2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Donald M
May 16, 2023
Basic features. No power windows. Good little car. Low maintenance costMay 16, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2015
Reliabale, never had any problems. Low maintenance cost. Still looks good. Compared to Toyota or Honda it depreciates a lot faster (resell value wise). I never had any problems with it even though it is known to be a lot less reliable compared to some imports.Jan 03, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 11, 2014
A great, affordable, and simple car. This car isn't suppose to be a big luxury filled family car, this is purpose built as a nice day to day commuting car and it does that perfectly. It looks nice for a cheap coupe and offers all the features needed for lust a daily driver. Because it doesn't have electric windows, seats, locks, or turbo's and other equipment the car is extremely easy and cheap to maintain. When the weather gets rough this car will overtake 4x4s and AWD cars because of how well it can get through the snow. I also know that many of these cars have well over 400000 km's on the odometer. Just a greatly reliable vehicle.Nov 11, 2014
User rating:
by Donald M
May 16, 2023
Basic features. No power windows. Good little car. Low maintenance costMay 16, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2015
Reliabale, never had any problems. Low maintenance cost. Still looks good. Compared to Toyota or Honda it depreciates a lot faster (resell value wise). I never had any problems with it even though it is known to be a lot less reliable compared to some imports.Jan 03, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 11, 2014
A great, affordable, and simple car. This car isn't suppose to be a big luxury filled family car, this is purpose built as a nice day to day commuting car and it does that perfectly. It looks nice for a cheap coupe and offers all the features needed for lust a daily driver. Because it doesn't have electric windows, seats, locks, or turbo's and other equipment the car is extremely easy and cheap to maintain. When the weather gets rough this car will overtake 4x4s and AWD cars because of how well it can get through the snow. I also know that many of these cars have well over 400000 km's on the odometer. Just a greatly reliable vehicle.Nov 11, 2014
by Anonymous
May 08, 2014
This car is a great car for every day driving for commute or students. Gets great gas mileage, runs great. Does not have a very sporty look to it with the plain rims, but honestly it is a perfect car to get you from point A to point B. With proper maintenance it will last you forever.May 08, 2014
by Mike T
Dec 27, 2013
Z-24 package makes all the difference in the world. Mind, $36,000 for a Cavalier was a bit ridiculous, but I didn't buy her new! A bit low on headroom, but then again, I am 6.3". Given the mileage, it is amazing. Original everything, and drives like a dream.Dec 27, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 28, 2013
This car has been very reliable. It was my first car and it hasn't been troublesome. It accelerates well. When driving you do have a very good handle on the car. I do feel very safe in the car it is also has a lot of room.Jun 28, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2013
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 shake, and and not be able to reach more than 55 km/h, The brakes were stuck at the top, and started to smoke out the right side when I tried to stop. I was able to stop, but the car's engine started heating quickly, and my car wouldn't shift well. Went to the mechanic, he said it was the front right side calliper, which he said was stuck. He replaced both front callipers, so they would be equal. Car was great for 3 days. Got in it today, and the exact same thing started happening immediately, except this time the smoke was coming from the left side. Going to be another couple hundred bucks, and I don't even know what the problem is. Do NOT buy this car. So horrible. Waste of money and time.Mar 26, 2013
by Christopher L
Nov 14, 2012
This has been a good car for my wife to drive back and forth, we havent had many problems with it and it gets good gas milage but this car won't handel like others in its class and there isn't much room to use as a family car for trips, but to run to town is a good car.Nov 14, 2012
by Steven M
May 16, 2012
Great daily driver. I get almost 36 MPG Highway in the summer and consistently around 30 on average. The engine is really strong, but the interior quality is really poor. Surprisingly powerful and handles really. Great car for teenager or if you want an inexpensive second car as a toy. The physical styling is really good, especially with the car lowered. May 16, 2012
by Tony D
Feb 17, 2012
I would buy another one if I needed basic transportation, Excellent first car for a teenager!!! Basic maint is all I have done and the care still runs strong with 150k plus on it. The paint is a major issue and seems to be a problem with alot of the caviliers form that time period.Feb 17, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 13, 2012
I love the look of the car inside and out. Wonderful fuel mileage and rides good on long trips Has a big trunk for a small car. The battery is only two years old..This car has new brakes and rotors. The only thing I didn't like was roll down windows non-power. Jan 13, 2012
by Dani S
Nov 03, 2011
not too shabby!
acceleration is decent for a 4 cylinder. and upon quick acceleration the transmission is smooth (and i have 195,000 miles on the original motor and transmission!)
the only repairs i've needed was a timing chain tensioner and an alternator.
