Used 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan Consumer Reviews
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It's doing its job.
This is my second car. I bought it, after weeks of searching for something else in my price range. I don't really like Chevy, but i got it in great shape, and condition. I bought it with 80,000 miles, and it now has about 105,000. I've driven it across states without hesitating. The only thing I've had to replace was the fuel pump at about 100. Everything else works fine, and even looks alright. The car isnt fast, but if you give enough gas it can go. I live in an area with snow, ice, rain, and hills, and this car works fine everywhere. I take good care of my cars aesthetically, and get their regular maintenance. But I drive the **** out of my cars, and this one is still holding up fine.
A great engine surrounded by an average car
The EcoTec 2.2 is a marvelous engine, its powerful, quiet and as reliable as an anvil, a testament to its foreign design. The rest of the car however is General Motors, what can you say. The steel on the car is paper thin, so even a slight bump will distort the quarter panels and your plastic bumper will never fit properly again. The interior is typical GM, with the bizarre toilet seat flusher door handles and the cheap plastic interior. The plastic covers by the mirrors tend to slap off and the manual mirror adjusters tend to break. The shift level gets loose and since its plastic will begin to fall apart, requiring replacement. The interior noise is higher than it should be.
- LS CoupeMSRP: $8,995159 mi away
- LS CoupeMSRP: $5,900424 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,995838 mi away
Great first time car
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!
The white ghost
I love my Chevy. It's 2018 and he still runs like a champ. I bought it in 2010. It's a 2004 cavalier. Love it. Please bring them back.
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Great little car
This car is not ugly. It is very cute and stylish. Interior could have used some improvement. I got 48 mpg on the highway and high 20's in town. This car is very fun to drive and handles beautifully. For the money paid, it is a great commuter car.
No Frills Ride
Nothing really surprising about it. The EcoTec engine is much more powerful than the clunker they used to put in Cavaliers. The sheetmetal is paper thin and dents easily. I damaged my quarter panel and was able to repair it by removing it, stomping on it a few times with my sneakers and putting it back on. The metal is that thin! It has been pretty reliable so far without problems, but I'm nowhere near the 100K mile mark yet. Interior and road noise is higher than in the late 90's versions. Ride is choppier too due to the tighter suspension and the 14" wheels. Styling is nothing exceptional but it looks better than it used to. Ugly toilet flusher style interior door handles, ugh.
A year of Driving the Cavalier...
This practically being my first car, I can't really compare it to much. So for a first car, this is a solid pick. The only problems I honestly have with it, are the lack of power windows and locks, though that isn't a major problem, and the way it is made. The interior is so cheap, and the vent cable mechanism is rather faulty and pops out(mine just broke) unfortunately, the dash needs to be completely taken off to get to anything, and dealerships will charge you a lot for this(even though it really doesn't take all that long to get off) Other then that, this car has been reliable and the gas mileage is top notch. Putting a new set of tires on this thing definitely makes it so much better.
wow now
Cannot keep check engine light off
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Second one for me
This is my second Cavalier and am loving this car! I currently have a 98 coupe with 214000 miles on it and can expect the same from this one. These cars have always been reliable and inexpensive to repair. I really like the eye-catching exterior of the sport sedan, ie. wheels, spoiler and front end. Its a shame that GM discontinued the Cavalier and began producing the lemon named Cobalt! I will enjoy.
Chev. Cavalier
We have had to have it in the shop too many times already for little things. We have not been happy with the fuel usage, we thought it would be better. The front console and controls are too close together nearly causing wrecks trying to adjust the heat/air/defrost with drinks in the way.We paid way too much for what we got.
Very disappointing
I've never had more problems with a car than this one. My Cavalier has had one thing go wrong after the other. It's never been abused, the oil has been changed every 3,000 miles and it's not even driven that much. I only have one more year of payments, but I've decided to trade it in for something other than a GM. Maybe I just got a lemon. For those who are about to buy one, beware. The Cavalier is a cheap car and it's one of those things where you get what you pay for. I guess it's back to imports for me.
40,000mi and counting
I've had my '04 Cavalier for a little over 40K miles and has proven to be a great car, anywhere and in any season. I bought the car in March '05 w/28K on it, traded in a '99 Malibu. The thing I like most about the "Cavy" is the gas mileage both city and highway. I've got it up to 39mpg once, and now that I live 3 miles from work, I only have to fill the tank once every two weeks, which is good considering gas prices. Other things I like are the handling and V6 like acceleration that comes from the low maintenance, high efficiency 2.2L Ecotec engine.
It's a great car
We were looking for something small with good gas mileage, and most of all comfort. also a large trunk area. With the back seat going down we got that. We found everything and more that we were looking for in the Cavalier. I think it is the best kept secret in the Chevy line.
Excellent Value!!!
