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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Fun, Reliable, and classic look - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mpasternak - November 14 - 2:00 am

  bought this car for almost nothing, it looks almost new.. except for a little tear or two in the roof (not leaking) drives ok.. but since its got a good 400,000Kms on it already.. Im surprised it runs BUT it runs.. and pretty damn good too! Id never accuse the cavalier of being a fast sports car.. its not.. too underpowered for a V6 (torquey enough) but dropping the roof provides a comfortable drive

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  Poor - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ftmjohn - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Stupid car! So loud i can hardly hear the radio.

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  bigger is not always better - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jeremy Glick - November 10 - 10:00 am

  although it is not very big in the horsepower area it more then makes up for it on the street.

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  Still Runs like new - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavalier - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my cavalier new in december 1995, drove it over 130,000 and it runs like the day i bought it!!!! Dependable and FUN to drive

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  Two words: peel out - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Fwapadalaplap - November 8 - 2:00 am

  People laughed when I staged in my 1992 Z24, but it was a real blast to totally beat them off the line. I purchased it used from an uncle, who never had any problems with it and performed all regular maintenance himself. This car is fun to ride, and its like my miniature sports car... Ill keep dreaming. Its great on the highways (no problems merging or passing, around 27MPG) and idles nice in traffic. The engine sound is a great bonus you dont expect it from this little car.

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  Long lasting & inexpensive to own - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Guano - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new 8 years ago. It is very reliable and when minor things have broken (Alt.,waterpump,blinker switch)parts are very cheap. Knock on wood, it has never stranded me in 116,000 miles. Take care of these cars and they take care of you. No leaks and doesnt burn oil. My wifes New Beetle has cost more to fix and burns oil w/only 40,000 miles. Very easy to work on. Done all work myself except for Struts. Gaps in body panels are off, structural integrity is wobbley, dash bounces on semi rough roads since day one. If you want a good, cheap to buy and mantain car that will last a long, long time, buy this one!

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  Watch out for the exploding windows - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Stacia Allen - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the worst possible car ever. Ive had the drivers window and the rear window explode so far. No one was around - nothing hit the windows. Just exploded while I was driving. The coolant light comes on everytime I make a sharp left hand turn. My windows leak like crazy whenever it rains. Ive had it into the dealership 3 times regarding this matter. They told me to roll the window up first then shut the door to help it seal - still doesnt help.I could tell you for hours the things that are wrong. This is just some of the big stuff. Only some of it-I havent even got started.

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  dependable - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Iowaguy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  car gets great gas milage , sound system good, heater good , air cond good , peppy get up when needed, looks sharp my car has the traction control great in Iowa winters very reliable .Negative - Seat belt restraint cheap needs replaced , plastic parts cheap had to replace passanger air vent positioner, foam densisty in front seats need to be more firm as it settles and you swing to get out of car the metal seat bracket catches your clothes. overall should be rated at an 7.8

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  nice car! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By diaster24 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  ive had no problems what so ever with my car i got a really good prive on it and i love it its pretty fast with a cold air intake this one is worth buying!

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  Reliable Car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sweetpea - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 53,000 miles in 1999. Since then I have had it in the shop 5 times for the brakes & 3 times for recall parts. But overall Id have to say I made a good choice when I picked this car. It runs great on gas & handles very well. It now has 95,000 and is just starting to get some mechanical problems. I have been looking for a new car & I am geering towards a newer Cavalier. Im going to miss my trusty first car.