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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2000 Chevrolet Cavalier - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Michael Collins - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. It has been driven halfway across the country twice and drove wonderfully. I did not have any problems with the car until I hit about 41000 miles. It was being driven down the road and just stopped going without any warning. It turns out the transmission was completely burned up. The only thing General Motors would do for me is cover the labor costs. I had to buy a new transmission and pay all the towing costs. Overall the car was great until this event, but this has lowered my feelings concerning the products that GM and Chevrolet are building for the consumer.

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  Reliability - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Zealander - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Its great for a first time car buyer. If you treat it right, it is a low maintnence, repair it yourself vehicle. Mines pushing 300 000km and still purrs like a kitten. I highly reccomend using synthetic oil. I only burn half a liter every 10 000kms between oil changes.

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  Cavalier - Outdated and old. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tman7773 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  The exterior and interior design looks about 10 years behind every other compact car. The brakes, manual transmission, acceleration and steering all feel cheap, rough and weak. All 4 brakes went at 35,000 km and had to be replaced when I started feeling a warp when braking. I hit a ground hog while driving and that resulted in a $650 replacement of my radiator. When the car idled it idled rough and I was told by the service techs that there was nothing wrong with the car. The vents that aim the air popped out place now and again. The odd time ( 3 times) Id hear a horrible racket in my vents, and out would pop a dried up whirly bird helicopter from a tree.

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  Bad Chevy - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Usedtolikechevys - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car still under factory warrenty. Immediately the lifters started knocking, interior rattled, muffler began making an obnoxious rattle. Right after Chevy sent a notice that the head gaskets were defective the engine blew up. Next engine has had nothing but problems - emissions and drivability. 2 dealers and 1 independant shop cannot figure it out.

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  "The Car Of My Dreams" - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Matthew0126 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A very very good car for the $money$.

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  none - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Eug - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Will never buy the car again

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  cheap economical transportation - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By daxxx - March 27 - 2:00 am

  fun little car with enough spunk to get you around town. if i had to sum up my ownership experience, you get what you pay for. beyond city driving these cars cant really hack it.... aweful highway manners and a 4 cylinder that has more trouble than others pulling hills.

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  Z24 - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By marlon - March 22 - 2:00 am

  The car rocks !!!

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  Not what its cracked up to be - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Scrubb - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new. Immediately the interior trim started to rattle, which I cant stand. Soon after, the interior trim started to fall apart including the center armrest lid, seat trim and finally the seat itself. I found that the paint job chipped and scratched very easily. It didnt seem thick enough. The muffler began a strange and bothersome rattling at only 25k. The head gasket failed at about 50k and the water pump failed at about 55k.

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  Not again - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By vaaccess - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I like my car, well enough that is. Its a good car if your looking in this price range, but I, for one, wont be buying another American car again. Next time Im going to German Engineering.