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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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

• 

  Great Car - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By SupaFly - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1999 (95 Coupe), its a great car (especially if you are 66" like me). It drives nice and gives you a roomy feeling. I am currently looking into getting a 1999 Z24 Cavalier right now because I love the slick design of the Z24s and the extra features they come with.

• 

  Cavaliers are Awsome!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By apracing - July 20 - 2:00 am

  i dont know why this rating is soo low people must just be writting crap without knowing what they are talking about. For a very affordable price the cavalier is the perfect car for any student high scool or college!!

• 

  reliable - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jhall - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a great car! Its not the coolest looking car, but Its the best car Ive owned. Its got around 130,000 miles. Never had any real problems with it. Very reliable.

• 

  My pal - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rolling Cherry - July 18 - 2:17 pm

  My cavalier has been an amazing car! I purchased it in 2009 with 140,000 miles and now 7 years later it is still running with 219,000 miles. It has never left me stranded. Of course as with any car, I have had to do regular maintenance as well as some wear and tear repairs. I had one major repair of the head gasket in 2012, but seeing as the car has continued to run great for another 4 years, I would say it was definitely worth the investment. This car gives me freedom to drive through town, explore in the the country and travel on interstate trips.

• 

  Love my Z - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By INANE - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Z24 for a little over 4 years now, bought it when it was one year old. I had traded in my 89 Berreta GTU for it (a car that doubled it value from all the work I had to do to it). I like the designs of GM products but I know that most of what they made from the 80s and early 90s were junk from a reliablity standpoint so I cautiously purchased the Z24 with an extended warrenty. I guess its good to say I only had to use it once, had to replace the water pump, otherwise this car has been near perfect to me (has 71k miles now).

• 

  2001 Z24 - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Eric Strecker - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Decent performance with 150 hrspwr 4 cyl. I actuall think it looks pretty sharp. Have several noises and poping sounds coming from the dash. Also have a rattle in transmission that is apparantly normal for chevrolet cars. Had the transmission replaced for a known issue for cavs. built before Oct. 2000. This was a different noise than the one thats not fixable. Build the car BETTER. the sticker on my Z24 was around $18,000. For this much money I expect a car thats built a little better than this. REDESIGN the manual transmission. It SHOULD NOT be normal for a trans. to rattle when excelerating at 1500 rpm.

• 

  Solid basic transportation - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bob Oh - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, it has served me well. 5 speed manual coupe. Replaced 2 alternators, 1 water pump, 1 set of brakes, i wiper motor, 1 battery. Normal stuff (except alternator..Grrr) Good looking, easy to maintain. 77000 miles. Enjoyed all of them. Excellent value for the bux.

• 

  Not Good! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Shanna - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had my cavalier for almost three years and ive put more than 2 thousand dollars into it in a matter of a year. Something is always going wrong and it only starts up when it wants to. There is however nothing wrong with the car i have had it looked at several times. I wouldnt recommend purchasing any cavalier to anyone!

• 

  Great little car. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chad123 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years now since it was brand new. I have had nothing happen with it and the only work that has been done is the scheduled maintenance. I have the automatic with AC and a CD player and everything performs great. I live in SD where the snow falls often and this car has done very well, especially the ABS and Traction Control. Performance is decent considering its a little 4 cyl engine.

• 

  Its been a great car for all 7 years... - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By troy - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Z-24 in 1995 when the new design was first introduced. You might notice that the Honda Civic is both more cramped inside and does not provide an adequate arm-rest in the center console. Im not a short guy, so I highly appreciate the increased space on the inside, especially for all of the long distance cross-country travel I have done. Id buy another one, but Chevrolet has stopped offering Z-24 models as of this year. This 95 Z-24 in Hawaiian Orchid paint, factory five-star 16" wheels, and added tinted windows has been the perfect college student car, as well as daily commuter and distance travel vehcle for me.