This is the 3rd Cavalier I have purchased in the last seven years. I have spent almost nothing on maintenance. I totaled the first one in a head on collision and walked away without a scratch. The 2nd one is now being driven by my 15 year old son and I just bought a new 2004 LS Sedan. None of the compacts I looked at came close with regards to engine power, standard features, and price. I will hold on to this Cavalier until they bring back the model name in 2016 or whenever Chevy comes to their senses. This car makes the daily-recalled Ford Focus look like a joke!!!
my second hwy trotter
my second one the first 1 gave me 190000 miles with no repairs oh yes a water pump condidering that i drive 40000 miles a year the cav is mrs old reliable and not a money pit either excellent superb in snow to roomy spacious enoiugh even 4 a big guy rar to in my 4 doors good heating sys decent satero good instruments to improve...... seats and larger brakes and all 4 disks please
fun to drive
easy to drive in cities, also easy to get around period
Satisfied
I bought my Chevy new in 2004. I have had only two problems: In 2006, my horn stopped working, and the airbag had to be removed to fixed the problem. A pricey fix but was covered by my warranty. Now at 56000 miles, my check engine light has come on and am told I need to replace an Oxygen sensor. No biggie. Overall, the ride in my car is comfortable but noisy in traffic. I am short, so I like that the car is more compact than others I've driven. I am not happy with the interior features: My dash has cracks from the sun, and the center console lid has completely fallen off. Other than that, I am happy with my purchase and love the gas economy. Good car for students!
gm statnard of cheapness
GM has gone back to the Vega days with inferior paint and parts in this lemon!
Cavalier
Concur with the editor review in so far as the interiors. The inside fabric is very cheap! I have seen better fabric being sold as seat covers. However, we get what we pay for. With the average price of a car $26K, the Cavalier delivers a punch for its price.
Very good for the price range
This is a no-frills car that beats the hell out of the cheap makes that you find in this price range. My previous car was a '97 Kia Sephia, and I am already impressed with the build quality, quietness, ride, handling, performance, and standard features. The styling leaves something to be desired -- there are nice features, but the rear-end looks like a Ford Contour. The front-end is a marked improvement over previous Cav. years.
nice car
The car would be more fun to drive if it could speed up faster. Itwould be better all arount if it could top out at a higher top speed, around 130 like my other car (Ford Contour).
Dependable
Is really fun and responsive when you have to go. Easy to park. Need the drivers seat a little bit higher for better view.
2003 cavalier
i love this car
Great Grocery Getter
Bought car new in 2004. This was second Cavalier I have owned and both have been rock solid and dependable. My current Cavalier has 163,000 on it and the only problem I have ever had was a master cylinder for the clutch. Great gas mileage, reliable, and inexpensive, what more could you ask for. Chevy would have been wise to keep this one in production as there is a large and loyal customer base. If they were still made, I would certainly be buying another one. Not fancy, exciting to drive, or exotic, but there are lots of us who want to get from point A to point B without spending a lot and with minimal maintenance headaches.
couldnt be better
Bought 2004 cavalier in 2005 from courier company I drove it for. After 13 months it had 108,000 miles, all highway driving 160 miles each way. Outstanding service records and maintenance. Paid 2250 for it with 60% tires, can you say stole it. Wife drives daily at 30 plus per mile. Have taken on several 800 to 1000 mile trips mileage as high as 38.5
Nice little car for the money
We bought the car,an LS sedan, in March 2004 for $12K. GM had $4k in factory rebates, and the dealer discounted as well. We purchased for primarily as a commuter car, but like it so well, we have taken it on trips and vacation. So far very reliable. Love the strong Ecotec engine, and smooth shifting automatic. If the car continues to do well, I'm back in the GM family. Only complaints are minor: like the lousy design of the cup holders blocking HVAC controls. Seats could be more supportive. Other than that. Very satisfied with the car.
My 2004 Cavalier
This is the fourth Cavalier I have owned. It has nice outside lines and roomy trunk. The fold down back seat will be useful. I wish the car was wider and mor comfortable for back seat passengers.
My excellet small car
I like everything in this car. It has the right size. The best feature is mileage, it makes from 29 to 30 mph in the city and about 35 to 37 in the highway. It is very easy to drive. I had one years ago and it was my best car. Now, I changed a big car for the small one Cavalier because it is better than any other car I ever had.
Love It
Love the sport feeling of the Cavalier. Love the gas milage, and all of the components that come with the LS. Feels and drives like a Cadilac.
My new car
I love my new car. I am always getting coplements on it. It is the perfect size and it has that sporty look to it. It is great for a starter car. Not something I'll want forever though.
Reliable not comfortable...
Love that the transmission and engine seem rock solid. Hate the noise and all the electrical issues. The low profile tires make for a noisy ride when combined with the lack of passenger cabin insulation. The paint job is not durable. Like the body moldings which gave the old classic a newer sporty look. Hate that pricey as it was to get the sport upgrade, it didn't come with power windows. Watch for lower blower motor issues, dash electronics issues and AC problems. The drivers side seat blew a spring in the first year. The gas tank reservoir will crack on these bad boys too. All pretty spendy repairs.
