Faults:
Two days after buying the car, I had to take it in to the dealer because of a grinding, clunking noise from the front passenger tire assembly. Dealer was unable to figure it out after five days, and decided to lubricate all the moving pieces and that seemed to do the trick.
Somehow I managed to ruin my brand new brake rotors after 10k miles, but still had perfect brake pads -- everyone I tell that to says its impossible.
Almost daily, when accelerating and the engine gets up to around 2300 rpm there is a loud squealing noise from under the hood, until it shifts to the next gear. Took it to the dealership twice, but they were unable to duplicate or fix.
Strange clunking noise started to come from the front driver's side tire assembly. Took it in to the dealer, they replaced the strut-plates and claimed the noise was gone. The ride became more rigid and the noise continued. I returned to the dealer and took a tech on a test drive so that he could hear the noise. He said it sounded like the ball-joint. But also said that even though it was under warranty, GM would not cover it until it failed. I asked him what that meant and he basically told me that the tire would fall off the car when it failed. Then and only then would GM cover the repairs.
General Comments:
Handling is pathetic -- taking corners at 25 mph feels like you are traveling at 45 mph.
Gas mileage was pretty good. I usually got 325-360 miles per tank, or 31 mpg.
Heater fan controls are behind the cup holders. Making it so you can't adjust temperature without moving beverages.
The car came standard with ABS and Traction Control -- but no AC or trunk release button. Seems strange to me.
Shifter lever is difficult to move from park. I am afraid I am going to break it sometimes.
Daytime running lights, kind of nice.
No low fuel light or alarm when you leave your headlights on.
23rd May 2005, 20:57
I have a 2001 Cavalier 2door. I have 74500km on it and have only done 1 brake job which was about 2000 km ago. The reason that the ABS comes on when you hit a bump is because your wheels are slipping when they lose contact with the road, this is how the brakes are supposed to preform. I think it is a great car and agree with the strong points that you have outlined.