27th May 2004, 10:24

As the original poster, let me clarify a few things. 1) Not a bogus review; 2) Yes, there was rust on a one year old car. 3) Yes, I had many brake problems and noticed the same problems on the Cavaliers I recieved as loaner cars. I do not drive a car hard. I did have all of the problems mentioned above.

11th May 2007, 14:42

Well, speaking from experience, the ABS in this car engaged over any kind of rough surface when braking, which DID in fact cause a reduction in braking power. This happened quite often in my 02 Cavalier.

27th May 2007, 21:50

I have the same brake issues with my 2002 cavalier. No brakes during inclement weather and braking over rough surfaces. Problems with the ABS. I just pulled the fuse out for the ABS and haven't had a single problem braking since.

6th Jun 2007, 11:43

I have had a 2002 Cavalier since March of 2002 and it has ran really well up to now. The MAP sensor is faulty and has given me problems over the last year. The brakes problem, I have problems with the rotors staying well and I have changed them more now that there are more miles on the car. I am not a hard driver and with 113,000 miles, you would think that this wouldn't just get worse. When I drive off of blacktop to gravel, my brakes slide and moan deep. I don't really understand why. I also don't know if when I replace the MAP sensor for the first time if I should use GM or not and I don't know what would make the difference. Any opinions?

25th Jun 2007, 23:11

I have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier with 52k on it. I turned the rotors about 2 months ago.. I have been experiencing at high speeds a deep moaning and vibration. The calipers are engaging the brake pads.. This does not happen all the time. Anyone else experience this issue? Overall, the car has been great. I am wondering if this could be an ABS issue.

23rd Jul 2007, 23:54

I've had my 2002 Cavalier since 2003 (four years now) and I haven't had any problems at all, with the brakes or otherwise. I've replaced the brake pads only once since I've had it. They do squeak for some reason upon applying the brakes to stop and sometimes to just slow down, but they do this even with brand new brake pads. I've never figured that one out.

This car has been a wonderfully reliable vehicle and I have always loved it. Never once has it broken down on me or had any mechanical problems after 70,000 miles. The only thing I have encountered are the window motors apparently go out after awhile and need to be replaced (my windows no longer go up or down, but as I'm possibly trading it in, I'm not going to worry about fixing them). I will miss it if I trade it in!

Other than that, I highly recommend this car as very dependable and reliable. It handles well, and drives well. It's also pretty roomy and the trunk is spacious. Would be a great family car. Gets fantastic gas mileage. Even after 2 minor fender benders, it has not developed any problems. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. you can't go wrong with this great little car.

25th Nov 2007, 06:27

I guess it is a hit or miss with this vehicle. I own a 2002 Cavalier that I purchased in Dec 2001. I paid the car off in Jan 07 and let me tell you... My starter went out in Feb 07 @ 65000. And, well, I ended up replacing the battery along with it. It's Dec now and my windshield wiper motor is gone, so it won't produce fluid, which will definitely be needed when the snow and salt hits the windshields. The motor that supplies heat/air to the vehicle has gone completely out, so I don't have heat or air, which is definitely a problem with the cold weather, not to mention that I can't defrost the windows. Oh, by the way, I'm only at 72,018 miles to be exact. I don't have too many problems with the brakes at this point. I replace them probably twice a year.

Overall, this car has served it's purpose in the first 5 years. It was very reliable without any "real" problems, but now that the car is up in age, it's becoming a nuisance to try to keep up with.

14th May 2008, 15:45

I have a 2002 Cavalier with the 2.2. Bought used with 30,000 miles on it in 2003. I've driven it 130,000 miles with one front brake job and had to replace the fuel pump. That's all. Needs brakes right now. And a third set of tires.

No problems at all. This is a great car for me and I plan on keeping it for another 100,000 miles at least.

I don't much like the ABS brakes, but they haven't needed constant maintenance like some have written about.

The mechanics at several shops have said that "they don't see a lot of problems with the Cavalier" and mentioned that they thought the timing chain was very reliable.

The owner of a driving school that I know has two Cavaliers with over 175,000 miles on them and has yet to replace either muffler, starter, or alternator.

Neither have I. I don't know what else you could ask of a car. It's paid for, still looks good. No visible rust spots and I live in Metro Detroit where they go heavy on the road salt.