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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  cute, economical, fun, AND sporty - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DanielleBradshaw - March 10 - 2:00 am

  i am a college student... i have only had this car for 6 months and i love it. i havent had any problems. the factory stereo system is awesome. its a cute car and also sporty and fun. it gets great milage (about 32 on highway, 26 in town). good breaks system really helped me out in the winter months... awesome summer vehicle too!! can you tell i love this car??

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  The Alternative to the Z24 - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jeef - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Its got the 3.1L V6 w/ auto Tranny, and although it only puts out 140 horses, the torque is consierably more then the 4 cylinder, and you have it at a considerably low RPM. It has a little over 80000 miles on it, and still runs strong. Engine note is good when reved, but then the American V6 exhaust note comes in to ruin it. The steering wheel makes you feel like your in a much faster car. I do though wish the radio was a little more attractive, but for an econobox, its sufficient. The car is basically the z24 package, minus the decals, wheels, and bodykit.

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  Not a bad car - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jonathan Wehr - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This is not a bad car. Ive had it for a little over a year now and Ive only had 1 major problem with it. If you have an automatic transmission in this car, make sure your TCC solenoid works. If you slow down from highway speeds and the car shutters and cuts off then chances are, your torque converter solenoid is bad............get it fixed if you want good gas mileage.

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  nive entry level sport sedan - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jbnatt - March 9 - 2:00 am

  just bought this car and seem to be happy with it so far.This is not my first experience with the cavalier,I traded a 1991 cavaleir in for this and never had to do anything other than routine maintanance.The ecotec engine is certainly a nice improvement and the accelleration is certainly there when you need it in this little car.

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  Good under the 100 thousand mark - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Eileen - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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  Good under the 100 thousand mark - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eileen - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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  Avoid like the plague - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By taken4aride - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Fuel pump-August, 2002 $800. TRANSMISSION-January, 2003 $2300. Head Gasket-Febraury, 2003 $500. Total mileage of this car is only 68,000. This is, without a doubt, the absolute worst car that I have ever owned. The above list is only a small sample of the problems with this car. Many problems similar to other reviews (motor mounts, shoddy interior, etc).

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  i love 99 chevy cavaliers!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KoRn Bread Muffin - March 4 - 2:00 am

  this car rocks!! i love driving in it. And like working on with my boyfriend!! I think everyone should a cavalier! but not like mine, mine is a one of kind!! -KoRn Bread

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  My Cavi is great - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By msenne - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I like it because its sporty and economical.

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  The American Honda - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By GMlover - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Im 17 and i got my 2002 cavalier LS Sport (4door)once my 1990 Oldsmobile died. i must say the cealer was not to friendly but once i laid my eyes on this car i just had to have it. IT was the last 2002 on the lot so we got a very nice price. I really enjoy this car to the fullest. I must say i am pretty imprest with chevy. Not because this is a top of the line vehicle but i would expect less from an american car company. I feel that chevy put out a perfect car to compeat with those hondas and toyota on the market. The seats are friendly to the bottom and the back is surprisingly spacious. The cavalier is an overall great car. Thanks mom and dad