44/100

2003Compact CarsRegular

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

EPA ID: 18484

Add to Compare

City MPG

Combined MPG

25MPG· Average

Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2003 Cavalier produces approximately 355 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Cavalier performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars

Fuel TypeRegular

Engine2.2L 4-cyl

AspirationNaturally Aspirated

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions355 g/mi

Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped

GHG Score-1/10

Smog RatingN/A

Est. Annual Cost$2,400

5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG

24.3

Impact vs EPA

+$63

/ year

💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost

$547/mo

Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.

Annual Mileage15,000 mi

Value Depreciation

Est. value lost over 60 months

$14,000

42.7%

Fuel & Electricity

Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)

$10,500

32.0%

Estimated Insurance

Based on vehicle class risk profile

$7,900

24.1%

State Registration Fees

Based on National Average DMV base rates

$400

1.2%

Total 5-Year Cost$32,800

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #08E063000·2008-10-16

critical

Component: STEERING

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Campaign #04V524000·2005-01-18

critical

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BULBS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE WHEN THE REMAINING BULB WAS ACTIVATED. IF BOTH LAMPS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE.

Consequence & Remedy

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

71.1 metric tons CO₂

Equivalent To:

🌳 88 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs

✈️ 5.9 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.