Overview & Reviews

Born in the early '80s, the Chevrolet Cavalier was General Motor's attempt to regain market share that had been lost to Japanese manufacturers who had been the first to recognize the public's need for compact, more fuel-efficient transportation. Though inferior to its competition in most respects, the Cavalier proved to be a hit with consumers, emerging as a consistent sales leader for Chevrolet.

The Cavalier's success was built in large part on the value it offered, though updates were few and far between. The Cavalier was on the market from 1982-2005, and in those 24 years, there were only two generations. Still, despite the fact that many models were built on aged platforms relative to the competition, the Chevrolet Cavalier enjoyed popularity, largely because of its irresistibly low price.

One significant factor to consider when deciding whether a Cavalier is right for you is safety. Throughout its life cycle, the Cavalier has received poor to lukewarm crash test scores. Another is overall quality. Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.

Resale value has been low for Cavaliers, making them an extremely affordable option. Still, in light of its shortcomings, we'd recommend that those shopping in this category consider other alternatives, such as later-model Korean imports.

Most Recent Chevrolet Cavalier

The Chevrolet Cavalier's second and most recent generation was built from model-year 1995-2005. Cavaliers built in 1995-2000 were available as sedans, coupes and convertibles, but as of 2001, drop-top versions of this Chevy were dropped from the lineup.

Trim levels varied over this generation's 10-year run. Chevrolet offered base, LS and Z24 trims for the majority of the time but later changed the lineup to just base, LS and LS Sport. The standard features list on base-model Cavaliers included little more than air-conditioning and an AM/FM stereo.

When the second-generation Chevy Cavalier was first unveiled, buyers had a choice of two engines. Base models were motivated by a 2.2-liter, 120-horsepower four-cylinder. Those seeking more power could choose a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine ("Quad4") good for 150 hp. After just one year, the 2.3-liter was replaced with an updated 2.4-liter version that also made 150 hp.

A new 2.2-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, "Ecotec" four-cylinder engine appeared in the Cavalier for the first time during the 2002 model year. While base Cavaliers continued with the ancient OHV 2.2-liter four and the Z24 still had the 2.4-liter unit, the 140-hp Ecotec was a clear improvement over any previous Cavalier power plant in terms of overall drivability and refinement. The 2.4-liter engine was dropped in 2003.

Although there weren't any redesigns in the final 10 years of the Cavalier's life, the model did see some upgrades. In 1999, the 2.4-liter engine was refined to improve reliability, emissions and fuel economy. And in 2000, the car was given a smoother-shifting manual transmission; its antilock brake system was also improved, and it saw exterior revisions like new body-colored front and rear fascias and new headlights and taillights. The car's exterior was updated once again in 2003, and XM Satellite Radio became available as an option. Audiophiles should know that in 2004, the base-model Cavalier was given an improved stereo, with CD and MP3 playback capability.

One unfortunate Cavalier hallmark is its dated interior. Build quality is subpar and materials quality leaves a lot to be desired. Seats also miss the mark when it comes to comfort. On the plus side, though, later models are available with both OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

In editorial reviews, the Chevrolet Cavalier was praised for offering acceptable handling and power, and a reasonably compliant ride. Cons included a dated platform and poor crash test scores. In consumer reviews, the car was praised for its fuel economy but panned for its dull interior styling.

Past Chevrolet Cavaliers

The first-generation Chevy Cavalier existed from 1982-'94. Standard features amounted to little more than an AM/FM audio system. A Cavalier wagon was available, in addition to the coupe, sedan and convertible. (The wagon was dropped with the second generation.) There was also the sporty Z24 variant, which debuted in 1986 and offered a spunky V6, a firmer suspension, alloy wheels and obligatory tape graphics.

With such a long spell between redesigns, Cavaliers built in the '90s offered a positively ancient platform compared to the competition. The model did see some tweaks over the years, though. In 1991, the Cavalier received sheet metal revisions. The following year, ABS joined the standard features list, and base engines saw hp increase by 15 to 110. In 1994, base engines saw another horsepower boost, up 10 hp to 120. Air-conditioning, a sunroof and a CD player were all available as options.