the appearance is cute. good for a young girl (such as myself). i love the black interior!
the cost of ownership is quite low! i get about a combined 26 mpg's (340-ish per tank), not exactly hybrid status, but certainly not bad.
this car is somewhat fun to drive. not the worst, but like i said it's just a four cylinder..Nov 03, 2011
by AJ M
Feb 06, 2010
Good gas mileage, nice travel car. Apperance isn't all to love, cheap to own. Ecotec motor doesn't have a good reputation and now i see why. It's hard to figure out what's wrong when something doesn't run right. It's an OK car, not chevy's best though.Feb 06, 2010
by Anonymous
Oct 25, 2009
not too big (fits where little things can), not too small (good leg
room for the 6'7" friends), nice for a Sunday drive, great on gas
for getting somewhere fast, contoured seating but affordable,
easy maintenance, not too flashy to make you feel reckless, but
definitely not boxy or cheap to make you feel like a missionary
- just perfect in size, shape and design... it's a cavalier, man,
not a ferrari - it's perfect for the cavalier-sized pocket to afford
and adore...Oct 25, 2009
by Mark F
Oct 12, 2009
Performance - Shifter prevents speed shifting (racing), Small clutch, pulls great in 3rd from 60mph, good cornering suspension, brakes are mediocre.
Build Quality-no repairs needed due to car design. Brakes has been changed, and oil, obviously Brake drum make loud squeal.
Appearance- Great factory 16" chrome rims, ground effects, fog lamps, audio control, needs more design on interior
Cost of Ownership- good point to point car, good gas mileage, easy to self-change oil
Fun Factor- this car is a great car to start out withOct 12, 2009
by Giani V
Aug 29, 2009
performance good
quality good
appearance ok
cost cheap
fun ok
very relaiable
gets me where i need to go( down to texas)
cheap on gas
has nice gas mileage
its not the fastest but its beat it fair share of fast carsAug 29, 2009
by Cameron P
Aug 04, 2009
It handles Ok and has excellent brakes for all my drifting. Since it is only 4 cylinder it doesnt have the best accel. Never needed any repairs yet. Looks good except for a few chips in the paint on the hood. Cost was good and has awesome gas mileage.Aug 04, 2009
by Melissa S
Mar 12, 2009
Good car, first car bought brand new. 18k, well equipped. LS coupe, 2.2 ecotec, drives nice, handles well, decently fast. I can get 400+ miles to the tank on the highway. about 320ish around town. knock on wood, no issues. I've done regular flushes and ceramic pads and slotted rotors as well as a strut bar for performance.. so nothin major.. I've taken her to fl back and forth a bunch of times.. she's been good to me.. and she's paid off! lolMar 12, 2009
by Joe C
Feb 21, 2009
Really like the styling, still needs a little tweaking, but still really nice. Get a fair number of nice things said about it, but not by hardcore cars people.
Great for basic every day driving, but also a lot of fun on the track. Doesn't have the performance of a lot of other cars, but it is still fun and that is 90% of racing :)
Has an AEM Cold Air kit and will soon have a KYB GR-2 suspention. Gets about 32 mpg in the summer and about 28 mpg in the winter. (Good ol' cold Iowa winters)Feb 21, 2009
by Albert C
Feb 19, 2009
I might get a little emotional here...My baby She was amazing..R.I.P....Honestly the funest car ive driving in a LONG time. It had GREAT power, considering what it was, little 5 speed manual, had excellent acceleration (if you know how to drive a stick), and handled pretty good to. Could keep up with the buddies duramax pretty good, and that thing was chipped..RED DRAGONZ. But when people run red lights, it turns your love, into well...a paper weight. But even in the accident it held up VERY well for how I was hit.Feb 19, 2009
by Thomas E
Sep 16, 2008
Performance: very good for entry level vehicle. most impressed.
Build Quality: few repairs, still wearing in the vehicle after more than a year
Appearance: Sharp and distinguished
Cost: fairly inexpensive. good on gas
Fun: what vehicle that runs isn't fun?
