2005 cavalier passlock bypass
bypass after new ignition
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2005 Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2005 model year was the last for the workhorse Chevrolet Cavalier. The midsize compact was more than showing its age: The bad juju of its outdated platform and iffy safety record was redeemed only by the '05 Cavalier's very affordable price.
No significant changes were made to the 2005 Chevy Cavalier. Three trims were available: the base model, LS, and LS Sport. All three trims were offered in both coupe and sedan bodystyles.
GM offered some modern conveniences for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. OnStar and XM satellite radio were available, and a surprisingly high-end stereo system, with CD player and MP3 capability, came standard. Still, the interior of the 2005 Cavalier was nothing special - comfortable enough, but definitely economy class.
Economy was also the watchword when it came to fuel efficiency for the '05 Chevrolet Cavalier. Its EPA highway mileage of 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway is definitely part of the car's appeal. And its fuel economy doesn't come at the expense of power: Under the hood, the 2005 Cavalier has a 2.2-liter, dual overhead cam inline-4 engine clocked at 140 horsepower, plenty of oomph for the Cav's less than 3,000 pounds of curb weight.
Alas, the Chevy Cavalier never quite succeeded in competing with other compacts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But if you're looking for a used-car bargain, the Cav might be just the ticket!
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Allison C
Nov 30, 2023
Love looking at cars my dream is th o own one when I have quiet time I get a cup of coffee and relax and surf car guru. Putting my wish list in my garage. It makes me happyNov 30, 2023
by Leticia B
Oct 13, 2021
Good good this car is great car to drive Oct 13, 2021
by Marco D
Mar 29, 2021
This car is all rusted on the passenger side, it is not worth itMar 29, 2021
User rating:
by Allison C
Nov 30, 2023
Love looking at cars my dream is th o own one when I have quiet time I get a cup of coffee and relax and surf car guru. Putting my wish list in my garage. It makes me happyNov 30, 2023
by Leticia B
Oct 13, 2021
Good good this car is great car to drive Oct 13, 2021
by Marco D
Mar 29, 2021
This car is all rusted on the passenger side, it is not worth itMar 29, 2021
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2014
This car has been driven by my 19 year old son since his junior year of high school. It has been the perfect car for him! The two door coupe may not be optimal for a large family due to difficulty getting in and out of the backseat.Jul 19, 2014
by Nate A
Jul 25, 2013
its a great little car that gets me back and forth to school with no problem. takes the abuse of the gravel road very well and hasn't failed me yet. has enough power to get up and go but still remain fuel efficient.Jul 25, 2013
by Chris R
Oct 30, 2010
its a great car to drive and picks up quick. i love how loud it is. i love the engine mods i hae on it. still got a couple years to pay for it. it sound best going underneah a bridge. the sound is extra loud and i love itOct 30, 2010
by Nick D
Sep 28, 2010
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 the car i just wish i had rimsSep 28, 2010
by Chad D
Sep 16, 2010
i have an 05 chevy cavailer sport z24. 2.2 ecotec. stainless steel racing headers straight pipe, programmer, short throw shifter, staged clutch, full suspension, lowered 3.5, smokin hondas and mustangs son. wanna race let me know but its not goin to be freeSep 16, 2010
by Chad J
Jul 20, 2010
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.Jul 20, 2010
by Erin S
May 05, 2010
it was here now it is gone loved it much but a big big truck came a long and took it from me and now it is no more in a junk yard crushed i loved that car so ripMay 05, 2010
by Ashley M
Apr 06, 2010
the car handles really well in any type of weather it is front wheel drive so it does good in the snow. haven't really had any problems with the brakes or anything. i have had to put one set of brakes on it and new tires all the way around besides that nothing has been done except the routine oil change. there are a couple of scratches on the outside of the car and one dent on the passenger side behind the door, the interior is clean. the greatest thing about the car is i get about 36 mpg highway which is awesome. also the car is not too small and i love driving it.Apr 06, 2010
by Emily E
Jan 16, 2010
i just wish it wasn't a base model.. but what can i do since i didnt buy the car new. oh well.. gotta love it anyways. i lvoe the speakers in the car though they work fantastic ya kno? plus the car is redJan 16, 2010
by Michael S
Nov 24, 2009
This cavalier is ok for my budget but it is definitely not a car that i would want to keep thats for sure. It actually has a halfway decent stock radio in it. It sounds better than most new cars. This is the best thing about cause I didnt have to spend any more money on it to make it sound better.Nov 24, 2009
by Brian W
Nov 16, 2009
The car has great looks for the prize range and performance is
great as well. The car was good on gas. The only trouble is
there were some things that felt cheap. The seat were not
that comfortable and I would have loved to have a few more
inches of leg room. Overall it was functional and fun to drive. Nov 16, 2009
by Brett D
Oct 14, 2009
2.2 litre Ecotec w/ Hahns Racecraft Turbocharger @ 10psi boost. 5spd manual est.250 h.p.
