Used 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
The New Cavalier Can Move It!
Having not quite driven 500 miles yet, I have to say the most impressive thing about the '03 Cavalier is the 2.2L EcoTec engine. It sounds good and, combined with the automatic xmission, moves very smoothly. I really feel the power when I get up around 60mph. My first Cav since '85, I hope GM has learned something about engineering. I like what I see so far.
I love it!!!!!!!!!!
FOR THE MONEY, WHAT A GREAT DEAL...RESTYLE LOOKS GREAT. MY WIFE IS A EUROPEAN CAR FAN AND LOVES THE HANDLING AND ROAD FEEL. VERY PEPPY AND THE MONEY WHAT A BARGAIN...XM RADIO IS WONDERFUL IF YOU ARE A MUSIC FAN....
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,250309 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,250365 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,995411 mi away
Good basic transportation
This car seems to have been designed to be basic transportation with a few extra features to make you forget that. While the Cavalier may be a bit higher priced than its rivals in the same catagory, you can't find a better mode of basic transportation. The automatic transmission is a charm, seemlessly gliding through gears, and the 140HP engine pops when you need it to. The ECOTEC engine also sips fuel, my highway mileage is easily 38-40 MPG. How we ever got by without 60/40 fold down seats I'll never know, this feature is the bridge in utility that hatchbacks always had, and traditional coupes could only dream of...until now.
Fantastic car for my money.
I got this car new (8 mi.) for only $7295 plus a $600 dealer add-on package. No-trade in and no extended warranty. Needless to say, it's a FANTASTIC car for the money! Great performance for a 4-cyl. Build quality is lacking a bit, however. Thanks to the manual tranny and strong engine, the car is very fun to drive. Also, the car is surprisingly smooth at highway speed.
Very blah car
With a Cavalier, you get small size, Chevy styling, GM quality, and Buick handling. In other words, the worst of all worlds. To be honest, the Cav is not an awful car, just not a very good car in a sea of good competition. The styling's bland; if blending in is your goal, it may be for you. It was a mistake for Chevy to use a bowtie- bar in the styling; it doesn't fit well and looks awkward. The interior creaks and feels cheap. The engine is good, but the suspension is too loose. When turned, the car sways the other way. According to the figures, the Cav is GM's biggest seller. But those figures probably include rental and fleet sales.
Excellent value
I have driven it for 15000 KM so far and I enjoy it every time I drive it.You can not get anything better for the money. Very stylish. Excellent on gas. Nice interior layout except for the central console.
Best Car Ever!
I bought this car with 7 miles on it in 2002. Since then I have pretty much driven the heck out of it. Had a rear light replaced and emissions sticker put on as far as the recall, but the only major thing I've replaced was the fuel pump. I'm pretty hard on cars, so of course I've had general maintenance work, including brakes....and maybe a tire or 3. This car gets great gas mileage, even with the A/C on. I drive all over, so I needed something economical. This makes my 3rd Cavalier. Previously I owned a 1988 and 1994, both were great cars. I will drive this car til it falls apart, since GM discontinued it. This car has been the very best. Plus, it's completely paid off!
Most reliable car I’ve owned
I absolutely love my cavalier, I bought it 11 years ago with 80k miles on it. Today it has 235k miles on it, and it’s only let me down once when it needed a new fuel pump along with what now seems to be a head gasket that needs replaced. Other than the normal maintenance, this little car has never disappointed me. Winter season, she fires right up and gets through the snow without any difficulty plus has a phenomenal heater and ac system. My kids call it the silver bullet, why I’m not sure cause it’s not a sports car but it gets up a goes better than other vehicles I’ve owned. I’ve been asked numerous times to sell it, which I’ll never do. My kids want it to be their first car and drive it, which they might get to; hopefully if it’s still going then.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Used Cars of all cars I had.
This car outlasts all of my previous used cars. I had no issue with it. It was given by a friend with 80K miles on it. One disadvantage: difficult to find door glass replacement. I was very lucky to find one as it was no longer made.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
This car is junk
Poor design, I'll always regret this purchase. I should have bought a Toyota or Honda
Best car for the price
An excellent car for the price you pay for it. It has great handling, always reliable and stylish. I've owned two cavaliers and neither ever gave me any mechanical trouble.
My Review
Cavaliers are very nice cars for young people learning to drive. They are good for people not wanting an awesome experience, but just to ride to work or to the store.
The best of compact sedans
It have a very powerful engine for it side. In comparison with cars of the same side and engines less powerful, the fuel economy is very good. The exterior design,engineered more than a decade ago, as you say, still look better than the cars of the same category and with more resent design. The exterior design of this car, give the opportunity for make modification that give it to it a very strong sport sedan look. The weakness of this car, are easy to fix, with just a few money investment. Something almost imposible in others cars of the same category.
Fast and Fun
When I first got in the car it seemed to just fit me like a glove.I stepped on the gas and I took off like a bolt of lightening. It looks real sporty and it is real roomy.I don't feel like I'm in a sardine can.I love it........
What Happened
I have had my car all of four months and I have had to replace both rear signal lights, my car has stalled and all before I even put 7K on the car. If this continues I may have to get another car soon.
My Cav
Fun to drive. Less road nois would be a plus.
Heap of junk
You get what you pay for. Broke down 3 time in 6 months. Major electrical problems.
Very Suprising
I was very suprised in how peppy the engine is. For the price, I dont think there is a car that will match it. The interior is cheaper than others but it is still pretty sturdy and can handle wear and tear from people and dogs. Because of the peppy engine, it is very fun to drive! Also gets better gas mileage than listed.
Really Good Basic Transport
I've driven this Cavalier from Vegas to Baltimore, MD. back to Vegas and then to Georgia. It's been everywhere in-between. I've used it as a pizza delivery car! I think GM did right with this engine and body style. I wish the fit-and-finish were up to Asian and Euro standards, but you get what you pay for I guess. I like the Cobalt, but think the Cavalier has a better look. Cavalier may have been a checkered ast, but it still is one of Chevy's best selling cars ever! Cobalt should be renamed Cavalier to keep the legacy alive. I bought my car as a standard 4-door sedan w/o all the bells and whistles inside. I've had to replace the trunk latch. Overall a great American car!
Highly recommend the Chevy Cavalier
I owned a Ford Taurus, which was one of my most favorite cars. Three years ago I was run over by a tractor trailer and my car was totaled. Since that time I haven't been able to find another vehicle that I really like and I've had a few. That is until I purchased my Chevy Cavalier. For a little car it rides so smooth and handles real nice. I also love the way it looks. This car has really good pick up and you don't have to worry about getting left behind. This car is one of my favorites.
2003 Cavalier
After owning a 96 Cavalier coupe, and putting 175,000 miles on it with no problems, original everything, I had to get a new one with the awsome ecotec. Performance mods are endless. even better than my first!
Happy with Cavalier
I purchased it new and have had no problems. This is my second Cavalier, having bought a '97 new. Great A/C and heat, pickup, reliability, and gas mileage. I like its looks too. I disagree with Consumer Reports concerning this vehicle's comfort and interior design. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for cheap transportation and some degree of style.