Sign in | Register | My account |

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier User Reviews

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Review Ratings

  • Review your car

Average Ratings from 47 reviews

  • Performance:3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars 3.8 / 5
  • Appearance:4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars 4.1 / 5
  • Build Quality:4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars 4 / 5
  • Overall:4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars 4.2 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"fuel economy" 26 reviews
"ride" 14 reviews
"power" 12 reviews
"handling" 7 reviews
"brakes" 5 reviews
CONS
"power" 10 reviews
"transmission" 2 reviews
"doors" 2 reviews
"interior" 2 reviews
"build quality" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 47 reviews 12345 Next
Chris writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Gas saver. No major repairs so far at 95K, parts are easy to find since it such a common car. Great in adverse conditions, as long as you know how to handle them (no problems driving through a flooded Joliet, IL when water was up to the middle of the bumper, plows through snow drifts) spacious for a compact car (easily brought home lumber, pipe) most repairs fairly easy to perform. Light bulbs have so far lasted this long, assuming they are all factory, just replaced third brake light, dome and headlights (only to put Sylvania Silverstars in), even with bad suspension, still handles well and not that much of a bounce.

Cons

P0440 trouble code common with this car, but on mine it was just a bad purge solenoid ($25). Lifter noise became more promenant as time goes on, better running 10w-30, and I'm certain the timing chain tensioner will need replacement b/w 125k and 150k, just like the last 2 cavaliers i worked on. Transmission has a wierd shift going into overdrive, which is slowly getting worse. you cannot use a non maintence free battery in here, as if it does leak, right over trans lines and coolant hose.

95

Nice Car For The Price — What can I say, its a Cavalier. It has proven to be a really reliable car, considering i have close to 95k. No major work has been needed at this time, just normal wear and tear items like tires, suspension needs to be replaced, and routine maintenance. It is a pretty powerful car, considering the simple 2200 engine and the somewhat crappy gear ratio, eventhough it gets great gas mileage compared to my fiance's 04 cavalier. If you drive it nice, you fill that tank less, but if you drive it fast, like 80 down i-55, it still impresses you with the gas mileage it gets, and ive never really had it get below 22 mpg. Yes it is worse in the winter, what car is good with gas mileage then, and it is worse when you have that pedal pegged a lot per tank of gas. Acceleration is as expected for a 4 cylinder, but it is there when you need it. It handles like a champ, possibly because of the active handling option, managed a 90* turn doing 35 (tires squealing) no problem and with good tires, no problem in the snow. Factory goodyears sucked though, wore out fast and no traction, wet, snow or dry.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Cavalier
Looking for a Used Cavalier in your area?
CarGurus has 2,661 nationwide Cavalier listings starting at $1,895.
ZIP:
Justin writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Review
Appearance:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Performance:
Price:
Power:
Quality:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

It is good on gas

Cons

it has no cruise control

75

Great For Beginner Drivers — it handles beautifully, runs nice. Overall, nice car for a four cylinder sedan. Excellent acceleration and perfect stereo system. Recent air conditioning repair. 3 speed overdrive is included, and what is also nice about it is that my mom gave it to me for FREE!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Joe writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Nearly 40 MPG

Cons

the slowest car I've ever own (also the first car I've owned with an engine less than 5.0L in displacment)

65

It's Just A Damn Cavy — Good daily driver, Nice shifting 5 speed, 39.7 MPG highway! The 2200 SFI can take quite a bit of punishment, Its construction is a lot better than 2nd gen J's, it's been very reliable, but, the stock suspension Sucks! Worst ABS system I've ever encountered, and stock seating is not the most comfortable.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Kelly writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Nothing

Cons

Everything!

35

Cheap Hardly Effiect Virtulally Runs On Luck Every Time Chevrolet At It's Worst! — Performance- NONE! Build Quality - S*** Appearance -Looks good at first Cost of Ownership -Gas mileage was decent, but the maintenance was a wallet drainer Fun Factor -None really. What can o say other than ever other week i was dumping 50 to 100 dollars into it just to keep it on the road.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Eric writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

inexpensive, reliable transportation, no timing belt

Cons

resale value is poor, american car build quality, nothing special or unique about it

35

Good Daily Transportation, But Nothing Special. Get A Loaded One-base Models Are Ugly. — the 2.2 L DOHC Ecotec 4 cyl 140 horse engine is spunky-very easy to burn rubber off the line be careful in the rain-too easy to accidentally spin the tires at traffic lights good mpg 27-28 city, haven't tested highway mpg yet low enough compression to not require high octane fuel fit and finish of dash and plastics is poor sound system is very good bright red, looks nice-mine has factory ground effects package, decklid spoiler, fog lights, moon roof, 16 inch alloy wheels a little noisy only 3k RPM at 80 mph feels a little flimsy relatively cheap to repair, and mechanics don't refuse to touch it (like they did with my VW, which was a much better car)

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Israel writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Sport

Cons

big family

35

Weak Interior Quality — good acceleration, braking and handling, good mileage per galon although it has a 2.4 L twin cam, great appereance, excellent built quality MOTOR, cheap car, cheap maintenance, Not good interior Quality but is very Fun to Drive it. Good Decision!!!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Nicole writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

The car is great! Sound system rocks!