Only cavalier in the Lehigh Valley that runs 13.50 in a 1/4
mile
Owned since new, Nov. 2004. Bought at Rentschler Chevy
Fun Factor - Hell of alot of fun and a Hell of a sleeper !!
Oct 14, 2009
by Shellie B
Sep 29, 2009
My Cavalier was fast, light, and good looking with a rear spoiler, and nice polished silver color. It keped me safe while in a major car accident, and it was fun to drive, because it picked up speed pretty quick.Sep 29, 2009
by Kyler H
Sep 16, 2009
my car kicks butt with the body kit and the aftermarket wheels cold air intake and the computer reprogramming that has been done all in all its a fun to drive and inexpensive car to own and i love it Sep 16, 2009
by Nyssa J
Aug 25, 2009
It's stick, so it rocks more than most automatics. Also, I can get 40 mi/gal on highway only, or 30 mi/gal city.... and still have a little fun shifting around. Chevy poorly engineered the clutch line, though, so it will blow the cylinders :( It is an easy car to maintain, engine, interior, and exterior. Aug 25, 2009
by Brian T
Jul 16, 2009
well let me see here it is light weight small and hase about 150 hp stock. The handleing is good. the cost is great for what your getting, it is a fun car to drive. maby lol who cares. lolJul 16, 2009
by Ian R
Jul 10, 2009
it was stick so it had pick up, just no top end. held up pretty well body wise. a few small things came off here and there, only after a few years tho. over all a good solid car that was a good begining Jul 10, 2009
by Anthony G
Dec 23, 2008
I love the color it is a metallic blue(Arrival Blue Metallic)....so far I have
-the Carbon Fiber taillight conversion
- B&M short throw shifter
-Injen intake
- Keystone Brickyard 3 piece spoiler that looks pretty sleek...not a wing that looks like a shopping cart or a ridiculously large one
- It has 17" Motegi DP 12 in hyperblack...they look really sweet on the car
- VIS - Carbon Fiber EVO hood
- Custom gauge face, carbon trim around gauges
- 3 pod A-pillar gauges w/A/F, Vac/Boost, and Oil Press guages
- 7" Eclipse in-dash DVD player.
Little by little every dollar saved I try to put into it.
I have some other plans for it to,
- the ground effects kit from RK Sport
- I want to paint the GFX kit a high gloss black so I can have a 2-tone paint scheme,
- this will bring out the black in the metallic paint and the carbon fiber hood and taillights.
- A dual exhaust,
- Hahn Racecraft Turbo kit. Hopefully I will have well over 300 horses when I am finished.
I have a few other things I want to do but it is all preference and availability. Say what you want...it might be a Cavalier but there sure as hell wont be anything else around like it...but when it is finished it will look pretty sweet & I should have a lil respect.... Dec 23, 2008
by Shawn T
Oct 10, 2008
The performance was okay. Acceleration wasn't that good but the braking and handling was better. The interior of the car was real nice. Cost of ownership was decent. Got good gas mileage and everything. The manitenance was great. Yes this car was fun to drive. I would do it again.Oct 10, 2008
by NaaNaa C
Sep 12, 2008
i love my car.....its the best thing ever. Its kinda good on gas. but the driver side windowis broken. and i hate the radio...working towards a system or maybe a new car. Anyways its all right for a first car and couldnt be any better. i love driving it too!Sep 12, 2008
by Craig T
Sep 05, 2008
The first new car I ever owned. Traded my 99 Silverado for it in hopes the fuel economy would pay it off. It was a peppy little thing that served me well while I had it. I put 68,000 miles on it before the ex convinced me to trade it off for a mini-van. Easily got 30mpg on the highway if you treated it nice. Extended warranty would have paid off if I would have ever got it in to get the minor leaks and stuff fixed.Sep 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2008
I love this car! Not only did it cost me 8 grand, but it runs beautifully. The stickshift adds control to acceleration and gearbox maintenance is minimal. Gas Milage is around 25 mpg and those 25 mpg are fun with the amount of power. This car is a must have for anyones frist car.Jul 31, 2008
by Mark S
Jul 08, 2008
I bought my 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier in March of 2005. The only problem I have had with it was a loose brake line. Of course there have been small things that are just the normal wear and tear. I have never broken down with the car. 2005 was the last year that Chevy made the Cavalier, it was replaced by the Cobalt series. Jul 08, 2008
by Twilite A
Jun 19, 2008
My car is excellent on gas! very reliable, dependable, good quality, very clean and neat!Jun 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 12, 2008
I like my sound system and that it doesn't break down anymore....Jun 12, 2008
by Matthew S
Jun 10, 2008
It gets me from A to B.Jun 10, 2008
by Jordan S
Jun 05, 2008
This car is really dependable and gets 26 mpg in the city. Plus it has some get up and go.Jun 05, 2008
by Natalie W
May 18, 2008
I bought it when the Saturn started smoking and needed a water pump. It was in the price range and was the nicest available that day. It was just a car to get me to work. I was dissapointed that it was an automatic but every day that I drive it I like it more and more! This car is fun to drive and is a huge step up from the Saturn. I thought of it as more of a lateral move at the time but have been plesantly surprised!May 18, 2008
