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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  3.1L "Sleeper" - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dr_Watson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  One word about this car that sums its character up Torque. She may not have alot of ponies on the stat sheet, but its light and that 185 lb-ft of torque will rip the tires until smoke starts rolling out of the wheel wells. Ive driven it hard for over 3 years now and the only repairs needed have been 1 alternater, 1 battery, 1 water pump, 1 windshield wiper motor, and lots of brakes (thats the fault of my less then old lady driving though). The car is a fun machine to drive, and Ive loved it to death. Its a sleeper that can easily keep up with Eclipse GSTs, and the like.

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  OUCH! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hate cavalier - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ignition failed to start the car 4 times in warranty, recall did not fix. 36042 miles, water pump ($1000). 37K miles, oil pump ($1000) Cost $1000. 39K Motor mounts $300. 48K miles, main bearings went out. Oil changed every 3k miles. No one would rebuild the engine. All said the engine (2.4L) does not last more than 2K miles after being rebuilt. Had to get a USED replacement engine. Cost $2000. Total $4300 within 12K miles of 36K mile warranty expiring. Never buy another Chevrolet.

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  Loving it - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NCS - March 18 - 12:49 am

  This was my first car that I actually owned, a 5-speed Z24. What a great fun little car. I got it with over 130k kms, and am now over 170k after a little over a year. The jump for a car in this class is great, much more $ is usually needed to get anything worthwhile the torque department. Very few minor repairs, and regular maintenance keep things going smoothly. Ive also drive a 1990 Corsica with over 500,000kms on it driving in northern Ontario for 9+ years and it still runs fine...whats that about North American cars again? Ive got nothing bad to say about it.

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  I love this car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joecool200 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Its great on gas, very fun to drive. Has a very unique style and lots of performance for a 4 cyclinder engine- very fast and sturdy 1 doesnt shake at 100!!!!!!!!! I love this car , especially the good sticker price! Everyone should get one! I had one before this and I bousht it in 88 and its still running ! Very reliable!!!!

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  Same problems as others. - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James Nemanich - March 15 - 2:31 pm

  I just wanted to say that I am having the same problems others are having. Transmission out, electronic fuel sending system (Controlls fuel guage) replaced 2 times, waterpump, heater core, wheel berings, window motors. GM sold these with the new Dex Cool engine coolant. Around 1999 they discovered this was breaking down and causing internal engine rust. Id trade in before 70k.

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  cavelier convertible tops in gas milage - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fyarbrough - March 14 - 12:00 am

  My Chevrolet Cavelier is tops in gas milage and would be an excellent car for a young person or old. However, I think GM needs to improve on the sturdiness of the vehicle.

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  Keepin the Ragtop! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Keepin this one - March 13 - 11:29 pm

  My leased Z24 convertible is my second Cavalier Z24 and replaced the 1997 Coupe. Everything (except automatic transmission) is standard, at a reasonable price!! Ive had no major problems with either car. My lease is ends August 2002 and even though Ive looked at everything made including the RS Sport Coupe, the ZCavs replacement, Ive decided to buy out the lease and keep this car!

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  Disposable Transportation - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Wagoneer - March 13 - 12:18 am

  Money trap. Recently required $1000+ in repairs. Head gasket replaced at 90000-still leaks. Needs muffler. Trans getting quirky. Shifts slow. Accelerates pathetically. 0-60 in five miles. Whines and complains all the way. Noisy and underpowered with a 2.0 four banger. Only thing its good for is the spacious area behind the front seats. Front bumper sags. Best part is bumper sticker in the rear window "HONK IF ANYTHING FALLS OFF!"

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  My Cavy - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JPW - March 9 - 10:35 am

  Awesome car, my parents drove it and it only has 36k on the motor original, just replaced teh battery last year lol All around awesome car, if u can find one with low enough mileage jump on it or else u will regret it. Peace, JPW

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  Z24 - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Abusif - March 7 - 9:12 pm

  I think that its a good -low price- performant car. It look nice and its reliability is fair... Good choice...