Overview & Reviews

Not much. An upgraded stereo with a CD and MP3 player is now available on the base coupe and sedan. The Sport Appearance package that includes 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and sport suspension is also available on the base coupe and sedan.

• Low price, torquey four-cylinder engine, optional satellite radio and OnStar.

• Ancient design inside and out, cheap interior materials, poor build quality, low resale value, poor side-impact and front-offset crash test results.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 228.00

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  First New Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rdaub - March 27 - 5:23 pm

  2004 Cavalier was my first NEW car purchase {had purchased used cars prior}. After 180,000+ miles can not really complain. It did what it was purchased to do - used as a commuter car, averaging over 400+ miles per week. After all of those miles, still getting 30+ mpg. Yes road-noisy ride, cd no longer works, replaced clutch after 175,000+ miles, shifter needs replaced [hard to get into 1st or 2nd, really loose]. But for a "basic $10,000.00 car" in 2004, it has been a worthy vehicle.

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  Great first time car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kiprsnx - February 20 - 11:04 pm

  I got my cavalier at around 40k miles, recently traded it in for a pickup at 105k miles. Was very sad to see it go. Only thing I ever needed to fix was a bad fuel pump and a leaking water pump. Got me through many drives from Washington-California, and a year of 30 mile work commutes. I also left it sitting for almost a year and had no problem starting it up. Only real complaints I have are the radio controls are blocked if you have anything in the cupholders, the piece of plastic on the dash against the windshield cracks and the road noise. Other than that, its fun to drive, comfortable and has great gas mileage. Would definately recommend!

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  Great car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hannam - October 14 - 9:30 pm

  I drove this car for almost a year before someone ran a red light and totaled it. Looks great for the price, easy to drive and great for a first car! I bought it with 90k and drove it to 100k. I did have a few issues with it. The backseat was really difficult to access. If you buy with the original radio, be aware that installing a new radio could put you in the $200-300 range as the system is connected to many other things in the car (like the beeps for when your car door is open). AC went out around 94,000 miles. The lights below around the gearshift went out, and I had to hit the gearshift to make them come back on. All in all, Im still happy with the purchase and sad to lose it.

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  My first Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cjbridges - November 1 - 12:46 am

  Im 16 years old and this is my first car, We bought it with 77k miles on it and it now has 80k, The only repairs we had to do were basic things like replacing the fluids, oil filter, oil, and a new battery, but other than that its had no major problems. The paint is rather cheap and chips easily, and the interiors plastic is cheap and the fabric is thin, however if you take car of it everything shouldnt crap out on you. My dash cracked and my engine light comes on when there is no problem, the car can be noisy at times, and my CD player broke, but I have to say there are no major problems. I like the sleek sporty design of the car.

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  Would be good - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jon Smith - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Would be good but the car just keeps having problems, IAT, HUBS go out, Slave cylinders go out multiple times and then contaminate the clutch but That problem starts with the master cylinder which is usually repaired wrong at dealers for cost cutting-they replace the slave not the master cylinder. almost cost my life in an accident! Trans went out, Radio went out twice the replaced one was remanufactured, not NEW under warranty. speakers go out, throttle cable rusted and would make the throttle stick or not move-thus no driving or very high revs. The car would be great if GM wasnt so Cheap! and that intake manifold design is crap.

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  My First Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By SoCalMal - July 25 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 04 and Ill be the first to admit I didnt know how to take care of a vehicle. Every oil change was late and a cracked transmission pan later, 88,000+ miles later this gem is still running. The dashboard is weak, but the rest of the interior is decent. Its a bit of a noisy ride esp. if youre on the phone. Ive encounter no problems w/ the electrical components, but the transmission is starting to slip.

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  couldnt be better - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jimn - March 23 - 10:49 pm

  Bought 2004 cavalier in 2005 from courier company I drove it for. After 13 months it had 108,000 miles, all highway driving 160 miles each way. Outstanding service records and maintenance. Paid 2250 for it with 60% tires, can you say stole it. Wife drives daily at 30 plus per mile. Have taken on several 800 to 1000 mile trips mileage as high as 38.5

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  FUN! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By gober - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, good pep and decent handling. Interior could use a little more headroom and overall space. Paid $9800. after a little negotiation. Great value for first car. Very happry with buying experience at Steakley, no games.

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  Good Value For The Cost - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chetter - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Cavalier is a good value if you stick with the base models. There is no point in loading it up. Its reliable, and somewhat sporty, but the handling is a bit loose.

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  Second one for me - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By T. Allen - August 25 - 11:21 am

  This is my second Cavalier and am loving this car! I currently have a 98 coupe with 214000 miles on it and can expect the same from this one. These cars have always been reliable and inexpensive to repair. I really like the eye-catching exterior of the sport sedan, ie. wheels, spoiler and front end. Its a shame that GM discontinued the Cavalier and began producing the lemon named Cobalt! I will enjoy.