by Ralone W
Apr 18, 2008
I got this car wen it wuz in it's last production year wen I wuz 17, i bought 0 miles, took it from Arkansas to Tennesse, & Texas, & Mississippi, dependable for high school students, adn pple who don't have alot of stuff to haul , great on gas, I had a 5spd, only went through 1 clutch, 1 transmission, & I clutch reservoir system, only because I taught jus about everybodii how to drive it, put rims on it 20" tops nothin bigger, even those rubbed, added 2"in lifts rode perfect, rims were so heavy messed the transmission up other than that it was a good carApr 18, 2008
by Nathan S
Apr 17, 2008
dependable, never had no problems 0-60 000 kms, bought it brand new.... mistake, took a 7000 $ hit selling it, and buying a 2000 toyota celica gts, which is just about finished getting 12 000 in modifications!Apr 17, 2008
by Hans C
Mar 18, 2008
Lousy build quality, indifferent handling, ride, fit and finish, seat comfort, and noisy cabin all detract from the driving experience. This car is a joke, and thankfully has been replaced by the far more modern Chevy Cobalt.Mar 18, 2008
by Tom V
Mar 16, 2008
I wish I had power windows. Or power anything. Mar 16, 2008
by Michele M
Mar 13, 2008
drove like a charmMar 13, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 01, 2008
the car is ok,however, this will most likely be the last GM vehicle I purchase. I purchased
the extended warranty from GM, but when the car goes in for service they are always
reluctant to fix it. I took it in for service after it shut down on the ohio turnpike right in
the middle of traffic. It did not only happen once, but every couple of miles. I would roll to
the shoulder and it would restasrt after a couple of minutes. I nursed it to the next exit,
and had it taken to the dealer. They said there was no problem, have a nice day. The very
next day, same deal. Why do I have to risk being killed on the highway to save them from
doing their jobs? It was eventually fixed, but they make very sure to make you sign a paper
saying that if it is hooked up to the diagnostic computer and the problem was something
you could have done yourself, then you pay 80 bucks out of your own pocket. Why did I
pay for a warranty? Then the dealership decided to put on a new fuel filter without asking
me,(while they were replacing the fuel pump), and charged me 60 bucks for that. Are
there any cars out there with real warranties?Mar 01, 2008
by Kevin P
Feb 22, 2008
This is a great first buy car, low price yet built good. No big problems. Good, clean looks, has a little sporty-look to it. The Ecotec engine is a good platform, proven in euro cars, and designed to be tuned-up. I have increased the stock horsepower by about 10-15hp, and fuel mileage some. And added some 18'' rims to it. Interior is a little bland, but that'll change this summer.Feb 22, 2008
by Chris L
Feb 15, 2008
Got this when they D/C the model and it was a good car. Only got rid of if becuase it does not fit two large labs. Feb 15, 2008
by Danny K
Dec 24, 2007
fun to drive good performace good gas milage good sex appeleDec 24, 2007
by Anonymous
May 13, 2007
its a good small car and it seems to have alot of power to offer. my mother really likes it lol. but i think that its a good car it just could be a little bigger.May 13, 2007
What users have asked
Car will not start
I was driving the car and I thought it ran out of gas. I put gas in the car and it still would not start. I checked the fuel pressure and it was fine. I checked to make sure the car was getting spark and it was. I also installed a new crank shaft position sensor. The car cranks smoothly but wont start. Does anyone have any suggestions?
23807 views
no rear brake pressure
2005 Cavalier, replaced master cylinder, front calipers and rear brake cylinders now i can't get any brake fluid or pressure to the rear...please help
35 views
Chevrolet cavalier 2005 manual transmission
It will only go in reverse and only if the engine is revved up. It has a new clutch.
23 views
Turn signal stops working after a few flashes
Hi, I have a chevy cavalier 2005. My turn signals are not working properly. The left signal works for a few clicks and then turns off. The right is better than the left signal but has a similar behavior. It also goes off after a while but gives more clicks than the left signal before going off. The signals seem to have deteriorated over time. Sometime back the left signal used to give the mentioned problem only occasionally. But now if turn off barely after 1-2 clicks. The hazard lights are working fine. Is the issue the turn signal relay or the turn switch? Also now if I turn on the headlights the left signal light on the dashboard is always on (although the actual indicator is not flashing). If the headlights are off then the indicator light on the dashboard is off. Any ideas what it might be due to? Thanks for the help!
4585 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier?Compare this car
2005 Chevrolet Cavalier Pricing
Original MSRP
$10,890 to $18,275Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent