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Used 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Really good Cavalier

Darby J. Pruitt, 08/03/2009
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

This 03 Cavalier is the 2nd Cavalier I have owned, and besides the few problems that I have had this car has seen me though thick and thin. Now that I have hit 105,000 miles I'm looking forward to it's first real tuneup. It diffenetly has the get up go I need to fly past any import I come across. The comfort is pretty good seeing I managed to stay setted for 10 hours on two 780 mile trips, and I think the automatic transmissons are as good as the manuels. The only problems I've had are the fuel pump, e- vac canister, and catalytic converter, (the converter was my fault for running hard everyday). And after 1 wreak with a BMW (BMW's fault) the Cavalier is still running like she means it.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent car

ravens1986, 09/05/2013
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

I bought my cavy when it had around 135,000 miles on it. It's just now gotten to 218,000 after five years of owning it, and it's been exceptionally reliable. The only part to go bad on it was the fuel pump, I have not had to buy any other parts for it. Other than the standard oil change and brake service, new tires, and normal maintenance, I haven't had to put any money in to it. And I used to abuse the crap out of it when I was younger. Well worth the investment. I notice a lot of people posting about having all sorts of problems with theirs, but it's the absolute opposite for me. It's not the sportiest car, but it is reliable.

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3 out of 5 stars

What a car

puck, 06/07/2006
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
21 of 27 people found this review helpful

Bought it used from and old couple with only 20,000 miles. Thought what a great deal. Had to got to the dealership 3 times for recalls that take 3-5 hrs at a time. Got everything standard nothing special;. Stereo quits, cds get stuck. The seals on the doors and windows like to come off. I found out the car I paid $15,000 for a year later was only worth $2,600, now even less. Can we fix the funny sounds when you can barely hear the radio over the wind while on the freeway. I love my car but by now all the bugs should've been worked out.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great little car

dunnr, 09/07/2006
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is a great little car if you are not looking to spend a fortune, but want to get plenty of options. This car has all the options you could get in 2003 except a sunroof.

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4 out of 5 stars

Old Reliable

AyJay, 11/20/2018
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It's not exactly sporty. and it's no one's idea of a luxury car, but my Cavalier saw me through 220,000 miles with only wear-and-tear repairs. I bought it in 2004 with 20K miles, and it finally gave up the ghost in 2016 with 240K. I wore out the struts, went through several sets of tires, batteries etc, but it had no mechanical issues in all that time. I drove it all through the midwest, California, up and down the East coast, and it never gave me cause to doubt that it was going to start. I miss it every time I take my current car to the shop.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Practical and inexpensive

Hibiscus, 06/07/2005
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car with 9 miles on it and have put almost 17,000 miles on it since May 2003. It has great mileage, it's very reliable and seats our family of five in comfort. I've had squeaky brakes, but my mechanic says these Cavaliers come with brakes that have a high metallic content. They work fine, but make a funny sound sometimes. This model has had three recalls for small items: a computer chip was reprogrammed, rear lights were replaced and an emissions sticker was added later. This is an inexpensive car that's great to drive and has a terrific sound system. This is the third Cavalier I've had and they've all been very reliable since I got my first in 1986. I'm very happy with it!

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2.88 out of 5 stars

The Value Mobile

sbe79, 08/06/2013
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Purchased in 2/2013 with a mere 38K on it. Had been garaged constantly and rarely driven in inclement weather. Basically, it was nearly mint. All in all, the car feels extremely cheap. It does not feel or drive like a 2003 of any type, it feels much older. It is a true budget mobile that offers no thrills or extras -- it's a wonder these ever sold at all up against the competitively priced Civic or Corolla. My wife drives it as an errand runner -- and she runs a lot of errands. It has so far proven it's dependability. Even though it feels like I could karate chop most of the interior, I think I could drive it at least part way across the US without issue.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good Car

April, 06/12/2008
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car a few years ago and overall I have been pleased. I had to replace my fuel pump about a year ago. Also one of the window motors went out (still haven't fixed it!) the sir conditioning does buzz, but I've gotten used to that by now. My dashboard has cracked in 2 places, and I'm not too thrilled with that. The gas mileage is great though and my favorite part about the car! The cup holders are in a terrible spot. I don't know whose bright idea that was, but they need to be slapped. Overall, I have no regrets. It gets me to where I'm going effectively and efficiently.

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4 out of 5 stars

2003 cav

Seag, 07/03/2018
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I got the car for $1200, 107k miles. Solid car with lots of little quirks. Interminent windshield wipers lock up, trunk sometimes doesnt open with the key due to problems with latch. Interior made of lots of cheap parts and plastic, whole far front dash is cracked and busted. I have something in place to keep the pieces from rattling or moving around. Whole entire interior on the dash is pretty cheap plastic, ive knicked it a few times and it will just crack off. Very brittle. I originally thought that the transmission was having problems when the gear shift wouldnt allow me to shift to park, took it to the shop where they checked every seal and found no issues, but inside the gear shift knob the plastic was cracked, no surprise, and they had the put a pin inside of it, put More pressure on the gear shift knob when putting it to park for it to go in. Ive had one problem with the transmission/ or engine with high revving rpms with no acceleration. It has only done this once. Other than these things its very reliable and has always started. Shifts very smooth, very smooth ride. Brakes are great and responsive despite some occasional noises. Nice Bright high beams, a good starter car or car for someone who is looking for cheap, reliable transportation. Cavs are pretty good cars!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Reliable, excellent gas milage!

travelsalot, 10/12/2011
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my car in 2004 with 24k miles for about $8500. When purchased, my car would get 30-32 miles per gallon highway and 28-30 mpg town. I have had my car for 7 years and now have 165k miles racked up. On average, I get 29.5-31 mpg highway and 28 mpg town. Over the years I have replaced a few things: Carpet (warranty) Ignition switch x3 (warranty) Fuel pump x1 (around 90k miles) Brakes x2 (one set front and back with rotors- have lifetime warranty on parts) Tires (set of 4) x2 Fan motor (very inexpensive through private mechanic) and belt x1 0verall, very few inexpensive mechanic bills. I am starting to burn oil, but the car exhaust does not stink.

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