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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:
Showing 1291 through 1300 of 1,309.00-
love the ecotech engine - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By silverbroomstx - September 22 - 2:00 amWe got ours in june 2003, we love it, I never have purchased an automatic, until this one, it is great for the money! black with after market rims from the dealer, no ground effects no pin stripes it really is hot looking! and really quick too!
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its a friday car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Angry man - September 21 - 10:00 amThe car has already had some problems after a week of owning it. I had paint bumps on the trunk that I need to get fixed they are willing to do this but they cant get me in until next week. The gears are really close together so I feel like I have to shift way to quickly, it wants me to go to fifth gear at about 32 mph. The preformace leaves something to be desired. I hope to add a K&N cold air system as soon as it comes out. Also the power window control pannel is comming out already.
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nice little car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mike - September 20 - 2:00 amJust bought this car couple weeks ago. Got over $4000 off the MSRP with $2002 rebate and a huge GM card earnings. So far its been really nice to drive. The new 2.2 Ecotec engine is much better than the old 2.2 and 2.4 engines. Feels more powerful than most small car.
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I like my new car dispite Edmonds views - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Kimmiey - September 16 - 2:00 amI like this vehicle.The design this year is changed in some ways.It looks sporty for a 4 door sedan.It runs good. One down fall that I have had though is that there is a cable for the heating vent adjuster that has malfuntioned and from what I am told is a recall. Also, I dont care so much for the ETS system on the brakes, that had failed at 9,000 miles. Something snapped??? The car will run just fine without that. To me, it is an $800.00 mistake. I do not regret buying a Chevy Cavalier and will be sad to see it taken off the market next year. I currently own 2 Cavaliers. My other is a 1999.
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CAVALIER 2 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By L2 - September 16 - 2:00 amTHIS IS REALY ABOUT MY 1992 CAVALIER THAT I BOUGHT NEW 12 YRS AGO I LVED THAT LITTLE RED CAR BUT AFTER 169,000 MILES AND ALL THE GOOD DEALS ON NEW CAVALIERS I DECIDED TO GET A NEW AND IF THIS CAVALIER IS AS DEPENABLE AS MY 92( I HAD ONE MINOR ELECTRIAL PROBLEM IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT ALL I DID WAS MAINTANCE(OIL, FILTERS,TIRES,ECT.) NEVER HAD ANY OTHER PROBLEM FOR HER LIFE TIME SHE STILL HAD GET UP AND GO WHEN I TRADED BUT YOU COULD TELL SHE WAS STARTING TO FEAL HER MILES MY NEW LITTLE BLACK BEAUTY HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR LOVE THE RADIO HATE THE DASH CANT USE THE SPACE I HOPE I HAVE 12 MORE GOOD YEARS WITH THIS CAR
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My little calvalier - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Sirjames - July 29 - 10:38 pmIts not a Cadillac it was not made to be. It was intended to be cheap, reliable, transportation I bought mine in 06 and its a 99 and I still own it now in 2016. I paid 2,200 dollars for it and it had 80,000 miles on it. Now it has 200,000 miles on it. Change the oil regularly and your maintenance. Things I have replaced a starter, alternator and normal wear and tear. And parts are cheap because its American. Also its the 2.2l I-4 automatic my daily driver but not my only vehicle. But I think if you take care of your car it will last in my opinion.
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The Cavalier (2003) - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By K.B. - July 21 - 2:00 am*One of my friends recently bought a new Cavalier and found out that it had a big makeover. She got inside and said, "This is the car for me!" It drives fast, but not too fast. It looks sporty, but its personality is for city streets. The car is fun to drive and could use a few more features and a new interior design.
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Disagree W/ Edmunds Review - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Hershey - July 17 - 2:00 amThe 03 is the best. Not sure why Edmunds feels this car is old. If you look from a pract point it rcvd new fascias,eng in 03,trans is new design. The int. not as cheap as you say,as for the rest of the car, just so much you can do when something works. Why is it that when imports changes fascias Edmunds hails as comp redesign,when U.S. manf does it is insgnfcnt,car is still old design? Elantra is worse,I drove both. Only feature that beats Cav is the 100k war,doesnt help resale. If you read the small print you cant sell it out of your family doesnt help resale. Do a REAL test,drive each w/30k. You find why the CAV CONS RATING is high.
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2003 chev cavalier 2dr there GREAT!!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By nutshouse - July 17 - 2:00 amI REALLY LOVE THE WAY THIS CAR DRIVES,IT,S EXACTLY WHAT WAS LOOKING FOR,I DID;NT EVEN DRIVE THE CAR BEFORE I BOUGHT IT,BECAUSE IT LOOKED SO GOOD! EVERYTHING WORKS GREAT,GOOD STEREO SOUND REALLY DRIVES VERY WELL,HANDLES GREAT,I HAVE NOTHING BUT GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR!!!!!!
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Great Car and Great Price!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By manth - July 5 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Cavalier 4-door Sedna is a great running car. It handles really well and the engine is quiet. It is a great car and affordable too. The dealership paid for my insurance down payment and filled the car up with gas for me. I have a great 75,000 mile warranty.
