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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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Nice little economy car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By ron - September 20 - 7:35 pmGreat car. Have 22,000 km on and have done 4 oil changes. That is all I have spent on this car. Would recomend it to anyone
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I love my new car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By pnuckleus22 - September 20 - 2:00 amI just got my car as a christmas present and i absolutely love it! I am 22 years old and it is the perfect car for me. The car is ideal for school and work travel.
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Excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By goshbygollie - September 14 - 12:31 pmThis is the most reliable car I have purchased. Great gas milage, good look, rides smooth. Plenty of leg room in back. I recomment this car to anyone who would like a sporty car without the high sticker price. A+++++
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Great Value - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By SMR - September 12 - 10:00 amMy last two vehicles were a Honda and Nissan. This time when shopping for a car the best value was a Cavalier. Nothing can compete for the price with traction control, ABS, cruise, power windows, CD. Mine drives great and I expect good dependability like my Cavalier I bought 10 years ago with less options for about the same price as the 02 I just bought. You cant beat it for value.
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Love my Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Sharon - September 8 - 10:16 pmThis car is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The mileage I get on gas is great. I take trips to NC every 3 months, and I am always comfortable, and feel very secure that my car is going to get me there safe, without any problems. I am proud to drive this little car, actually it fits me perfectly, since I am only 5 ft tall. And the trunk holds plenty of suitcases! I do not regret purchasing this car, and would recommend it to all!
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Bargain American Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Vernon - September 7 - 1:06 amIf youre under six foot tall, this is a great USA little car. It has excellent acceleration, very good fuel mileage easy cruising 70 to 90 mph with great handling. This car continues having no troubles what so ever. Furthermore, GM is using good quailty paint which was not the case for my old 87 S-10.
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Comfortable for the price - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By John M - September 5 - 2:02 pmCombine the GM $5K Manufacturers rebate with my $3.5K GM card rebate and discount off sticker, I paid $8k for a car that stickered at $17.3K. Great visibility and ease of parking are the two main features I like combined with GREAT gas mileage at 25 mpg city especially at $3/gallon and it was a great price and timely buy. Surprisingly comfortable for a small car. Time will tell on the reliability of said vehicle but given the price I have no concerns about repair costs
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Perfect Car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Skippy - August 21 - 10:00 amAfter owning a 2001 Ford Focus by reading reviews I have learned that most reviews are useless and their is no better way to buy a car but to drive the living hell out of it at the dealer. So after test driving this car on the lot I was fully convinced to purchase the Cavalier, as it was the last car on my list to drive. I dont know how in the hell consumer reports put this car last if anything that Focus should be dead last, I have owned GMs before and they are reliable unlike my Ford which lost all its power after 2 years and 60,000 miles. This ECOTEC engine is great, and you cant beat the value with a stick.
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nice car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mamasplat - August 21 - 10:00 amWe just bought our cavalier 2 months ago, and I am really impressed. It handles in accidents very well. We drove the car off the lot and down the street and some guy rear ended us going about 40 MPH totaled his truck, gave us bumper damage. All in all i like driving the car.
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Reliable - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By CM - August 14 - 9:58 pmThis car is really great. I bought it new with only 15 miles on it. Since then, I have driven back and forth with it adding many miles on it within the four years that I have owned it. I average 20,000 miles a year. Most of those are freeway miles. Ive had to repair my brakes twice. Once at about 40,000 miles and the second at about 80,000. Other than tire rotations and oil changes I have not needed to do any other repairs. I have been hit twice in this car. Both times it was my front bumper that took the damage. The other drivers have been at fault and my bumper only suffered a crack in the middle of the bumper. There was no interior damage in either accident. The bumpers are really tough
