Nothing has gone wrong with the car. However, I have had to take it back to the dealership once to get the brakes inspected. Ever since the day I drove it off the lot, the brakes made a grinding noise regardless of how long the car previously sat prior to being driven. Sounded like a dragging brake shoe. Dealer inspected and told me it's normal... so I continue to drive with noisy brakes.
Otherwise, the dash is already starting to rattle. It hasn't gotten too irritating yet, but if it gets much worse it will go back to the dealer!
I really like the styling of the car! It looks very sharp, but I can't seem to get comfortable in it! My 130 mile round trip commute is rough on my legs! I find myself getting stiff easily in the car.
It's way more than I ever needed/wanted. All I wanted was 4 doors, automatic and a/c. But, with all the GM discounts I couldn't beat the price brand new of $11,300 for the top of the line package.
The 2.2 Ecotec has plenty of power and zips around smoothly! Power-wise, this was an easy transition from my 200K mile Bonneville!
I'm confident I'll get 200K out of the power train. My body will have to adjust to the stiff seats and ride!
I had an 02 Cavalier and the brakes were noisy on that as well, until the car warmed up. Dash noises are just part of the package. For happy motoring, change the fuel filter every 6,000 miles, the car will run much better that way. I am surprised to hear the seat comment... I found mine to be very comfortable, if a bit low to the ground.
I lease a 2003 and will end up buying it out. It's not a bad car. I will be replacing the seats though. They are extremely uncomfortable. I think a good set of used leathers from ANY car would be better. Maybe a trashed Lexus for a joke. Anyway, nice review.
--CS.
You hope to get 200,000 miles out of it??? You will be lucky to get 100,000 out of it.. Be best to get rid of it before warranty runs out.. Very Cheap car is about the only good thing about it. Ford Escort is a lot better of a car and the ZX2 will WHOOP it.
I have to disagree with the last comment; if a car is well maintained, it will definitely last until 100 000 miles or more. Ford isn't perfect either; the first generation of the Focus was botched from start to finish with loads of electrical problems. And with all due respect a 2003 Cavalier Z-24 can smoke an Escort ZX2 any day! The quality of these cars isn't half as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I'm at 65 257 miles on mine and i still have the original brake pads on them. I do my oil changes every 3000km and it has never left me stranded.
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