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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Chevy show off - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bluefin995 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the car I was not to impress but once I got a chance to drive it I knew I would buy it. It is fun to drive, comfortable to get in and out and has good style on the inside. The instrument cluster is set up to be easy to view and to get to.

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  Fantastic little car. GM girl for life - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Amy - August 13 - 8:14 am

  After having a baby in 2001, I was beginning to feel way too momish. I missed having a small sporty car and purchased this car new in March 2002. Loved the car from the very start, very comfortable and roomy interior ( rear-facing car seat fits easily in and out of the back seat), great handling, and quick/zippy performance from the 2.2L Ecotec engine. Unfortunately, I have a tendancy to drive my cars extremely hard and often forget about routine preventative maintenance (like oil). Oil was changed maybe 5 times. My engine siezed in April 2007 at 83K miles. I have since replaced the engine with a 2005 2.2L Ecotectand now running great. Even at 5 yrs old the interior looks almost like new.

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  My first new car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chris Rock - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt a real big fan of the cavalier but really enjoying the car

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  Cavalier --- Sporty, Fun and a best buy - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Corinne - July 25 - 11:06 pm

  This is the second Cavalier I have owned. I put right at 100,000 miles with little more than oil changes, tires, a couple air filters and a set of brakes. My new Cavalier has the new 2.2l EcoTech motor that has ample power and I get about 27 miles to the gallon in town. With all the standard features like 4 wheel ABS brakes, air conditioning and a cd player, its in my opinion a "BEST BUY" among compact small cars.

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  Nice little car.... - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jdkeene - July 10 - 10:00 am

  First time buyer. Have found the car to be very good on gas mileage. 33 mpg. My daily commute is 18 miles one way. For such an inexpensive car it has all you need. CD, AC. Only time will tell on on how it stands up, but am pleased so far.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shedsnomotearz - June 19 - 10:15 pm

  I bought this car almost a year ago and the only problem I had was the front window motors burning out. Other than that, this is a great car to have. Pretty peppy 2.2L ECOTEC.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rkenn00 - June 11 - 4:33 pm

  Great get up and go for the gas mileage. The sport coupe has very good looks. Very good sound system. Have had only one minor problem with the clutch. Love to drive it.

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  WOW!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ecotec02Cav - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 1997 Grand AM Se with a 2.4 to a 02 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe WOW!! Really like the new Ecotec Engine, Only prob I have is, I bought black, and its a pretty color when its clean, but man is it a pain to KEEP clean lol Sweeet Car LOVE IT!!

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  Love it and fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cavfav - April 26 - 8:12 am

  This is my third car and my first one bought new. Bought it mainly because of the price tag, but love it more everyday I drive it. I did get keyless entry and a sound system installed on it. So it is enough for my everyday driving. Do my own oil change and have not had a problem with this car.

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  Great Value - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Big Mike - April 22 - 2:24 pm

  40 MPG on the highway, great acceleration when needed. This dependable car is a great value. I have 64,000 miles on it and my only problem was hitting a low flying turkey. I replaced the grille piece that was broken and I have not spent a cent on any other parts other than oil filters. I have the base model coupe, 5 speed manual and would recommend this car to any one looking for dependable transportation.