2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2.2L 4 cylinder
Summary:
It has it's up, and it has it's downs
Faults:
Headlight went out, no big deal. Just VERY hard to replace. First time it has ever taken me 3 hours to figure out how to change a headlight. Also, in the process of trying to change the headlight, the retainer ring managed to break, had to wait a week for the GM Dealer to order the part.
General Comments:
Overall, this is a fairly good vehicle. I haven't had too many problems with it.
The deal with the headlight caused me a bit of headache, bit, but nothing to really complain about.
The dash seems to be real loose. It shakes and rattles very badly when slowing and stopping. Also vibrates to annoying levels at a cruising speed of about 78 - 82 MpH.
To replace my factory radio with an after-market stereo required a special wiring harness that cost me 4 times as much as a normal wiring harness. Not to mention the factory stereo is still connected to my cars electrical system via the specialty harness, as required, something about engine components/sensors being routed through the radio.
Car shakes and shudders violently almost when slowing and stopping. I believe it involves my braking system, however I have yet to check on the problem.
Overall, the interior is well laid out, except the window handle knob that jabs my knee if I try resting it on the door when driving long distances.
Plenty of trunk space, the cargo net comes in handy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th May, 2002
12th Jan 2005, 18:52
You got ripped on the stereo my man. There's nothing routed through the radio other than the door chime curteous "ding" when you leave your lights on by accident, and/or Onstar speakers. All that crap about the engine not starting without it or running funny is a load of BS.
17th Sep 2010, 12:35
I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. Great car, no problems with it whatsoever. Great A/C, everything works good.
I am a mechanic, and the only problem I had was with the factory motor mounts. This caused the car to shake while accelerating, stopping or driving at high speeds. They had a recall on them, so check with your dealer for the updated mounts. Find yourself a good shop; the dealers are a rip off. Avoid a repair at your dealer if possible.
As for the radio, I don't know what dash info it stores? I have an after market radio. I got a regular harness, and the only thing I lost was the chimes when the lights are left on, or when the door is open.
Other than that, the car is great. The vibration when you stop is your brake rotors. Get them serviced or replaced.
18th Sep 2003, 13:47
I have a (1997) Cavalier, and have also experienced problems with the dashboard vibrating... I removed it and tightened things up, and it's less of a problem now. Anyhow, if you go to an auto parts supplier you can get a tool which will allow you to remove the window crank, and you can reposition it so that it faces the toward the front of the car, when the window is all the way up. I did this, and it's a big help.