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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2004 Cavalier Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DaveG-in-AZ - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle may have been engineered years ago, but it still has tons of bang for the buck!!

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  Always Chevrolet - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By American Buyer - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my daughters first. She/we have been very pleased. I put new brake pads on when we first got the car (daddys worry) and other than routine maintenance, have not touched it. Fun to drive and well built for the price. Safety ratings were good for a small, cheap car.

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  Fast z24 - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tom P - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has been Good to me. No problems 2.4l has the best power of any 4cyl I have driven.Great shifting trans,shifts hard no lag.

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  I love the Z24 - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By domesticdemon - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, even thought i bought it used, it still is a great car.

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  Avoid at all costs - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Matt198 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new at the beginning of 1998. Within four months/4,000 miles, the car had its first problem-- ruptured fuel pump I think--and that was only the beginning. Over the course of the next two or so years, the car, an automatic, would sporadically stall without warning or cause. On top of all that, GM refused to acknowledge the problem until the car stalled out as I was leaving the dealership. Anyway, I sold the car during summer 2000 and bought a Protege--I couldnt be happier with the new car.

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  Love it - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BBgmu - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Cav, and I dont care what the ratings say, this car is so dependable and sporty!!

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  My review - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By MM2107 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for over five years and never had problem until this month. The water pump went on the car. It is a big job for do-it-yourselfer or an expensive job at the shop. Other than that the car has ran perfect with regular maintenance for 110,000 miles. Everything still operates in and out of the car. Performance wise it is a speedy little four banger with good acceleration and no problems at cruising speeds on the highway.

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  I love this car! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hummgbird - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car brand new, with 15 miles on it. After 114,856 miles.. it still purrs. Havent had a lick of trouble. Just normal wear & tear. I love my car and would recommend it to everyone.

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  What a lemon! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mad cavi owner - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has turned out to be such a lemon! Within the first 18 months the steering rack had to be replaced. It needed a new clutch after 50k miles and now at just after 60k the head gasket needs to be replaced! Oh yes, and the windshield wipers have decided that the new off position is straight up. Yikes! Steer clear of this one my friends!

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  Nothing But Frustration - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By aarrrggh - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Only 1 year old and in the shop 6 times now.4 times for the same problem: excessive road noise in front tires--I think somethings off in balance/make of the car. They swear that the loud squealing is normal. Hum. Something in the steering column broke within 1st month, trunk pops open everytime I drive, and somethings wrong with the engine,excessively downshifts and I cant make it up the smallest hill without being passed by 1982 Volvos. GM says, "youll just have to drive it in 3rd all of the time to fix this, nothing we can do" What?! This car has NO POWER. Im getting rid of it before something MAJOR goes wrong and I am stranded on the highway.