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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Reliable powerful engine, but no comfort - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By OMD - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Got mine in 1995 at 52,000 miles and have since put 40,000 miles on it. AC worked great in TX. Starts on even the coldest days in MI. Control dome for wipers and alternator need changing in first 60K. Interior panels cheap and rattle like hell, keep coming off. But engine is reliable and has lot of low end torque. Steering fairly responsive, but lots of body roll. Excessive road and wind noise - especially on highway. Body of car still free of rust after 90K. Repairs to date: $3000 - changed alternator once, all brakes twice, shocks & struts once, battery twice and other small repairs. Radio quite powerful and has lot of bass.

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  Favorite of Mine - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Alwyschevy - April 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd cavalier and 2nd Z24. I love the cars. Not as much as the old 3.1 V6, but this little car is fantastic. I love the spacier inside, the sound system is great, and I love the 5 speed version. Id buy this car again.

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  My 94 Z24 - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By f41driver - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome! I wanted a convertible, and I wanted it to be sporty yet economical. I had to have a car that was easy to fix if it broke, and easy to upgrade if I wanted. I found the perfect car! I always liked the looks of the Cavalier, and when I saw this car I couldnt take my eyes off it. I was lucky enough to get it from its caring, original owner with 36,500 miles on it. Ive had it for a month and Ive put 1,000 miles on it just riding around on the nicer days, and it does stay clean and in the garage, and I expect to keep it for quite some time.

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  Stout little ride - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Marc99GT - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Cavaliers and my wife has owned 2. The 92 that Im currently driving has been extremely reliable. I needed a 2nd car and this one has been great. My est. repair costs might have been around $500 or less in the last 3 years. I drove the car to school in Florida and got over 34 mpg with 2 other guys and luggage in the vehicle. The car currently has 121K and still runs strong.

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  Heathers car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Heather - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Everything has went really well except the alternater went out and made my battary go dead and left me stranded because i forget my cell phone. It has excellent gas milliage and gets me everywhere i want to go!! have fun!! Its the perfect car for me im a teenager!!!!!

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  awesome - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pyroj - March 27 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car. lots of bang for your buck. wish it was a lttile faster though.

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  Sondra - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By zoeydsngwrtr - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I am a return customer for the Cavalier. I find that for their class, they are pretty good, (in my mind they come in second to the Civic, it is just too much money for my budget). The car drives very well, and you get what you pay for plus some.

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  DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS!!!!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Poof - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car right out of High School.I dint know what I was doing. This was all I could afford. The only smart thing I did was buy the extended warranty. If I hadnt I would of spent $3000 on fixing it. Gas mileage sucks. I had the rear main seal go, head cover gasket, leak in the fuel injectors, o2 sensor, alternator, oil pump, oil pump sensor, only thing that is still working great is the a/c and coolant system. I cant wait to finish paying it off in Aug 2003. This was my second cavalier and it had nothing but the constantly over heating. Im talking, going to work and find your coolant broke inside your car, leaking everywhere.

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  Beautiful car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By reddz24 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Even though I havent owned this vehicle very long, I think its a great little sporty compact! Its got plenty of juice for a 4 banger and its great mileage. And theres tons of aftermarket parts for it! I just put a cold air intake in, engine sounds soo deep and nice!!!

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  Great car for the price - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pmlinn - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car in 1996 because I need a work car. Bought new and have had little or no real problems with the car. After 97500 miles, the brakes did need done and that was it. Cant complain one bit. A fine GM product.