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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  The litte car that could. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By anthony farmer - August 14 - 2:55 pm

  I got my 1998 Chevy cavalier from my parents and love it. I am currenty still going to school and working and loving the car. This car is the best on gas mileage and a really good car. My car now has 222,076 miles on it and all I have ever done to it is regular maintenance except there was a little time period when it was overheating bad but it turned out it was my fan. I got it fixed and it runs like a top. My advice to anyone is if you can get one of these little boogers its best that you do cause it will save you so much money in the long run. By the way mine is the 2.2 liter 4 cylinder there the best.

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  disapointed cavalier owner - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Not a happy Cavie Ow - August 13 - 7:01 pm

  I would steer any one away from buying a chevy cavalier. The dash rattles,the design of the car is made very poorly.We had to replace the starter,fuel pump,something wrong with the computer system. We are unsatisfied customers. We wanted to get a small car for our daughter, but the car has just been a burden. I wish the dealer could have warned us about its poor ratings!

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  Brought back from the brink of death - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Beverly Noble - August 9 - 10:30 pm

  My husband to be and I bought this vehicle from my mother who did no maintenance on it whatsoever. We have literally rebuilt this car and it runs like a lean mean fighting machine with over 276,000 on it and we will go a full one million on it before we both die of old age. Chevrolet Cavs are built to take a licking and keep on ticking hopefully not like a bomb.

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  good car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bernz1 - August 8 - 10:39 pm

  I no longer own this car, but I really have to write a good review. First car I ever financed. I owned the car for 7 years, put a ton of miles on it. Very reliable. Only problem I had was with the alternator. I owned a second generation cavalier previously and the same problem. I had the alternator replaced 3 times in a 2 month period, but after that was no problem. Unfortunately left me stranded each time, but a cheap fix and the only problem I ever had with the car. Very reliable otherwise. Good handling and fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone, if you get one still in good shape.

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  CHEAPEST CAR, NO PROBLEMS - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By molle888 - August 5 - 12:34 am

  I bought my 2001 Cavi in 2000 with 9 miles on the car. It was really cheap, $12,000 brand new. I wasnt expecting this car to last, but now were in 2009 and I have never had a problem with the car. I have had the brakes replaced once, but other than that, with regular oil changes, this car has been a jewel. The AC work so much better than my Mitsubishi Montero, of the same age. The gas mileage is a HUGE plus. I adore my Cavi. Forget the high priced cars with the fancy names, GET A CHEVY CAVALIER! I have had nothing but great times with mine! I hope she lasts another 10 years!

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  Really good Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Darby J. Pruitt - August 3 - 1:04 pm

  This 03 Cavalier is the 2nd Cavalier I have owned, and besides the few problems that I have had this car has seen me though thick and thin. Now that I have hit 105,000 miles Im looking forward to its first real tuneup. It diffenetly has the get up go I need to fly past any import I come across. The comfort is pretty good seeing I managed to stay setted for 10 hours on two 780 mile trips, and I think the automatic transmissons are as good as the manuels. The only problems Ive had are the fuel pump, e- vac canister, and catalytic converter, (the converter was my fault for running hard everyday). And after 1 wreak with a BMW (BMWs fault) the Cavalier is still running like she means it.

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  A great car. - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By nollocs - July 30 - 12:16 pm

  I bought the car brand new in 2003. I love it. I have had a few problems. But nothing big. The gauge cluster acts up some times and will not work. I had a rod that was bent in the AC unit, but that was fixed under warranty. It has 87,000 mile now. This last tank of gas I got just over 34 mpg in mixed driving. But I usually average 30-31mpg in mixed driving. It has plenty of power for a cheap car.

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  Not a Ferrari, but under credited cars. - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chogan85 - July 29 - 4:27 pm

  If your looking for a good first car for you teenager, do not dismiss this car despite GMs reliability and quality record. I am now 23 and looking for a newer used car but I have to stand up for the Cavalier, shes been an overall great little sporty car. With the 3spd auto, (some performance mods) respectable torque, decent stock suspension, the 2.2l 2200 engine may not pump out a lot of mind blowing horsepower, but its been a very reliable engine. Acceleration could be a bit better for its class. Awesome gas mileage (*with* performance mods!) With a WAI, catback exhaust and performance header, I get 26 city and 31 highway. The interior isnt that bad, overall pretty basic and comfortable

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  I love it!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By FireBoy - July 29 - 10:00 am

  FOR THE MONEY, WHAT A GREAT DEAL...RESTYLE LOOKS GREAT. MY WIFE IS A EUROPEAN CAR FAN AND LOVES THE HANDLING AND ROAD FEEL. VERY PEPPY AND THE MONEY WHAT A BARGAIN...XM RADIO IS WONDERFUL IF YOU ARE A MUSIC FAN....

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  Best car I ever owned - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kelli - July 29 - 9:26 am

  I bought my cavalier in 2004. It now has over 200,000 miles on it and it still drives like I just bought it! It is by far the best car I have ever owned. I would never buy any other kind of car . Go Chevy!