2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

Alternator strap came off at 140k (was supposed to be changed at 125k).

Muffler strap came off next week.

Rear headlight went out at 148k.

This car is very reliable.

Changing parts is very easy and affordable.

With proper oil changes, the engine doesn't drink gas.

The comfort is acceptable.

I dislike the windshield; it has a tendency to fog up too easily, and it's not as clear as I'd like it to be. It's cheaper glass, but for the price of the car, I guess it's to be expected.

I also find that this car is terrible once the temperature in the winter drops to about -40C. Windows lock up, interior lights stop working and the radio does not automatically shut off. When the temperature gets back to normal, everything works properly.

Keep in mind these cars are NOT built for performance! Racing and pushing the engine on these cars will kill it! This is a car for getting to work and general commuting.

- CV joint (passenger side) at 120,000 miles.

- Hub bearing (passenger side) at 100,000 miles.

- Unidentifiable noise in front suspension (stumps even the mechanics) since 90,000 miles.

- Driver's side power window needs "assistance" when rolling back up, or else it gets stuck.

- Plastic interior bits broken (all cosmetic).

- Clear coat peeling off on roof.

We named our Cavalier, Mo. He is a part of our family.

Starts up every time, even after sitting for weeks.

Not quick, but good enough.

Gets REEEALLLY hot in the sun (black car with black interior).

Seats are OK, we have taken this lil' guy on cross country road trips, and we're never uncomfortable.

Has been a daily driver for years now. Also a road trip vehicle, and gets awesome MPG. Just eats up the miles.

We get on average 38-40 MPG highway and 30 MPG city. I have not tweaked anything. Bone stock. I put Lucas injector cleaner/upper cylinder treatment in for one tank every road trip. No idea how much it helps.

We recently built a small tear-drop camper trailer, and just got back from a 2,800 miles road trip to Canada and back. We used Mo to tow it, and we had enough power to maintain highway speeds (75mph on I80). All being said, we still got 32 MPG.

Mo has done everything we have asked him to with no complaints. I better knock on wood! I just feel like he needs a pat on the back.

Fuel pump about two years ago. Not overly expensive, mechanic said "replace fuel filter, dummy" (he was polite about it, but noted that I'd been making the pump work a tad hard).

Paint is starting to wear -- Parked outside, under sappy trees with angry birds.

My cost per mile for the car is absurdly low, like $.06/mile -- vehicle out the door was ~$10k in 2003. Including gas, insurance and service, roughly $.20 per mile. Still low.

No significant repairs, IMO. Very reliable. Changed the battery after 8 years!

30 mpg, consistently, with the A/C on.

Seats a family of five <-- important criteria for us!

It's been a terrifically reliable, if unseemly vehicle for my commute for the last 8 years.