• Year: 2004
• Make: Chevrolet
• Model: Cavalier
• Trim:
• Body style: 2 Dr Coupe
• Mileage: 60476
• Engine: 4 Cyl. 2.2
• Trans: 5 Speed Manual
• Exterior Color: Summit White
• Interior Color: Graphite
• Stock: 4816
• VIN: 1G1JC12F647141986

An AM/FM/CD/MP3 player ($150) is available for 2004 models. XM Satellite Radio ($325 plus subscription) is also available, eliminating the need to change from your favorite music stations when traveling. The 24-hour news channels are available along with sports programming and a hundred other stations.

Value priced.

The Chevy Cavalier isn't the sportiest of compacts nor the most luxurious nor the most up to date, but it offers competent performance and is selling at compelling prices.

The Ecotec 2.2-liter engine offers responsive performance, particularly when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. This newly developed four-cylinder engine generates 140 horsepower at 5600 rpm, enough power for confident passing and merging into busy highway traffic. It's a modern, double overhead-cam engine with four valves per cylinder, the favored arrangement nowadays for good throttle response and power. Much of this response is a result of the Cavalier's torque, that force that propels the car away from intersections and up hills. The Ecotec delivers 150 foot-pounds of torque at 4000 rpm. It also gets an EPA-estimated 25/33 mpg City/Highway and produces low emissions. It offers smooth, quiet operation, though it doesn't feel as smooth as a Toyota engine.

The five-speed manual transmission built by Getrag offers pleasant shifting and we enjoyed it. The optional four-speed automatic transmission works well around town, keeping the engine in its best operating range at lower speeds.

The Cavalier handles well. It's relatively flat in the corners, with little body lean. The power steering is light and responsive and the Cavalier quickly turns in for corners. Ride and handling were improved for 2003 by stiffening the structure of the car, and re-tuning the suspension for a sportier, more controlled ride.

We found the chassis felt rigid and secure when driving quickly down a rough back roads. The revised suspension dampened road vibration reasonably well. Hitting a series of bumps didn't generate the aftershocks associated with older domestic compact cars. You feel the bumps, but it seems more controlled than it did in the pre-2003 models. The tires, even the performance tires on the LS Sport Sedan, seemed to lack grip when the car was driven hard. Handling was predictable, however. Accelerating hard from a standstill while making a turn generated some torque steer, that tugging sensation of the steering wheel that's often part of powerful, front-wheel-drive cars, but it was easy to control.

The brake pedal feels nice and firm and the brakes are responsive. Cavalier uses disc brakes in front, drum brakes in the rear, instead of the preferred and more expensive rear disc brakes. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) come standard on LS models. Slam on the brakes and the ABS steps in, bringing the Cavalier to an undramatic stop. ABS can be a real ally in an emergency maneuver because it allows the driver to steer the car in a panic braking situation. Just remember to keep hard pedal pressure on the brakes and don't forget to steer.

Styling revisions freshened the appearance of the Chevy Cavalier for 2003. For 2004, a gold Chevy bowtie replaces last year's silver crossbar applique. Otherwise, its appearance is unchanged. The front and rear of the car were redesigned for 2003, and the LS Sport model received new rocker moldings and integrated fog lamps. The front end displays Chevy's new gold bowtie emblem. Bright colors are available, including Rally Yellow and Sunburst Orange Metallic.

The Cavalier is an attractive car with flowing lines, rounded fenders and a low-to-the-road attitude. Relatively slender A-pillars and C-pillars enhance driver visibility and contribute to the light, airy feel of the upper body. Dual side mirrors are tucked nicely into the A-pillar.

The Coupes look sportier than the Sedans. LS Sport models stand out with body-color door handles and mirrors, Sport front and rear fascia, integrated fog lamps, lower rocker moldings, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust outlet, and 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels with performance tires.

The Chevrolet Cavalier offers value. Ride and handling are surprisingly good, improved over pre-2003 models. Watch for incentives as dealers sell down the 2004 models in preparation for the launch of an all-new compact for the 2005 model year.

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