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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Shouldve Bought 99 Acura Integra GS-R - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JMC-19 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  The first thing that comes to mind when i think about my cavalier is, clutch....the clutch in my ls sport grabs so high and feels like its already starting to go (and i know how to drive a stick).The other thing that comes to mind is brakes. I just rolled 3000 mi and my front rotors feel like they need to be cut. I will give Chevy a hand for the new ecotec engine though, because it is a lot smoother and quieter than my old 2.2L. And good luck if you change your oil at home, b/c you have to take the intake tube and air box cover off to get to the filter! But the filter is very nice , b/c you only have to drop into a cylinder.

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  Good for a first car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Krista - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I am 16 and my parents bought me my cavalier. It had 115,000 miles on it when I bought it! It is a 96! Despite the high miles, it has been nothing but reliable. Being a teenage girl and not knowing a lot about cars I need a car I can depend on. I can depend on this car.

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  Great Resale Value! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JUP - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 2 years ago for my Daughter! Car rode fairly well, lacked power with 4 cyl engine. Had some minor issues heater core motor went early on, couple rattles. Had 1 recall heater hose rubbing against AC unit(unfortunately car broke down (overheated) before we got the notice) GM took care of it 100%. Car cost slightly over $11K with rebates. Just traded it in on Sante Fe. Trade in Value suprised me. Got $6,600 real dollars trade against bare Invoice. Super deal on Trade in had 22k miles pristine contion. Recouped over 60% of original cost. . Overall for cheap first car not too bad. Daughter is Petite car fit her well, for me uncomfortable to be in for any length of time.

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  It is ok - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ryan - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Not the best car in the world but it gets ou around.

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  Z24 Owner prosective - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Caviler - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Good over all, love the power the car delivers with the v6. Easy to spin tires causes to loose control of vechile. Slim to nil on the blind spots because roof is high. Basic interior but over all good car.

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  Nothing but engine problems - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By maysi111 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been burning oil since the day I bought it. I used to put a quart of oil in it once a month...now I put a quart in every other day. I made the dealership aware of this problem from the beginning and it was always that the valve cover gasket was leaking....I cannot tell you how many times that has been replaced. The starter has been replaced three times....the car was recalled for the gasket leaking antifreeze and was never correctly fixed. I also add antifreeze as well as oil now. The transmission fluid started leaking a couple of months ago and the air conditioner will cost over $800 to get fixed.

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  Good cheap car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JenniE - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive used this car for my commute for the past 3 years. So far its been very reliable. Sure, theres normal wear and tear on brakes and such, but for the price I paid for it, its been great. The cars at 80K now, and I have not had any problems with it yet. Im not planning on getting rid of it until at least 110K.

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  Shouldve shopped around - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Happy Couple - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new. Ride quality is extremely rough and the dashboard rattles CONSTANTLY. The front seats are uncomfortable and it has a cheesy stereo. Overall, the car is a good value considering the package options.

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  2000 Chevrolet Cavalier - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Michael Collins - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. It has been driven halfway across the country twice and drove wonderfully. I did not have any problems with the car until I hit about 41000 miles. It was being driven down the road and just stopped going without any warning. It turns out the transmission was completely burned up. The only thing General Motors would do for me is cover the labor costs. I had to buy a new transmission and pay all the towing costs. Overall the car was great until this event, but this has lowered my feelings concerning the products that GM and Chevrolet are building for the consumer.

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  cheap economical transportation - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By daxxx - March 27 - 2:00 am

  fun little car with enough spunk to get you around town. if i had to sum up my ownership experience, you get what you pay for. beyond city driving these cars cant really hack it.... aweful highway manners and a 4 cylinder that has more trouble than others pulling hills.