Within 2000 miles of buying the car, the cable on the passenger side that holds the outer layer of the top on the weather stripping snapped. $50 for the part fixed by me.
Just recently one of the fog lights burnt. $8 fixed by me.
I jingling noise can be heard from the engine compartment at around 2000rpms, doesn't affect performance, probably something loose.
Rear seats are very tight. (leg room is non existent)
Weather-stripping on the drivers side soaks water and causes a drip when wet outside. The small piece of foam rubber weather-stripping to replace is is unbelievably $369, so forget that, I'll manage.
Dash above front window defroster cracked. Seen this on many other cavaliers. Doesn't bother anything and is $1000+ to fix due to extensive labor and parts fees. So i'll leave it alone.
Very quick and sporty car. Great gas mileage. Very well priced, paid $6000 for it with 52000 miles in excellent shape. For the money you can't find a better car.
Please don't mention the words "great" and "Cavalier" in the same sentence.