Again, resale values on these Chevys are low. Other than bargain-basement prices, though, these older Cavaliers have little to offer.

User Reviews:

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  So what if it aint a Vette? - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John W - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun little car to drive and own. It isnt refined like a Jaguar. It isnt a performance car like a Corvette. For the money, it makes no pretense about what it is simply an enjoyable ride about town with the top down. Besides, if you want all those fancy features, open your wallet up a bit more and quit whining.

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  cavalier ls sport - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By USMC92183 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a wise decison to buy this car even though its my first car

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  My car is always broken! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Unsatisfied cavalier - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had almost everything fixed and it just keeps breaking down. I bought it used as a bargain, and it has been far from that. Ive put more money into than I paid for it just three years ago. Off the top of my head, things that have been replaced are the entire cooling system, the computer chip, brakes more than once, air conditioner, and the inside is falling apart!

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  A great long-lasting ride! - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nicolle - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new 12 years ago and now have over 145,000 miles on it. I havent spent more than $800 in replacement parts and still have the original exaust and clutch. The car has been extremely reliable, getting me home safe through several snow storms and NEVER breaking down. The engine sounds better than newer cars Ive test drove lately.

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By car_buyer - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car ever and it turned out to be good choice. I have heard from some people that they had problems with this car but mine has tunred out to be a quality car. No repairs at all other than some recalls. I only had to change the oil regularly and tires and breaks once in 90,000 miles.

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  Reliable, economy, sport coupe - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By seattle, wa - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new right out of college, it was what I could afford at the time. This car has been nothing but great to own and drive. I have had no problems or repairs other than one brake job and new tires! I am about to take it in for its first tune up now that it has over 100K miles. This car run and feels just like it did when it was brand new. My only complaint is that the paint has not held up well, it dings and scratches easily. Otherwise a great car that is very fun to drive and has plenty of power. The people who complain about the lack of power do not have the Z24.

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  the zed - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By morbid zed - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car wrecked and has been one of the best investments Ive made. ---FIX FOR THE GETRAG 5SPD RATTLE--- USE 2.5-3 QUARTS OF B&M TRICKSHIFT OR STICKSHIFT SYNTHETIC WITH .5 QUART OF SATURN

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  Not bad! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Little Jenn - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my first "new" car and I was thrilled when I bought it. After 3 years I had to have the transmission replaced! Thankfully I opted for the extended warranty because it came in handy. Ever since then Ive had to do minor repairs here and there but the car keeps on going. Since my Chevy is stick I get EXCELLENT gas mileage! Its small enough to park on city streets but big enough to carry anything I need to stuff in there!! I would recomend it to anyone who needs a nice size car with a sportier look.

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  its a chevrolet - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bink7 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR, HAVE NOT HAD ONE PROBLEM WITH IT IN THE LAST 2 AND 1/2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. RIDES GREAT LOOKS SHARP AND IT PERFORMS WELL IN ALL AREAS AS LONG AS COMMON SENSE IS USED WHEN DRIVING. MY ONLY BEEF (MINOR) IS THAT I THOUGHT THE GAS MILAGE WOULD BE A LITTLE BETTER, GETS ABOUT 28 TO 30 MILES PER GALLON. MY WIFE HAS A 2000 SATURN AND SHE LOVES IT, BUT TO ME THIS CAVALIER IS A MUCH MORE SOLIDLY BUILT AUTOMOBILE.

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  Cavalier LS Sport 2dr - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Duey100 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is delivering more than I expected, especially considering the price. It is very fun to drive, the engine is torquey with a wide power band, it handles well, the ride is decent. I like driving a stick-shift again. The stereo is good. There is a lot of foot room for the driver. I think the car looks pretty good with the ground effects, spoiler, chromed aluminum wheels.