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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Great car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By csforster - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchsed the 02 LS Sport in May 02 as my daily driver. My previous cars have always been Hondas or Toyotas. The Cav is by far the best value for the price. So far the cars had zero defect/problems. I am very impressed with handling and perfromance the 2.2 ECOTECH Engine is quick and the 5spd transmission shifts flawlessly.

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  Good overall car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dsuave - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the cavalier with a little under 60,000 miles from the dealer. I didnt have any major problems aside from the normal wear and tear of any car. I replaced the alternator once, which required a lot of force to re- attached the fan belt. The notoriously ineffective coolant system gave way about 85,000 miles and I had to spend over $1,000 to replace the head gasket due to a warped piston head from all the times the car overheated. It is very noisy at high speeds. Overall, it is a reliable car that you can depend on for everyday driving. It handles great and has sufficient leg room. This is a great first car for anyone who is young and learning

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  Cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jamee - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love my cavalier. I have always wanted one & I finally got one & its very fun to drive!

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  2002 Z24 - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By air750 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle for the price. Good motor with decent power and good fuel milage with the 5-speed. Bad brakes! Rotors cut once and replaced once already. Old style but still looks good.

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  Great Lil Car! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By FastnFuriousgirl713 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun to drive! Its great in snow. Its so sporty and cute! It has the small size, but the power to move. Great buy.

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  good at first but watch out - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AshMcG - January 17 - 2:00 am

  My cavalier is cute and zoomy, and fun to drive if youre not looking for major speed...I really enjoyed it for awhile. However, I took this car over its 100,000 mile point, and no sooner than I did that than EVERYTHING went to hell. I got the 100,000 mile tune- up like youre supposed to, but now that car causes me nothing but tears...I am afraid to drive it half the time because it may break down or anything! It used to be totally reliable but now... I recommend this car as like a first car for teenagers, but toss it before it gets too high in mileage, the enginge does not take it well.

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  Solid car, good performance. - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DVW67 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Cavalier. Our first was a 97 LS with the 2.2L engine and 4sp auto. I opted this time for the 2.4L engine despite having a good experience with the 2.2L. The 2.4L mated to the 4sp auto is a better performer when getting onto the highway from the on-ramps. The noise level is about the same between both versions. As of this writing, we have 56,800 miles on our 2001 LS (yes, we drive ALOT) and it has performed flawlessly. If asked if I would buy another, I would answer yes if we were considering another compact sedan.

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  What a fun car! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jat20 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 1997. The only complaint that I can say is the roof leaked in the begenning. After getting it to the dealership numerous times, the problem was finally solved.

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  Lightening - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ericsmokin - January 15 - 2:00 am

  My biggest complaint is cluch. I have had the car for 6 months and I still cannot pop it into 2nd smoothly. Also, the car kept stalling, but that problem started and stopped within 15 minutes. Recently, the car has a hard time turning over, as if there is a clog in the fuel lines (occus about twice a week). Finally, I fill the take more in my Cavalier than I ever did in my 94 Crown Voctoria. Overall, I like the car.

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  best economy car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Adrian - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely satisfied with the car, the editors review here is very unfair. Best exterior design by far among everything out there, powerful engine, ABS and other options are standard (compare with Civic or others in this class), and last but not least good price (compare again with competition such as Honda) Crash results are listed here as poor, but ive had a serious accident and it behaved very well - both airbags went off, the front of the car was smashed, but i was just fine, with no injuries.