2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan VL Ecotech 2.2 from North America

Summary:

A cheap, but powerful and reliable car

Faults:

The middle compartment's door got loose, but GM repaired it (warranty).

The tires that came with the car are worthless; they make a crazy noise during hot days when I turn (even at a low speed) and they just won't brake when there is rain. During winter, I've had them for a few days while there was snow, and they were terrible.

General Comments:

For the price, it is quite powerful.

The automatic transmission is really good, and smooth.

With winter tires it was a dream to drive in snow, very reliable during winter.

Consumes a lot of gas during winter, but it very good during summer.

Seats could be more comfortable, but it is not an expensive car so...

With GM dealers on most every corner where I live, it was very easy to bargain - got a good deal.

Backseat does not have a lot of room for adult passengers, and it is a bad idea to make a medium trip (30 minutes or more) with 3 adult passengers on the backseat - very uncomfortable for them.

Nice, improved design.

The sedan (4 doors) version is very good for insurance rates, even with a 140 hp engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2004

18th Oct 2005, 00:46

I own a 2003 cavalier and I love it. The car has performed flawlessly since I got it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that reads this...

26th Oct 2005, 10:32

*** That is my review, I want to post an update since I cannot update my review***

I have now travelled 30,000 km with the car and so far the only problems I have encountered were minors (the leather around the shifter is cracked, one light stopped working, one head light plastic cover got water in it and it looks dirty all the time - all these are covered by GM's warranty, so I cannot really complain.

I still own the tires that came with the car, and I think they got better in time - or maybe I adapted my driving to the tires...

With gas prices at $1.45CDN/litre and $3.00USD/gallon in New York and New Jersey, I really appreciated the 2.2 L Ecotec!

I have not encountered any mechanic problem, the longer you own that vehicle, the more you like it.

It is my first car, and I really love it, I'm 100% sure I'll buy another GM. No matter what people say about the brand, it could not have been better at such a low price!

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier VL (LS) Ecotec 2.2L from North America

Summary:

A good economy bargain

Faults:

The vinyl fabric around the stick-shift and handbrake has started to crack in the cold after only 2 months.

There is a rattling in the dash that I can't seem to casually identify. I will need to investigate further.

I now have two (2) screws which I can't identify coming from my car. This seems like a bad sign.

The first gear is sometimes hard to get into from a stop. You can push it in, but it seems not to be as smooth as it should be.

General Comments:

This is my first car, and for the money seems like an excellent deal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd March, 2004

1st Jul 2005, 01:28

I have an 88 Beretta GT, also a 5 speed. The problem with shifting that you described - getting into first from a stop is familiar to me (although my car doesn't shift very smoothly into any gear actually). I have found that if you don't shift until you come to a complete stop it will slip nice and easy into first. But our cars are... abit.. different so eh.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport 2.2L ecotec from North America

Summary:

A great deal minus the dashboard.

Faults:

The dashboard likes to rattle a lot in cold and hot weather. I find this very annoying. The dealer said this is normal.

The reverse lights did not work from the start. Fixed under warranty.

Windshield wipers acted up for about an hour. they froze up in cold weather and then would not work for about two days. They seem to have fixed themselves.

General Comments:

Good acceleration.

No serious problems so far.

I like the sporty looks of this car.

The interior is simple and nice. Well laid out.

Great gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2004

21st Apr 2004, 22:41

The dash board noise on mine is terrible. It sounds like there is a popcorn machine in the glove box. It seems to be getting worse I have only 18000 kms on this car. I have not yet approached the dealer, but will soon. I have had no other problems, but the dashboard noise is getting unbearable.