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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  My new car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kristirayna - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. I am always getting coplements on it. It is the perfect size and it has that sporty look to it. It is great for a starter car. Not something Ill want forever though.

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  2002 Chevy Cavalier - Best car+value - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jonathan M. - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car. I have had no problems with it except that the power window control panel keeps comming off. The ride is exceptional. And at a purchase price of $10,998 I cant complain

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  Buy Something Else - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By basmartass - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The only reason I bought this car is because I could walk to the dealer and it was cheap. But you get what you paid for. The sales rep was classic; comb-over, tie tack, tried to engage in small talk. I hate traffic lights because it gives me the time to notice mis-aligned panels, cheap materials and poor design. I should have bought a Honda or Toyota.

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  Cavavliers Rock! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By randyb - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Really cool car to drive.

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  my cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mjjmmj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  built cheap the counsul is smaller no vanity mirrors not like the older models i had a 96 much better deal thedealer broke off the handle to the anti theft so i couldnt use it because i wasnt charged for it...

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  I love it!! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BeckyC - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great choice for new drivers. It was/is my first car and I absolutely love it!

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  CAVALIER is one of the BEST COMPACTS!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By carlvr1 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had 45 different cars in the past. I drive my personal car for a living and can tell you that I have actually OWNED (not just test-driven) almost every car in this class! Just look at the Cavaliers POWER, PRICE and GAS MILEAGE and compare it to any car in this class. Is the platform dated (aka-RELIABLE)-YES. Also, I read that the 5-Speed is not very good. WHAT?? The 5-Speed Transmission is a GETRAG "Made in Italy" 5-Speed and is easily as good as the Honda 5-Speed Transmission I had in my Insight.

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  This car is junk - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mbolton - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Poor design, Ill always regret this purchase. I should have bought a Toyota or Honda

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  wonderful car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dolphnlover - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i love the cavalier.i am glad i bought one.it is fun to drive and get great gas milage.i love it

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  Great car for anyone - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By lilqtgrl1123 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and Im glad I chose it. Its extremely fun and comfortable to drive. I feel safe in the Cavalier. It has all the features I need and its roomy.