overall: wouldn't give this car up for just anything. It's got a personality all it's own and it deserves more respect than most people give to a chevy. This car is definitely a good choice for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that is sturdy and manageable.Sep 16, 2008
by Steven N
Sep 05, 2008
its a red cavalier ls coupe with a 2.2 liter ecotech engine. Its got the premium wheels and sound. Has pickup when you need it. It also has my probass subs hooked up for the ultimate cool car experience. I like it a lot and i recommend it to someone looking for mileage and sportinessSep 05, 2008
by Natalie S
Aug 21, 2008
I hate that it doesn't have automatic locks and no alarm system! and I wish it had a good stereo from the factory! I love the gas mileage and that it's comfortable. I can't get rid of the check engine light though....I have no idea what it is. It is fun to drive, it gets up and goes if you want it to!Aug 21, 2008
by Melinda R
Aug 16, 2008
Best car ever, awesome pick up holds up with all the kilometers i've put on it and all the abuse. can hold approx. 8 full size adults in the car and about 3 in the trunk...comes with an awesome factory stereo. awesome air/heating in the winter it gets sauna style hot which is amazing when you have to work early. personally i think its alot better than the cobalt because it has alot less blind spots. The cavillier is also just a great all around carAug 16, 2008
by Rico D
Jul 26, 2008
I like how reliable it is, it gets good gas mileage, and is very cheap to fix up to look nice. I hate how cheap the interior is, and that it tops out at 108 mph. Has great acceleration, good handling, and with the right exhaust it can sound amazing. Ecotec 2.2 is easy to work on and easy to access. Jul 26, 2008
by Jack C
Jul 23, 2008
mine is 2.2 liter engine with manual, it is powerful enough for this car since its not big and heave.
power comes up anytime i want.
However, the internal is too plastic feeling, i wish they can make it with better looking
also, the suspension is kinda too soft.
this car is an economic car, you won't spend too much on purchase, gasline, and repair.
a manual car might not so convenience when you date but always fun when you want to have fun.Jul 23, 2008
by Brandon W
Jul 19, 2008
The car is okay, it runs clean and is good on gas the car drives well I would not recommend buying one new, it's a waste of money, but that's okay lesson learned, I didn't pay too much for it so it wasn't that bad of a deal. good braking, acceleration is a little in the lackin department, it squeaks and rattles a bit the interior needs to be redone, overall this car is fun to drive.Jul 19, 2008
by Dan P
Jul 05, 2008
great steering and braking power. feels great on the road. fun to drive. about 400k city to a tank. sporty. fully loaded. looks great. been very reliable over the last 1.5 years. pretty cheap to maintain. dash and console look pretty cheap but the interior is pretty sporty and rides well. front seats are supportive and comfy. needs more torque 'specially in the bottom end. my custom sound system sounds incredible in this car! cabin noise is pretty quiet even with the moon roof open. even though you wouldnt think so ,it gets alot of looks. take this car on a back whindy road drop into 3rd and feel what this car was built for! will spin tires with no effort. gas prices going up this is the kind of car people should buy.Jul 05, 2008
by Brent G
Jun 23, 2008
interior iskinda cramped the stereo is alright overall handling is pretty good and is easy to get into tight parking spots. Jun 23, 2008
by Doug B
Jun 16, 2008
I love this car, it has decent everything really. It is a very dependable and longlasting car to have, which is the most important thing. And amazingly it is american made car on top of that!Jun 16, 2008
by Paige A
Jun 15, 2008
I love my car! the gas mileage. i hate that the radio is a little funky thoughJun 15, 2008
by Gary H
Jun 05, 2008
The redesigned cavalier for 03 was sleek, sporty, and a joy to drive. Like with any compact car, leg room and rear passenger room are a little sparse. But the fuel economy is nice, averaging about 29 mpg with the new Ecotec 2.2L. But the Ecotec does have impressive torque and midrange power for a little bit of fun. The ride is comfortable for the class, and the handling is suprising responsive.Jun 05, 2008
by Aaron F
Jan 26, 2008
Liked the idea of the 5 speed, with the light weight tranny and stage 2 clutch. Jan 26, 2008
by Robert L
Jan 16, 2008
I have really enjoyed this car for the past 5 years as it performs well and gets great gas mileage.Jan 16, 2008
by Daniel S
Jan 04, 2008
It is reliable, economical, and surprisingly spacious. The performance is quite good, also. The options are non-existent however.Jan 04, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 14, 2007
good car for the money , good gas mileage , strong engineSep 14, 2007
What users have asked
2003 Cavalier Air in Coolant System
Hey! I just rebuilt my 2003 Cavalier 2.2, manual (LS submodel) engine and replaced the clutch. I am filling the coolant reservoir with coolant, and it takes it, but the air is not escaping the system. The passenger side coolant hose is full of coolant, but the driver side coolant hose is not, and full of air. I have tried many different methods but I can’t seem to get the air out if the system. Help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!! - Graham
15 views
Gas tank compatibility
I'm having a hard time finding a used gas tank forbmy 2003 chevy cavalier. Is there any other cars gas tank that would be compatible.
13 views
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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,595 to $17,595Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent