2 Star Reviews for 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.95/5 Average
154 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

New LS Sport trim level for coupes and sedans that features an all-new 2.2-liter EcoTec engine. A Z24 sedan joins the Z24 coupe at the top end of the lineup, while both the LS and base model Cavalier gain additional standard equipment and an optional Sport appearance package. Both Z24 models get an upgraded stereo and an optional Sport appearance package will be available later in the year. Three new colors have also been added along with an upgraded cloth interior.

Pros:
  • Affordably priced, new EcoTec four-cylinder engine, Z24 is a stylish and speedy low-buck sport coupe.
Cons:
  • You get what you pay for in terms of feature content, haphazard build quality, dreadfully uncomfortable seats.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 154.00
  • Lemon - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Bought this car used with 147k miles, 2 dr, auto, 2.2L I4. Test drove it and all was good. Maybe it was neglect, or maybe it was the dealership, but soon after buying it, things went south. The seats are AWFUL on long trips and has no power. GM also had the bright idea to not put a tranny dipstick in this model, so you cant check the fluid. The tranny cooler lines were leaking, so no idea if it needs fluid without taking it to the shop. Also had rusted brake lines and fuel lines leak. I have an 89 olds 88 and its not even as rusty as this Cavalier. Oil filter is also IMPOSSIBLE to get to. Have to take the front passenger wheel off and its still difficult then.

  • Never trust this car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    I own a 2002 cavalier. I bought this car with 5k miles. Within 6 months of ownership my starter went out. Thank God for warranty. After my starter was fixed more problems arised. I want to say I bought a used car. Electrical problems, broken trunk, broken sunviser, problems with my headlights, seat belt broken, and other problems under the hood. I HATE this car.

  • Good, but not safe - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    I bought this car in 2007 w/22K miles. I wrecked it just recently due to someone pulling out in front of me. I hit the other car doing 40 mph and it totaled my car. The frame was warped, windshield cracked, engine shoved back, but still able to go 5 mph to move it. Ive had to replace the back left speed sensor (whole brake drum, great planning Chevy - not.) I had the engine mounts go bad, O2 sensor, etc. I had to replace the front bumper pieces and that was around $500 just for parts. Poor build quality, I had panels gaping in one spot and pressed tightly in others. Its a good car if you want good gas mileage and something reliable in winter. Dont wreck youll be seriously injured.

  • Cursed from the start! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    I bought this to replace my 2000 4 door Cavalier that was totaled in a side impact crash. This car was built at Lordstown assembly recalled 2x due to faulty wiring in the steering column (Potential for wires to melt & cause a fire). Dealership says problem was fixed, but Ive found burnt wires near the gas pedal, the lights by the gear shift have burnt out, horn replaced many times, but constantly burns out (driving hornless since May-REAL safe), can`t install car starter b/c wiring unsafe, REALLY loud drive, constant rattling/squeaking, no power steering, cracked dash, heat/ac only works on full blast, ABS brakes GROAN & slow response time in snow/wet weather only $500 trade-in value

  • Think again b4 buying! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Nothing but problem with my 02 Cavalier. Have had 15 rental cars in under a year on this car. Lordstown (Cavalier / Sunfire final assembly plant) needs to produce a quality vehicle! Numerous engine and wiring problems. Probably will not buy GM again.

  • Would not suggest this car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    My car was great for the first couple years but all has gone down hill from there. ABS light continues to come on even after maintenance, all 4 power windows had to be replaced, pick-up is terrible, transmission is close to going, engine misfired after 45k miles, the a/c and heat does not work unless you put it on full blast, and now surprise surprise there is an electrical problem which doesnt allow me to use my left turn signal (real safe) - Im getting rid of this car as soon as next week, never buying a GM again

  • worst car ever - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Cd player doesnt work. The stick is hard to move and sometimes doesnt go into park and has to be shoved. Dashboard rattles. Mileage does not show up half of the time. Passenger side window does not go up, therefore it never goes down. Air conditioner wires cracked. Im sure Im forgetting things but I just cant remember everything wrong with this car. This is the worst car known to mankind, probably getting rid of it during the summer.

  • Poor Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Bought this car for my wife against my better judgment. (cars reputation) I was told that they had improved build quality. They have not!! The car only has 55000 km on it and something breaks every week. All new brakes at 40k, fan speed switch, lower control arm bushings, broken rear defrost switch that required a complete heater control unit because you cant just change switch!! etc, etc! Everything squeaks! Not even close to being is the same league as my last Toyota or current Subaru. Cant wait to get rid of this car. I will never buy another GM!!!!

  • Totally inferior product - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Ive never owned a GM product, and based on this purchase, I never will again. At 45K miles, the dash panels are coming apart, rattling, & squeaking. Annoying squeaking has developed in the front suspension, and a disconcerting grinding noise is coming from the engine compartment at startup. I found a gap between the interior roof liner and the door edge that I can fit my finger through. What a disappointing example of American auto manufacturing. Im going to sell it, get a Honda, and not feel one bit of sorrow for GMs current troubles.

  • Mixed Feelings on the 2002 Z24 - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
    By -

    Went from a 98 Ford Contour Sport to a 02 Z24 Sedan. Right away the poor quality of the interior was appearant. It is really plain. Road noise is pretty bad. Have had the car in the shop 4 times in 6 months. 1st time was the second week of ownership. The car is peppy compared to the contour, but the ride and handling pale in comparison. Not sure how the car will hold up over the long haul. Got the ext warranty to 75,000 just in case. The car has a nice sporty look from the outside. Also, the gas milage stinks for a 4 cyl!!! About 16-20 city & 23-26 hwy. I think the brakes will need to be replaced soon, after only 10k, they are getting soft.

Chevrolet Cavalier Reviews By Year:
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