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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Great car - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Amanda - August 15 - 11:34 am

  I bought a Chevy Cavalier as a car to get me through university as I lived a long way from campus. It was great, reliable and because of the lower price, I was driving a much nicer car than most of my friends. For a first nice car, it was a great buy and I am looking into buying a newer model in the next few months

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  Great car for all - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rick burns - August 13 - 12:13 pm

  My wife And I purchased this car during a snowy wet cold Tuesday night in January. We (and about 5 salesmen) were the only people in the dealership. Bottom line, we stole this gem for around $8900.00 +tax. We had rebates and a $2000.00 coupon. The car is great on gas, 30mpg. We use it for work and a back-up. The interior is a little cramped when all 4 of us are in it. It looks just as good as the day we bought it . We garage it and are meticulous with the care of it. The front would shake during stopping and the wheel covers were squeaking. A quick trip to the dealer to cut the rotors and grease the contact points of were the rubber bumpers contacted the metal and we were good to go.

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  LS Sedan - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  Overall a reliable car. Mine has 135,000 miles on it and has never had any engine/transmission work done other than oil changes and tune ups. The engine I have is the 2.4L, so the gas mileage isnt quite as good as the 2.2L. The 2.4 does pack plenty of power though! My car will go up to around 50 mph in 2nd gear if I let it! The only major problem I have had is with a leaky gas tank that was replaced about 130,000 mi. A minor issue that I have is the motors for the power windows are starting to fade. Overall, a great car!

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  Good Car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By APJ - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I think that the Cavalier is under appreciated, it is a good, enjoyable to drive and looks good too. i personally think it is a better looking car than the Corolla or Civic.

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  Good starter car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Erica - July 30 - 10:07 am

  I like the sporty look of the outside and the ease of driving it. However, the seats could be more comfortable and the alloy rims are very expensive to replace. It has the basic features I need and is a good starter car.

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  Good Transportation - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DK - July 26 - 12:25 pm

  Perfect choice for someone looking for a small car, basic transportation. Decent sound, great on gas, decent room for a small car. Reliable as all outdoors, I loved it.

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  97 Chevy Cavalier - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kirk M. - July 21 - 12:55 pm

  Im 16 and this is my first car. When I first got my car a year ago I loved it to death and never had a problem out of it. But then this month everything has gone wrong with it. It started to overheat continuously and so I pulled over to check the coolant and there was none in it, so I added some. Then the next day it overheated again and there wasnt any coolant in it. So I drove it back home and tried to turn it off but the engine wouldnt stop running. We unplugged the battery and that didnt work so we messed wtih the alternator and it finally quit running. Then I had to have it towed in because it wouldnt start. Then I found out that the coolant was going into the engine so now it will cost $1000

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  Not Bad - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Not bad - July 18 - 5:34 pm

  I got my 1999 cavalier April first 2002 and Ive had the car 4 years now. I got it with 12000 miles and now it has 80000 and I havent had one problem out of this car except for the ABS system failed, but its run smooth since I got it. Be careful how you drive it because it can be easy to mess it up. If you want a fast car or a sports car, buy somthing else because this wont last. Take care of it regular maintainace and it can last you a long while. With a few simple parts such as a supercharger and a backcat exhaust system you could get 218hp out of it

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  Jonathons trooper - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jonathon - June 28 - 2:04 am

  The 93 cavalier RS convertible was my first car. I got this car when it had 193000 miles! For a car that has this many miles its been a good car! I have only put 3000 mile on it since Ive got it with only minor work done!

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  Extremely Reliable - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tim in SLC - June 27 - 5:42 pm

  I bought this car when it was one year old and had 10,000 miles on it. It now has 117,000 miles onit. It has been a real workhorse. Ive been extremely pleased with its performance and reliability. Ive had no major repairs -- only normal wear items like brakes, batteries, alternators and tires. I wish every car I bought was as dependable as this car has been. Unfortunately, the car was totaled yesterday when a pickup truck ran a red light and smashed the front end. Im in mourning for my great little red Cavalier.