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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  OUCH! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hate cavalier - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ignition failed to start the car 4 times in warranty, recall did not fix. 36042 miles, water pump ($1000). 37K miles, oil pump ($1000) Cost $1000. 39K Motor mounts $300. 48K miles, main bearings went out. Oil changed every 3k miles. No one would rebuild the engine. All said the engine (2.4L) does not last more than 2K miles after being rebuilt. Had to get a USED replacement engine. Cost $2000. Total $4300 within 12K miles of 36K mile warranty expiring. Never buy another Chevrolet.

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  Disposable Transportation - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Wagoneer - March 13 - 12:18 am

  Money trap. Recently required $1000+ in repairs. Head gasket replaced at 90000-still leaks. Needs muffler. Trans getting quirky. Shifts slow. Accelerates pathetically. 0-60 in five miles. Whines and complains all the way. Noisy and underpowered with a 2.0 four banger. Only thing its good for is the spacious area behind the front seats. Front bumper sags. Best part is bumper sticker in the rear window "HONK IF ANYTHING FALLS OFF!"

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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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  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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  its a friday car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Angry man - September 21 - 10:00 am

  The 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 can’t 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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  My little calvalier - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sirjames - July 29 - 10:38 pm

  Its 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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  gm statnard of cheapness - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By episciandy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  GM has gone back to the Vega days with inferior paint and parts in this lemon!