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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Its dead - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Guano2 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  With 129,600 miles on the clock my little Cavy bit the dust. For 9 years it was reliable and never stranded me until the end. Valve spring broke in 3 places and bent and dropped the valve into the #2cyl.-wrecking the piston. The sound it made was about as horrific as my desciption. $2500 new engine on an $1100 car? Nope. I will miss it. If only I had a garage & a junk car engine, I would keep it.

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  Chev Cav 2000, aka, LEMON - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Pavel - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Chev Cavalier gave me problems right from the first 15,000 miles. In that time I had replaced all 4 Goodyear Tires..they all developed holes in the sidewall...my fault even though it had not happened to me in my 20 yrs of auto ownership. Goodyear would not prorate any tires. At 40K, the radio went out. Fortunately, I had an extended warranty, but I had to fight w/Robert Levis Chev in Slidell, La to get it fixed. While fixing the radio, they damaged the digital oddometer (they wouldnt admit it!). After this incident, Ive had to repair the fuel pump, battery and alternator, and other stuff Im forgetting. Im buying a new car, thank God.

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  2000 cavalier z24 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jlo411 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  ok for first car

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  worst car I owned - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By frogger - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Constantly in the shop for engine problems, many mechanical defects including head gasket, drivetrain

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  Its been 7 years... - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By monza305 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for seven years, this should be the last winter before I get a new car this spring. Looking back I think Ill probably miss it. It has decent power, especially with the manual trans. It can be fun to drive too. But Ive had problems too. The motor started knocking at 100,000. (I know its not an uncommon problem for all GM 3.1 in the first couple years.) I also blew a head gasket (on the new motor). Other than that, its been a good car.

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  I was fooled by his car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cerveros24 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I buy this car because my Toyota Tercel was stolen, but in comparison with this car, the Cavalier is an incredible gass drinking machine. $20.00 dollars a per week in comparison with $12.00 of the tercel. Also I went with this car to service 3 times, because the rear lights suddenly burns out, and the dealer only tells me that they will keep changing the bulbs since this is a normal behaivor. Not to mention the cheezy, cheapy interiors. I am very dissapointed

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  96 Z24 - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kingcarz1 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car when it runs, The Quad 4 was a down fall for GM, as with fuel pumps

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  Lots of problems - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bikrchick - October 3 - 2:00 am

  rebuilt transmission, steering gear, heater core, 3 instrument clusters, 2 alternators, bad brakes, bad spark plug wires, bad strut mounts, mystery problem with voltage idiot light and digital odometer display

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  I Hate My Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Todd Hong - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a Cavalier that gets only 22 mpg highway even with the overspeed transmission. The dealership & Chevrolet will not work to determine what the problem is, their answer is "tough cookies". There are several pickup trucks that get better mileage! Car also doesnt hold value. My recommendation: BUY A TOYOTA COROLLA or SATURN. For the same money you get a much better riding car in the Corolla that holds a high resale value!

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  Cheap in more ways than 1 - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By replica48 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  For the $9k I paid for the car, I wasnt expecting anything fantastic. For the most part, I was right. Ive taken it back to have the horn fixed, along with the trunk lock. A tail light went out after 3 months. On occasion, the RPMs will drop to below 500 and come back up, and sometimes stalls, so I now have a new reason to take it in to the dealership again. When you put down the sun visors, they usually hit the rear view mirror. Installing an aftermarket stereo is VERY time consuming, as the whole dash must be removed. Its a good thing theyre dropping the line in 2005. GM needs a new design.