite the list of faults. I bought it as a 'buy back' @ 81k as I needed a car for school and it was what I could afford. I knew from previous GM products experience I would be putting up with a high repair rate and subpar craftsmanship, but I still ruled to go with this 'deal'. Overall I guess the Cavalier has served its purpose of being basic transport with a few frills (mine has Air, Tilt, Cruise, AM/FM/CD, and powerlocks with keyless entry). The drivetrain is good, though a little trashy under acceleration, and I have bested a 46 mpg on a roadtrip last summer shortly after purchase (110km/h (68mph), +35*C, (approx. 95*F), A/C on medium or low, and all highway). That was before the problems ensued.
To be fair it was in a bad wreck where an SUV ran into the left side. Although it was repaired I'm still questioning if it should have gone for salvage. This may have attributed to the struts, wheel alignment and hubs, but its questionable. My GM experience has been they fall apart @ 100,000km (approx. 60,000 miles) and this car yet confirms it.
As far as ride and ergonaumics go this is my first car (I've owned several trucks), so I am quite impressed with the handling, power, and fuel mileage, but my pal's imports and Ford Focus' all kill this one relentlessly. The interior and such is nicer then some, but not as nice as most, and the seats are typical of economy cars. The build quality on the whole car as mentioned is subpar. Overall I have to say that this is an OK car for the money, and will likely do the trick as long as I need it, which is about another half dozen years.
Given the choice of another tomorrow though I would find a way to get an import, even if it meant losing years and gaining odometer mileage, and thus buy some reliability and longevity.
