2002 Chevrolet Cavalier consumer reviews

I have had this car for 22 years. I wish it was garaged as it is rusting out and the paint has peeled. It has 235,000 miles on it and still running as of 2024.

I can’t say enough great things about the 02’ cavalier. Mine unfortunately became too unsafe for the road due to the MN winters taking their toll on its body. Salty roads. The perfect all around car for many years of reliability and great mpg. The handling is pretty good for a econo box and the seats were great. Can’t forget about the cup holders in the top of the center console either. I miss it everyday as I learned stick in that car and many milestones happened because of it. The first chance I get, I’m buying another one.

My grandma bought a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier brand new in 2002, which she had it up until she passed away, and gave it to my dad. With the story aside, it's been pretty reliable these past 20 years, in fact, I find it impressively reliable. Normally a car would be useless at 5 - 10 years old, but this car was certainly built tougher than modern cars. Design wise, it's ok, but the materials used for the interior and exterior were certainly cheap, considered the fact that the dash cracks within a decade or so and the weather stripping begins to peel off after around 15 years. Exterior styling is pretty ok, especially with the ls sport coupe, with the spoiler in the back. As far as the value for the money, it's pretty ok as well, however, I dislike the lack of effort with the paint job, considering that the clear coat fails fairly quickly and the materials used are, again, cheap. Overall, I give this car a 4.5 rating, It's cheaply made, but it's been put through xxxx with the California heat and the intense UV rays penitrating on the paint job. I truly hope that Chevrolet learned their lesson with this one, because I don't want to one day buy a used car from chevy and soon look at the roof and see the clear coat chipping off or the dash having numerous cracks.

Got my first four door in 1998. Awesome vehicle. Got second one because wife wrecked our first Cavilier. Bought a used 2092 with 82,000+ miles. Still starts on first turn of key. Now has 207,000, and smoke a bit, but is in storage. Hope to rebuild soon. Reliable vehicle.

These cars have been basically bullet proof. Continue to run with very little issues. The 2004 has had a fan switch replaced but is otherwise original. The 2002 has had the air conditioner replaced and several other issues but nothing that keeps it from getting from here to there.

i had this car for around 7 years. it was a decent car in terms of reliability. nothing major besides the ac compressor blew around 3 times. it was a decent car. it got me where i wanted it to go. but i prefer my 07 yaris over this

Great starter car. We purchased this little used car for our grandson. No big bells or whistles, easy keeper and low mileage!! Sold it!! Along with the great salesman Mr. Hawk.

I love my car. It's got 133k miles on it. Only just recently have I had to replace the starter. I went 16 years without any issue. Only taking it to garage for upkeep and oil change. Although I have a new car, I still kept this one and still drive it occasionally. I'm waiting for it to become a classic car. I want to be one of those people

the Chevy Cavalier as a whole is an amazing car there cheap but reliable for the time you take care of them! I bought my 2002 cavalier with 132,000mi already on it in 2015-2016 from my sister for $400 I am still driving it today however unless you stay on top of potential problems this car isn't for you. I've had to pay for frame restoration, Exhaust repair, and now my engine has begun to smoke from potential wiring issues turnsignals work on and off, headlamps are leaking water, and the base primer and paint for original cavaliers will show major peeling and rust out. bottom side panels are shot and reap bumper is probably rotting out, next on the list is breaking its an old heavy car not with a lot of stopping power and sometimes due to the disk/drum break combo will get break wobble when having to stop hard. but its lasted through 2002-2020 and that makes this car a 100% go to car for anyone who can find one in good-great condition proves they will last your kids or spouse long enough to save for a better newer car so get them while you can.

Great on milage, minimal repairs, owned a cavalierm sports model from 2003 to Nov 2019, when I was t boned and car was totalled. Broke my heart to give her up. 140000 miles on her and still running until then. No issues except normal wear and tear. Wish they were still on the market.