Value for your money
Execllent vehicle, my previous vehicle was a 1997 Cavalier. Oil changes and replacement of a airconditioner compressor at 110,00 is all I spent on this car over the 6+ years I owned this car. I would like to see Toyota or Honda match that.
I like my new car dispite Edmonds views
I like this vehicle.The design this year is changed in some ways.It looks sporty for a 4 door sedan.It runs good. One down fall that I have had though is that there is a cable for the heating vent adjuster that has malfuntioned and from what I am told is a recall. Also, I don't care so much for the ETS system on the brakes, that had failed at 9,000 miles. Something snapped??? The car will run just fine without that. To me, it is an $800.00 mistake. I do not regret buying a Chevy Cavalier and will be sad to see it taken off the market next year. I currently own 2 Cavaliers. My other is a 1999.
Smart choice
Just looking for a cheap transportation, I am suprised what I can get for the money.
Great car for anyone
This was my first car and I'm glad I chose it. It's extremely fun and comfortable to drive. I feel safe in the Cavalier. It has all the features I need and it's roomy.
Great engine and transmission
Nice driving car, engine and transmission are terrific, ECOTEC engine was best of all the cars I drove. Ride is noisy, good CD, mileage, A/C is average.
Nicks review
its cool and fun to drive
JUNK
I researched this car to death before purchasing a 2004 model in 2005. I read all sorts of positive notes on it, kind of like here. Let me tell you it was the biggest piece of junk I've ever owned! Everytime I turned around there was something wrong with it. Engine light always came on, had problems with the brakes, trunk wouldn't open anymore, headlight quit working, just to name a few. I only put 26,000 miles on it, so it's not like it had a lot on it.
sporty cruiser
this is the first new car i have ever had i was so excited with it. I beieve i made a great choice.
My Love
this is the second one I have owned it has much better pick-up and the gas milage is great. it is also alot more comfortable. I love my stereo also. Great car for the price
2004 Cavalier
I just bought this vehicle a couple weeks ago. My Cavalier replaced a 1997 Geo Prism. I went for all the luxury available. I love it! Very comfortable and affordable for a car in it's class!
Reliable but ugly
This was my first car, I got it used. I like it a lot, but the interior is made of cheap plastic and is extremely flimsy and the springs in the seats popped out of the back of the seat. Driving the car is comfortable, but riding in it is EXTREMELY uncomfortable. There is virtually no legroom in the back, and the passenger seat in the front is weird, it feel like your being squeezed. As for the exterior, the design was dated way before it came out. It basically looks like a crappy four door version of a 90s mustang. Performance is good, no complaints there, so the only thing is the interior and exterior.
GREAT WORK
THE CAR LOOKS AND PREFORMS GREAT. THE NEW STYLING IS ASOME. THE CAR HANDLES BEAUTIFULY. IT HAS A NEW AGRESSIVE LOOK, THAT MAKES A BOLD STATEMENT. ILIKE IT BECAUSE IT'S DIFFERENT, EVERYBODY NOW DAYS HAS A HONDA, MITSUBISHI, OR A NISSAN, THOSE ARE GREAT CARS BUT, I DON'T LIKE BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. I LIKE BEING DIFFERENT AND THIS CAR MAKES IT POSSIBLE.
My first new car
Wasn't a real big fan of the cavalier but really enjoying the car
Chev. Cavalier 4 dr sedan
For the price 12,500 (dealer promotion) this car is peppy, reliable, comfortable, good gas mileage 30 mpg. auto trans, ABS brakes, power steering, am/fm cd player, clock. Rear seat folds down to extend trunk length. 100,000 mile coolant. Tight ride and steering, not sloppy. No mechanical problems, third one I've owned.
Bought in 2005
Bought this car for my daughter in late 2005. She went on to something else in 2006 so I've driven this car since then. No problems. This is a bottom end car for Chevrolet and I expected more issues. I see others that are beat to death but still run so I expect mine to run for a long time. This car will put a 6 cylinder older Mustang down without breaking a sweat and still get 25-26 mpg!
The Cool Car!!!
This car is fun, fast, powerful and is just an all around great car to drive!!!!!
loving the 04 cavailer
i LOVE the new cavalier! it makes 4- sedan fun and practical for young families. and the pick up is incredible.
very good
it was a very good car it drives very smooth it was excellent really cofortabale as well i love the size of the car its more of a teen car to me thats why i like it cause im a teen myself its a great size its just a perfect little car or what not
Great Buy!
I have had problems with the rear tail light sockets being defective (3 times). The ride is pretty smooth and the gas mileage is great! The 140 hp is a lot better than my old car and is really appreciated. I love my car and am very glad I purchased it!