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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  A big mistake - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TRFiona - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was a big mistake. Its been back to the dealer 9 times & is in need of another svc call. The check engine light was the reason for the trips to the shop & there were a variety of problems - 1 part was replaced twice because the replacement was defective. Now theres a brake problem, the engine makes odd noises & my Dad said the film thats always on the inside of my windshield is due to a heater core problem. This cars a lemon & the dealership keeps stringing me along. I regret the day I bought it & if I can ever get rid of it, Ill never own another Chevy again! Dont make the mistake of buying this car!

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  Perpetual Rent-a-Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By julmak - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car will get you from point A to point B, but there is nothing special occupy you while you’re in transit. Only one problem - the catalytic converter went bad. The front driver- side tire "chirps" as I drive, but no one has been able to fix it. Cavalier has been consistently listed as the worst passenger/family sedan in terms of safety by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rating s/ce/html/summary_midinexp.htm# http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rating s/ce/html/photo_comp_midinexp.htm According to CR, if you were T-boned in a Caviler on the drivers side, youre almost certain to have a permanent or fatal injury.

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  Mixed thoughts - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NATO - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car not only for my commute to school but also I thought it would be a nice car to tune up. In the commuting respect it has fulfilled its duty.In regards to its performance, Im disappointed. I understand its not a Porsche but I was expecting it to be quicker than it is. It feels sluggish and I constantly have the feeling that something is holding it back. Even after installing a few performance parts (K&N air filter, etc) it still feels underpowered. If you are looking for a car to tune, dont buy this! If you want a generic, low fun factor commuting car, this is the one for you.

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  not too bad - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By thesaviorx6x6x6 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  this car is a sturdy, well-built chevy. If taken care of it will hardly ever let you down. Maintainance is very minimal. Though the manual transmission makes it fun to drive, it does lack in power. Sometimes acceleration feels very sluggish. Nevertheless it is a quality car

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  Not a bad car - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jonathan Wehr - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This is not a bad car. Ive had it for a little over a year now and Ive only had 1 major problem with it. If you have an automatic transmission in this car, make sure your TCC solenoid works. If you slow down from highway speeds and the car shutters and cuts off then chances are, your torque converter solenoid is bad............get it fixed if you want good gas mileage.

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  Good under the 100 thousand mark - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Eileen - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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  Good under the 100 thousand mark - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eileen - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My Cavilier was good for a couple of years, around the 3 year mark everything went down hill. the major problems right now is the head gasket leaks badly and it is very expensive to fix, 100 thousand mile is the end to the cavilier....LS

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  2001 Z24 - Its still just a Cavelier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eng21 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive...when Im not bothered by all of the rattles and other noises inside the cabin. I can hear about 3 different noises at once sometimes. Im very dissatisfied with the build quality of this car. It looks decent, performes decently, but sounds like its falling apart already, and its only about 2 years old. Transmission was replaced at 17,000k due to rattling noise in lower gear. I still hear a different noise when shifting at lower RPM (i.e. < 2700 RPM). I should have bought the Civic. Hind sight is 20/20

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  Zeder - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Vroom!!! - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Z24 in May of 2002. Since then Ive had no real problems with it besides the very unreliable clutch. The power in this car is remarkable. This car just flys. The interior.. well its a 92 not too bad i guess. Its typical GM design. Very basic. Overall its really just a basic car with a big engine.

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  good at first but watch out - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AshMcG - January 17 - 2:00 am

  My cavalier is cute and zoomy, and fun to drive if youre not looking for major speed...I really enjoyed it for awhile. However, I took this car over its 100,000 mile point, and no sooner than I did that than EVERYTHING went to hell. I got the 100,000 mile tune- up like youre supposed to, but now that car causes me nothing but tears...I am afraid to drive it half the time because it may break down or anything! It used to be totally reliable but now... I recommend this car as like a first car for teenagers, but toss it before it gets too high in mileage, the enginge does not take it well.