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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Cavalier is a great buy!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hillary03 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  THis car is great in that it is reasonably priced, great gas mileage, sporty (I have a two door), excellent in the snow, and just as nice as any expensive foreign version. The interior is extremely comfortable. It is the perfect car for first time buyers because of all the in-expensive aspects yet it is an amazing ride!

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  I love My 03 cavalier LS Sport Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By banshee2700 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and I Love everything aboutit. Its reliable, fun to drive, looks good, and gets good gas milage. Great in the snow!

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  The Best! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ChevyGal - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 97 Cavalier, a 00 Cavalier, and now I just bought a brand new Cavalier. I love them. They are the funnest cars to drive, and great on gas. If I had to do it all over I would. I am a proud Chevrolet girl, I work for a Chevrolet dealership. Ive owned other brands of vehicles. Dodge Colt, Suzuki Samari, VW, and a Plymouth. Ive had my 84 Camaro and the three Cavaliers I mentioned, I dont think I would go to any other vehicle.

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  all around awesome car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bigbalboa3 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i purchased the cavalier sport coupe in feb of 2003 the night i picked it up it was snowing, it has already proved to be unbeatable in the snow, i love its get up and go attitude its sleek look. there is always someone checking it out and the gas mileage i get is just fantastic just cant beat this ride

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  The only type of vehicle that I will eve - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chattert5@aol.com - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The cavalier in general are one of the most reliable cars I have ever seen. I owned a 95 2dr coupe that never broke down for 2 years. Then I traded it in for the new one. I absolutely love cavaliers and feel that it would be a mistake to discontinue production on this vehicle.

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Catherine Spahn - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is fun, chic and very sporty. The radio is great, great system, and the interior is very confortable to sit in, even for a long period if time.

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  Good little road rocket - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bert - March 15 - 2:58 am

  Bought as a short commute vehicle, never a major problem. Taken on a few long road trips. Always faithfully maintained due to low mileage/time ratio. One window motor failed, replaced via warranty. Brakes at 25000, good mileage considering short city daily drive, and multiple stops per mile driven. Never any problems, mileage decent, wasnt bought as an economy car. This little vehicle with the dual overhead cams will perform, and looks nice too. The traction control/anti-locks work very well in a Chicago area winter. I have found no faults with it.

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  Value for your money - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Hcope - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Execllent vehicle, my previous vehicle was a 1997 Cavalier. Oil changes and replacement of a airconditioner compressor at 110,00 is all I spent on this car over the 6+ years I owned this car. I would like to see Toyota or Honda match that.

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  Good Car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 1996 Chevy Cavalier - February 5 - 11:27 am

  I really love my Chevy Cavalier. I have had it since 2000 and I am the third owner. I bought it at 56000 miles and it now has 219000 on it. I have only had regular maintance on it except for around 70000 I had to replace the head gasket which is normal for these cars.

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  Fun and low cost coupe - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 2001 Cavalier Coupe - January 21 - 7:51 pm

  I bought a 2001 Cavalier Coupe and drove it off the lot new beause it was inexpensive and had a sprots car look. It has been a fun to drive and very reliable car. The 5 speed manual transmission and the interior makes this compact car seem like more of a sports car when driving it. I have just purchased a new 2008 Cobalt, and I already miss the interior and the 5 speed shift handle of the Cavalier.