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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  the 2004 cavalier LS sport coup - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shannon corley - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have recently purchaced my second chevy cavalier. I have owned a 4 door 2001 and now a two door 2004. I highly recomend driving this vehicle. This is a dependable vehicle with exceptional performance for a stock car. If you are a serious driver or maybe even just someone who wants dependable and afordable vehicle for a good price. this is the car to buy!

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  its the perfect car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kevin A. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  i love this car. i just turned 16 its my first car and i will probably keep it through college

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  Good car if you take care of it. - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AIM : Pikachoo1980 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  My 3.1l v6 has >160,000miles on the original engine. The transmission has about 70,000 miles on it(rebuilt). I have never, EVER, been left on teh side of the road because it broke down. It has always started on the first crank. I dont abuse her, but I dont pamper her either. I say it is a great car. I have only had to spend money on teh airconditioner, radiator, and I went ahead and replaced all of the gaskets (not neccessary, but it had minor leaks) on the car when I bought it. Too bad there is no aftermarket support.

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  Fun first car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By houstonbabe - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new as my first car. I really love the exterior, and I am small so I can handle the cramped interior. I have driven it almost 36,000 miles in two years and have had no major problems. If only the dashboard werent noisy or cracking I would be completely satisfied.

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  economical for the long time owner - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rmecone - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this at auction when it was 2 years old. Had 66k on it. Now has 148k. Had to have flywheel replaced shortly after we got it, but only because previous owner had installed the wrong starter. No major problems in over 10 years! Just a battery and tires. No engine work ever. Still runs great! Uses no oil. Tape player is wearing out, but stereo is fine.

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  Horrible experience - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By No More American - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Only a three years old, and I have spent over $2000 in repair already. My shifter cable has snapped for the second time tonight. Also had both rotors replaced, as well as getting one of the bearings changed as well. I THOUGHT Cavaliers were reliable. But this car proved me wrong. This car has convinced me not to buy an American car ever again.

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  Shouldve Bought 99 Acura Integra GS-R - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JMC-19 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  The first thing that comes to mind when i think about my cavalier is, clutch....the clutch in my ls sport grabs so high and feels like its already starting to go (and i know how to drive a stick).The other thing that comes to mind is brakes. I just rolled 3000 mi and my front rotors feel like they need to be cut. I will give Chevy a hand for the new ecotec engine though, because it is a lot smoother and quieter than my old 2.2L. And good luck if you change your oil at home, b/c you have to take the intake tube and air box cover off to get to the filter! But the filter is very nice , b/c you only have to drop into a cylinder.

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  I love my cavalier - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kater8ter - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is very reliable and makes a great first car.

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  Remember the price - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Big Jim - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Good run-about. Dependable but lots of little problems developed after the warrenty expired like broken plastic components (AC knob, driver seat base molding, seat belt cover), specific lines on rear window defroster, and lowest fan level on AC doesnt work. For a car among the cheapest that GM makes and having 80000 miles, it has been a good but not great car. It seems like GM is always having recalls on this car (#3 by last count) which means that I am being inconvenienced for a day each time. I would consider buying another, but I would do a lot of shopping around for other cars in the same price range first.

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  Not bad - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By matthoffman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for 5 years and havent run into any reliability problems yet, except for plastic trim falling off, which seems pretty standard. Its the least expensive sports-looking car available! I havent taken it into the shop for any real problems yet, and it has 50,000 now. Im hoping for another couple years.