2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Review
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By Mitch McCullough

Overview

Chevrolet Cavalier is designed to offer a compelling value. Relatively unchanged for 2004, the Cavalier will be replaced for 2005 with an all-new compact called the Cobalt. Buyers should watch for rebates and other incentives on 2004 Chevrolet Cavaliers. Last year's (2003) styling revisions freshened the looks of the Cavalier.

Coupes and sedans are available. The coupes look sportier, while the sedans offer the advantage of four doors and roomier rear seats. Otherwise, they are essentially the same. Cavalier's base retail price is $14,045. However, LS models are better equipped, with power windows, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, and other convenience features most of us now take for granted, and an LS sedan starts at $15,815. LS Sport models come with sport suspensions and special trim. XM Satellite Radio and OnStar are available.

Coupe or sedan, the Cavalier handles well, with little body lean in the corners, and it rides well, doing a good job of damping road vibration on rough roads. The chassis was revised for 2003. All Cavaliers are powered by GM's newly developed Ecotec 2.2-liter engine, which offers responsive performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions.

Model Lineup

Chevrolet Cavalier two-door Coupe and four-door Sedan are trimmed about the same and their dimensions are essentially the same. Comparably equipped sedans retail $200 higher.

Three trim levels are available, base, LS, LS Sport. As mentioned, all are powered by the Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. A four-speed automatic ($815) is optional.

Base Cavalier Coupe ($14,045) and Sedan ($14,245) come standard with air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo. These are base models with wind-up windows, manual locks, manually operated mirrors, 14-inch wheels and rear drum brakes.

LS Coupe ($15,615) and LS Sedan ($15,815) add sport cloth bucket seats, power windows, mirrors and locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a premium CD stereo, four-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS), 15-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and side moldings, and other convenience features.

LS Sport Coupe ($17,020) and LS Sport Sedan ($17,220) get a sports suspension, 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels with performance tires, a leather-wrapped shifter, and special exterior trim.

Side-impact airbags ($350) are optional and are designed to protect torso and thorax (but not the head). OnStar is optional ($695). Should an airbag deploy, OnStar automatically notifies the system's battery of operators over its wireless network and pinpoints the car's location using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. OnStar operators will dispatch emergency crews if the driver does not respond to their calls. OnStar can also unlock your doors remotely should you lock the keys in the car, and OnStar operators can dispatch roadside assistance or direct you to the nearest gas station or that Italian restaurant you can't seem to find. OnStar Personal Calling acts as a hand-free cellular telephone using the Verizon Wireless system.