Summary:
Right size, good MPG, reliable
Faults:
Rear defroster light comes on, but no power to the defroster. The fan blower works on 1, 2, and 4; 3 is inoperable.
General Comments:
I have another Cavalier, a 2000 model now with 165k, got it with 118k four years ago for $1100. I still have it, with no plans to get rid of it. It has been totally reliable.
That one has a three speed auto, this one has a four speed auto. I like driving both. The four speed auto tends to run to a higher RPM than the three speed in normal driving. The three speed gets into third (top gear) at 25-30 mph and locks up at 40-45 or so. The four speed runs to 20 in first, 30 or more in second, and 40 or so in third. The four speed is quieter on the road at 70 mph, but I saw figures showing only 300 RPM difference at 60 mph. No tach on the three speed to tell. I show 2100 at 60 and 2800 at 80 with the four speed auto. I like them because they are easy cars to drive, just the right size, and reliable.
I rent cars regularly, and the new 2012 models of same size are peppier and better on gas. I paid $1100 for the 2002 model with 143k three months ago. I have two nice cars for $2200 investment. The air works on both. Why would I want to spend an additional 20k to get a loaded new small car?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st January, 2013
9th Jan 2013, 07:44
That's so funny. My rear defroster broke, but I promptly had it fixed (need it in NH) for about $100.
My blowers don't work on 1 or 2, but do work on 3 and 4.
121,000 miles.
25th Jan 2013, 08:15
My Dad bought a Cavalier for the young drivers in my family to share years ago. Believe it or not, we have put 380,000 Km's on it already with no real problems... just regular wear and tear. All in all, a fantastic car!!!! Although it barely looks like one anymore, but hey, it gets you where you wanna go! LOL :-)
20th Mar 2013, 18:33
My 2000 Cavalier, which the review says "Good car, not great" (I think) had 118k in April 2009, and now has 167k in March 2013, has had neither issue. It did have a problem that resolved itself with the air coming out the floor ducts mostly, instead of the dash vents. I parked on a hill and it fixed itself somehow. I am still driving both cars, but primarily the 2000 model. I have kept that car longer than any other vehicle I have owned... four years. No intentions of getting rid of it either. I would change the headline from that to the best car I have ever had if I could!