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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Im running the wheels off!! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By scottyd - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used and drive it 150 miles round trip everyday and it has not gave me any trouble(knock on wood). Hardly uses oil and gets about 33mpg. I have 130000 miles on it and it just keeps going. I plan on driving it till she wont drive no more.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cavalier Owner - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from the first time that I test drove it. The LS version has larger wheels which make for a great drive. The only maintainance that I have to do on it is the standard oil changes and services.

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  my car sucks - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By beautifulsound - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from a friendly old man who convenced me that the only right car for me was my chevrolet cavalier. He was a liar and a theif! I now am the unproud owner of a car that constantly breaks down and takes all my money. Please dont buy a car from a friendly old man! Death to cavaliers!

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  You get what you pay for... - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By starcherja - October 18 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this car brand new in 1997 and I "inherited" it and its problems when we were married two years later. A fun car to drive with all of the options, unfortunately not very well constructed and very unreliable. Now at 75,000 miles have replaced water pump, sunroof module, ignition, etc. Have had trouble getting problems resolved through multiple GM garages. All and all, a dissapointing experience with what should have been a fun car. Buyer beware!

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  You get a little more then you pay for - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Khris97 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After rebates and so forth I paid 10K for this brand new car. You definatly get more then you pay for. the 2.2L 140hp engine matted to the manual 5 speed gearbox is great. The car is not a Benz so I wasnt expecting it to be as comfortable as one, but for a small car, its pretty decent. Braking is very smooth and sure. As with just about all American cars, theres a question as to the quality of the fit and finish, but I havent found any blemishes. Nothing rattles or squeeks. Wind noise and engine vibration is minimal. You really do get a lot for 10K.

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  92 cavalier - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Trisor - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 175K on my 92 cavalier...before selling it to my sister last week. I got 37 MPG city/highway combined. I changed the oil every 4K, replaced the plugs only once at about 100K, and air filter every now and then. And never had any problems. Never had to replace clutch, brakes, anything. No timing belt to replace...has chain. I did have to replace the head gasket at about 75K. Was very reliable.

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  7 years and counting... - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By iowadoc - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and now have 133000 miles. Only one significant repair (just off warranty). I just did my first tune up! Runs like a tank, reasonably comfortable, handles very well, fun to drive. I plan on going 200,000 with it. On the highway I get about 33 mpg or better. The engine will still be running when the body falls off. Ive owned at least 10 cars and this is my favorite.

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  Happy Owner - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nice plain car - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 5 and a half years with very few problems. Just the standard tire/brake replacement, and oil changes. The original battery finally died after 5 yrs of use. I did have a few of the interior plastic pieces brake, but nothing detracting. Great car for a younger person.

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  rust bucket - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sean shean - October 14 - 9:12 am

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  It doesnt get any better - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Adlar Landry - October 14 - 2:00 am

  For this price its a steal, I was going to get a VW Jetta 12000, got in this with 99000 miles on it , it drove a lot better than a Jetta with 50000 that I was going to buy , its fun sporty sun roof and great sound system for being stock , and the pep is something else all together, The dash is great and very very durable , my only complaint is the Plastic on the seats and seat belt covers is weak and falls apart easily , other than that I paid 4,400 it was used by a personal friend runs as if I took it off a lot ... I give this a 87 - 92 out of a 100 rating