2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Review | Edmunds.com
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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (228) MPG

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Chevrolet Cavalier Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.2 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 140 hp @ 5600 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 23/33 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
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Review of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier

  • Despite the new look, there's no hiding the fact that this car was engineered more than a decade ago, leaving it hopelessly outclassed by nearly every other car on the market.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Low price, torquey four-cylinder engine, optional satellite radio and OnStar.

  • Cons

    Ancient design inside and out, cheap interior materials, poor build quality, low resale value, poor side-impact and front-offset crash test results.

  • What's New for 2004

    Not much. An upgraded stereo with a CD and MP3 player is now available on the base coupe and sedan. The Sport Appearance package that…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (228 total reviews)

First new car

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

2004 Cavalier was my first NEW car purchase {had purchased used cars prior}. After 180,000+ miles can not really complain. It did what it was purchased to do - used as a commuter car, averaging over 400+ miles per week. After all of those miles, still getting 30+ mpg. Yes road-noisy ride, cd no longer works, replaced clutch after 175,000+ miles, shifter needs replaced [hard to get into 1st or 2nd, really loose]. But for a "basic $10,000.00 car" in 2004, it has been a worthy vehicle.



Great first time car

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

I got my cavalier at around 40k miles, recently traded it in for a pickup at 105k miles. Was very sad to see it go. Only thing I ever needed to fix was a bad fuel pump and a leaking water pump. Got me through many drives from Washington-California, and a year of 30 mile work commutes. I also left it sitting for almost a year and had no problem starting it up. Only real complaints I have are the radio controls are blocked if you have anything in the cupholders, the piece of plastic on the dash against the windshield cracks and the road noise. Other than that, it's fun to drive, comfortable and has great gas mileage. Would definately recommend!



Great car!

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

I drove this car for almost a year before someone ran a red light and totaled it. Looks great for the price, easy to drive and great for a first car! I bought it with 90k and drove it to 100k. I did have a few issues with it. The backseat was really difficult to access. If you buy with the original radio, be aware that installing a new radio could put you in the $200-300 range as the system is connected to many other things in the car (like the beeps for when your car door is open). AC went out around 94,000 miles. The lights below around the gearshift went out, and I had to hit the gearshift to make them come back on. All in all, I'm still happy with the purchase and sad to lose it.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 23
  • cty
/
  • 33
  • highway
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Other Cavalier Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Review

What's New for 2004

Not much. An upgraded stereo with a CD and MP3 player is now available on the base coupe and sedan. The Sport Appearance package that includes 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and sport suspension is also available on the base coupe and sedan.

Talk About The 2004 Cavalier

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Discussions See all Started By

big_poppabear
big_poppabear
04-03-2009
Chevy Cavalier Transmission Problem?
2004 Cavalier, 83,000 miles, possible transmission problem?...

catback
catback
11-01-2007
Do Not Compare Cavalier With Cobalt
The Cavalier which was featured in several types of racing as well as funny cars was retired in 2004. I've seen, now and then, references to the Cobalt being the replacement for the Cavalier. This i...

beehive
beehive
02-27-2007
Chevrolet Cavalier Starting/stalling Problems
Please help. I have a 2004 cavalier and when I am stopped at a stop sign the car acts like it wants to die, I have to put it in park and push in on the gas so it dosen't die. I changed out the fuel fi...


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