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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:

• 

  Happens all at once - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jeff - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  My car has been fine no big problems. I had to have brakes and the air went out. I keep smelling gas so if everything starts to happen then the car is falling apart. Before the gas smell the car was great.

• 

  So far so good... - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JimP - April 29 - 10:00 am

  In July 03 I purchased a 2003 5 speed, 2 door. I have slightly over 300 miles on it so I cant say much about reliability. Seems like a decent car for $8840 (time will tell). Im certainly convinced that the $14K sticker price is just another marketing scam. You would be a fool to pay that much for any car like this. You know thay made profit on what I paid! I hate the marked up sticker prices and the facade that the rebates are real. Insults my intelligence.

• 

  Pretty good for first car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jonathan O - April 28 - 11:28 pm

  I bought this 2 weeks before I graduated. It had some problems with fuel injectors, and throttle body. After I got that fixed it has been fine ever since.

• 

  completely recommend this car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By natemorris925 - March 25 - 12:15 am

  I bought this car to commute to school/work with. Averaging a little over 100 miles a day I bought it with the sole purpose of racking up a ton of miles, no extras. This is an extremely reliable car. The cartridge oil filter is Nice since im usually due for an oil change about every month. I changed the transmission filter and spark plugs at 60k. Fuel pump went out at 68k. I like that it has a timing chain instead of a belt. More maintenance free. Avg 34 mpg. With good tires this car is excellent in snow. Bottom line, this car is nearly as good as a civic, and for about half the price you cant go wrong as long as you take care of it. Mines at 90k it runs like new, no leaks or noises.

• 

  Fast Fun and Economic - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Venkat - March 24 - 3:16 pm

  Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe is fun to drive, fast and economic.. i love this car.. it wont empty your pockets and maintenance wise till now i didnt got a single problem with the car.. ( with regular service ).. Coming to resale value this car doesnt fetch more.. (recently i checked in kbb :-( ) Overall good car with good performance..

• 

  I love my car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mandy - February 26 - 6:31 pm

  I love this car! Purchased for $800 from a family member who needed $$, who can beat that?! Was wrecked before,dont know anything about the prior history, but its been my baby. 28-33 mpg still! Replaced alternator & fixed break fluid leak shortly after purchase. Replaced motor at a little over 170K, 2 yrs ago, $900, cheaper than a new car. At 217K now & still rolling. Oil send unit went out a few months ago,replaced. Having a bit of off-and-on trouble w/the low beam lights(a wiring prob.) Having trouble locating the problem bc of course it doesnt happen when my mechanic has it! LOL No big since I dont drive at night much & if I do I just drive my other vehicle.

• 

  Stay away - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BC - February 14 - 9:32 pm

  Bought this new for my wife and was surprise to see the options I bought on my 98 model were now standard. By the end of 6 years though the A/C had been worked on twice and no longer worked (unless you wanted hot air). Fuel pump replaced. Door gaskets never sealed properly so there was always air and noise.

• 

  Glad I bought it - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BC - February 14 - 9:25 pm

  Traded it in today after just shy of 11 years. Over 128,000 miles an it was the most reliable car I ever owned. I didnt lose sleep over $4/gal gas because this baby got over 30mpg. My biggest complaint was that the brakes and rotors generally only lasted 25-30k miles. The exhaust tended to be the next biggest issue but I dont think I ever had to replace the catalytic converter or the expensive pipe that came off of it. Pipe was rusted through when I traded it though. I didnt wash the car much and the only rust was near the bottom of the doors and I live in upstate NY where they love to salt the roads. 5 speed manual was fun to drive. Climate control fan had to be on 3 (of 4) to blow by year 3.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sensationalsens1978 - January 17 - 9:03 am

  It is a perfect car for getting me to work and back. I havent had any serious problems with it. However it is starting to rust, but that will be fixed later this year! If you are looking for a safe, reliable, and affordable vehicle, look no further than the Cavalier!

• 

  2000 Cavalier - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TCRaven87 - January 10 - 12:17 pm

  We bought the car at 45,000 miles and it now has 110,000 miles on it. Only thing major that needs replaced is the AC Compressor. Ive made quite a few long drives with it and cant complain about the comfort. The dash near the windshield is cracked and the dash squeaks. The gas mileage also is not what a small cars should be. With City/Highway combined I can get 330 miles on a full tank. and recently I notice some electrical issues. Other than that I can say that it has not left me on the side of the road.