Model year guide

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 37 on record.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints287
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$1,757

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls 1

Steering NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

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 WEL…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 287 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,400

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,757
High
$2,985

From 33 comparable 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$900
Total$12,900
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,757) with the same model 5 model-years older ($874), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS Sport · Base/S · LS
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Cavalier model years

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Based on 287 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, seats, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier at about 26 mpg combined (22 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier worth?

Comparable 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier listings run roughly $700–$2,985, typically around $1,757 (from 33 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.