Cons

nothing really bad..little things here and there

35

The Cav! — I love the system in my car! It sounds great and the only way to listen to music is with a system! I like my rims and tint, it makes my car look nice! The car runs good, braking and handling are good. it doesnt need any repairs that i know of...and i have a good time driving it! I hate that my car is slow, and i hate that it revs when my air condition is on! But i have to say i do love my car, because it gets me where i need to go and even though its slow, i like cruising in it and listening to music in it. It is a nice little car to have for now! and im excited because i just finished paying it off! and that feels great! But within the next year i hope on getting a new car!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Brian writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Great gas mileage. Kept me alive when I rolled it!

Cons

Minor damage from roll over and lots of speeding tickets in this things.. And its way too small of a vehicle for me to drive...

55

Great Gas Mileage — Bought this car in Feb of 2002 with 4 miles on it... It now has 110,000 miles and the only things that I have had to replace were 2 bushings in the front suspension that cost me $10 ea. I think on the routine note, 2 batteries, oil changes and tune up at 105,000....

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Jennifer writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:
35

Love For The Cavalier — Its got a small engine, but its got a lot of humph which I love. Also the car is made in the states which is hard to find these days. I'm also very pleased with this car because I've had it for 4 years and I've yet to take it in to the shop. It just doesn't need a lot of work.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
TheCavalierGuy writes:
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Very low maintenance vehicle. Quick for it's class. Very good gas mileage  

Cons

Most Cavalier 1995-05 are so common for dash cap cracks. The 1997 models seem to have the least dash cracks. Factory clear coat is not the best.

TheCavalierGuy
55

Good Styling. Cheap Parts. Easy To Upgrade. — I love the overall looks and the paint color. I love the 2.4L Twin Cam engine, it's has great acceleration. The engine, body, and brakes are very easy to upgrade. The only dislike is the dash. It becomes very brittle and will crack. Replacing it with a use dash is a major waste of time. Buy an aftermarket dash cap and the cracks are no longer exposed.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Is this review helpful? Yes | No
Displaying 1 - 10 of 47 reviews 12345 Next
Review your car

Similar Cars Compared to a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 Honda Civic 2002 Ford Focus
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base Coupe picture, exterior
2002 Honda Civic picture, exterior
2002 Ford Focus ZX3 picture, exterior
Cost $4,036 Average Instant Market Value $6,092 Average Instant Market Value $5,074 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 30 36 31
Horsepower 115 115 130
Crash Test Rating 3 5 4
Front Leg Room (inches) 41.9 42.5 43.1

Reviews From Other Years

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

Pretty Good Car By Nick

i dont like that it has no power windows, no power locks, and the number one thing cruise control.this car is fun because it has lots of aftermarket upgrades so it is fast. i like the overall lokk of ... Read More

When In Need Of A Cheap Car! By Chad

when you are desperately in need a cheap car that is half decent on gas and is not that big of an eyesore this is the car you need. it will get you from point a to b without too many problems. Read More

Read all 26 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier reviews

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

Sturdy, Dependable, Stylish-looking Car By veeps

It's only started shedding parts recently (2012) since 2004. Until now, no problems. Have recently replace my starter, my windshield wiper linkage, and am now struggling with my shifter linkage. I've... Read More

Great Daily Use Car By Phantomcobra

This car is excellent for daily commute use. It will not hold back any traffic as it is much faster than most people give it credit for. The size makes it able to avoid pot holes and the fold down r... Read More

Read all 57 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier reviews

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

An Ok Starter Car. There Are Alot Better Out There. By Chad

This was an imported platform from GM Europe. The engine and trans were both well made, but the linkage between them was a weak point and would cause oil leakage almost immediately. If you add oil t... Read More

Horrible. Don't Buy It. By rbitz

After a month, I had to replace the clutch. Required taking apart the entire engine. After 2 months, have now had brake problems twice. When I was driving, the car started to slow down, and started to... Read More

Read all 62 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier reviews

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

Red Cavalier With Black Stars On It By Caisha

I liked the fact that this car was reliable. It was worth the price I bought it for. It gets good gas mileage and is low maintenance. I enjoyed the car for the time i had it, but im ready for somethin... Read More

I Would Get One In A 5 Speed By Matthew

fun summer cruiser. doesnt get the mileage i had hoped for but it looks sharp flying down the track. i was impressed by how nice it takes a curve at 50 and it definately needs to be a 5 speed Read More

Read all 46 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier reviews

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews

Quick Acceleration If Equipped With The 2.4l Engine. By TheCavalierGuy

I'm not big on the 4-door models, unless it's the RARE 4-door fully equipped Z24 model with sunroof. I'm still looking for one any color. I love Cavalier and wish GM would start back making them. I he... Read More

Nice Sporty Car For Chevy!!! By Megz

I love this car even though I dont like Silver Cars hence the nickname the "Silver Bullet" If I had more money I would have put more Modifications into it. Not that I recommend racing but lets just s... Read More

Read all 50 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier reviews
Ask CarGurus about the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
OR
Average response time: 8.5 hours, # of Chevrolet Cavalier owners:7,896
Cavalier
Looking for a Used Cavalier in your area?
CarGurus has 2,661 nationwide Cavalier listings starting at $1,895.
ZIP: