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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  1999 Chev Z24 Convertible - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Elvis - March 4 - 10:57 pm

  Engine revs quickly and is responsive. 5-speed transmission feels really nice. Clutch grabs near the top allowing fast shifts. Front and rear strut braces keep the steering tight when taking corners. Suspension is fairly stiff, you feel all the bumps but the handling is good. There are better convertibles out there, but nothing as good as this car for anywhere near the price. This car was less than twenty thousand USD new with all options selected (except automatic transmission).

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  cavalier: a platform to build on - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rad - March 4 - 10:21 pm

  there has been a few problems but in all it has been a good car except for the hub caps that squeak really loud and are very anoying god i wish i had money for alloys

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  Small , Fast, Fun, and American made. - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BodasZ24 - March 1 - 12:21 am

  Bought this car new as a dealer leftover. Had 3500 miles was driven by service manager. Car is a blast to drive have had minor problems waterpump, cooling fan, basic stuff any home mechanic can fix. Overall has been a very dependable car.

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  Ive Been Happy! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Michael B - February 27 - 6:12 pm

  Purchased this car w/ 24K.Bought it to enjoy w/top down. Comparble convertible of this size & quality would have cost much more. Been extremely pleased w/reliability of this car. Normal wear & tear things replaced.Power top works great. Still get great comments on car & can keep up with rest of traffic when I am not leading it. Get in the 30s for mpg. Drove this car w/ top down into new millenium. Give it a chance! So far I have put 58K on mine for a total of 82K.

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  Cavy - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By deuce - February 27 - 3:51 pm

  My Cav had a number of computer problems that caused the "check engine" light to come on frequently even if nothing was wrong--at least thats what the dealer said. They could never find anything wrong when I took it to them. The interior is plastic and looks very cheap. Yet, the controls are close to your fingertips and easy to use. This isnt a good car for an inexperienced driver, although I see them driving them all-to-frequently. The cars performance in the crash test left me wanting.

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  A fine American compact - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Denny - February 26 - 11:14 pm

  The imports have been good to the US automakers. They taught them they need to strive for better cars. The cavalier on a cost to value ration is a big winner in this group. This is my second Cavalier in 5 years and it is a fine daily driver / commuter. We rack up about 25k per year and rotate our cars every four years or so. The Cavaliers we have owned never had a cost outside of routine maintainence.

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  a good knockabout - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jbert - February 26 - 12:24 pm

  This is the third Cavalier in the family and all have been reliable, even into their older age. It sure isnt fancy -- lots of cheap plastic -- but its kept on running w/ basic maintenance for 10 years and 100K miles.

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ShortieMeggie - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that i have ever bought for myself and i could not be happier with my decision. My mom cosigned with me and I can make the payments by myself. It is a wonderful brand new car with a warenty that i can afford as a 19 year old. i am completly satisfied with my purchase. For the money i spent on the car i am so happy with the look of the car and how it drives. This is a wonderful starter car for me and i am so happy that i bought it.

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  Great Buy! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chevy18 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Neon before I bought this car, and so far the Cavalier has been much better. It rides on air and if you do not watch the tach, you would not know that it shifted gears at all. I got the LS SPORT and the groud effects make the car look awesome! The stero system in it is awesome too, has great sound and the XM Radio is a must as well. With automatic, cruise, power locks, windows, the keyless entry, 16 inch wheels and fuel economy, this car is definitely for you if you are looking for a good afforadable car.

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  03 Ls Sports coupe cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Foxigurl01 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  All in all the car is great for begining drivers. its safe, reliable, and fun to drive!