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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Best Car Ive Owned So Far !! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Warren L - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an awesome car for my family to travel in. It has plenty of room for baggage in the trunk, and enough room for the 4 of us inside the car. Ive been able to carry long items by lowering the back seat and sliding the item through the trunk. The power this type of car has is remarkable to say the least. I installed a great set of spark plugs after I bought the car, and it flys! When I press on the gas after stopping it picks up and goes immediately. On the highway when passing, Im impressed as to how quickly it moves around the other car. It idles smoothly and quietly, and gas mileage is great for this cars size.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Debz - June 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car. It has held up very well. No mechanical problems. Very comfortable and fun.

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  Z24 Coupe - Great Value - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Neuromancer - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this American Model car up here in Canada. Runs very strong and has been very reliable. I find the fit and finish to be less that what my previous car had, but was to be expected with an American car in this price range. Good fuel economy despite having a sporty, and admittedly eager to be beaten, 2.4L powerplant. Performance is on par with my old Civic SiR and interior is just as comfortable. I guess time will tell if this car is as reliable as the Honda was. My only big complaint is that the braking system is complete garbage. Everything turns to mush when driven hard, and the rears not having discs reminds me of other ten year old cars.

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  Worth driving? - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hud_green - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Z24 2 1/2 years ago. I have had little maintenance. (breaks, water pump) As usual with any Chev the paint has begun to peel in a minor fashion. The car has held up well, it has been driven accross Canada twice. It runs smooth on the highway in the summer. In the winter it doesnt respond as well and creaks considerably more.

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  throwaway car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavhater - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car as a replacement for a Jetta that was a money pit. Bad move! At least the J looked better! Ignition switch went out after 55k miles, leaks oil, ABS light has been on for weeks, and it has no personality whatsoever. On my way to get a Honda CR-V!

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  Good Reliable Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joseph Wilson - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Cavalier for about two years. I love the styling of the car inside and out. Its a great looking car. The things that can be improved are the performance. Its slow....especially with the A/C on. Ive only had one recall on it which is great. Two other things are the dash is very noisy and not stable. Also the sound system is horrible.

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  Good 1st car. dont fall in luv too quick - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ewest - June 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought my cavy in 96 and was in love wit the looks. the dealership also told me it was very safe with the "steel cage" and all--5*s. but after i bought it i read on edmunds and other sites that the safety was iffy at best. i havent had many problems with it outside of the faulty circuitry that makes my "check engine" light stay on all the time. i wouldnt recommend it to anyone other than a teen as a first car. but you should DEFINITELY upgrade the engine and stereo system.

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  Good old Chevy - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By debvalentine - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive.

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  First car (kinda) - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RoNuS - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Well, this is my 2nd car and im 18 years old. My first car was a 1980 Ford Fairmont, so I obviously love my Cavalier a lot more than my piece of crap Fairmont. Although it may not have the power of many cars out on the road, the 4-speed automatic w/ overdrive makes it quite zippy.

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  Junk!!! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nichole - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I, like so many other Cavalier owners, have had too many problems with the car to find it enjoyable. To start with: the muffler rattles, the a/c only works on high, the glove box has traped my cds inside of it, the drivers side mirror refuses to stay upright, it will not start if there is less than 1/4 tank of gas, the thing just eats oil like there is no tomorrow, and sometimes the car will turn off as I am backing up.