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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2001 Cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mike Nomura - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This American-made car has hade no problems during its first year! Sufficent for everyday driving. Gets 35.5 MPG 4AT. Uphill, too much gear hunting(up/downshifting). Solid rear axle needs to be independant for smoother rides. A/C is ice cold on max mode. Great value if without any options. Options depreciate to fast. Only large rebates would entice me for another Cav. Cheaper than a Accent/Rio with large rebate.

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  95 Chevy Cavalier RF - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rick Frost - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised how reliable this car has been considering all the horror stories Ive heard about GM cars. Only one major repair in the 7 years Ive owned it. The solenoid for the transmission failed at 83,000. The car was still driveable, but would get stuck in overdrive on the highway. Engine would then die upon deceleration. Body and paint are still looking like new. Would consider another Cavalier if crash test performance were better.

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  Good for a first car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Krista - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I am 16 and my parents bought me my cavalier. It had 115,000 miles on it when I bought it! It is a 96! Despite the high miles, it has been nothing but reliable. Being a teenage girl and not knowing a lot about cars I need a car I can depend on. I can depend on this car.

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  love it - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By beigheye - May 30 - 2:00 am

  You feel safe, it is a cute car, and everything is designed for the drivers convience. Great value car.

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  nothing but trouble - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jeb11233234 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recommend that you do not buy a cavalier. Maybe the newer models are better but I bought mine, a 95 a year ago and its worth about $1500 - $1900 because it has 128000 miles on it. The it takes a lot of oil and has leaked antifreeze into the engine. This costs between $800 and $1200 to fix so I plan on maybe selling it to a junkyard for a couple hundred dollars. It has been nothing but a pain in the ass to pay for the upkeep of this car. Get a honda.

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  Marys Review - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mary smith - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is great

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  Great Car!! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tdaddy - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 1998, with the mileage at 134,000 miles. The car now has 230,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The power of the 2.2 is amazing and I have no problems keeping up with the newer cars. Although alternators seem to be a reacuring problem, and brakes but all around its a real great car. Right now I have to look at a new transmision problems, and im curiouse to see if anyone else has had shifting problems with the Automatic transmission, the car wont shift to drive, and i feel it might be a common problem with that year

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  you are loseres - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 125367576814 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  you guys dont know what you are talking about.you are all idiots for bad- mouthing such a great car. me and some of my friends all own one and we all love it.go to car domain.com and look at all of the street models you will see why its such a great car.

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  crap! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By lbs - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to take back and forth to college. Every time i get in it i get a headache from the wind noise. The car is not well insulated and every little noise is heard. I have to keep the radio loud to even hear it over the noise. i have had to replace the alternator and the starter and a few batteries. I also had major problems with the AC like five times. All around it is more trouble than it is worth.

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  Great Resale Value! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JUP - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 2 years ago for my Daughter! Car rode fairly well, lacked power with 4 cyl engine. Had some minor issues heater core motor went early on, couple rattles. Had 1 recall heater hose rubbing against AC unit(unfortunately car broke down (overheated) before we got the notice) GM took care of it 100%. Car cost slightly over $11K with rebates. Just traded it in on Sante Fe. Trade in Value suprised me. Got $6,600 real dollars trade against bare Invoice. Super deal on Trade in had 22k miles pristine contion. Recouped over 60% of original cost. . Overall for cheap first car not too bad. Daughter is Petite car fit her well, for me uncomfortable to be in for any length of time.