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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Good Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Robert - October 31 - 5:21 pm

  I was worried that my car would be a poor choice with all of the poor reviews from consumer reports, but the price was affordable so I got it. This car has been great! Good gas mileage 34mpg avg., never has given me a single problem. Other than styling, I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  The New Cavalier Can Move It! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By truegenius - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Having not quite driven 500 miles yet, I have to say the most impressive thing about the 03 Cavalier is the 2.2L EcoTec engine. It sounds good and, combined with the automatic xmission, moves very smoothly. I really feel the power when I get up around 60mph. My first Cav since 85, I hope GM has learned something about engineering. I like what I see so far.

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  Really Good Basic Transport - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By analyzerlx - October 3 - 11:39 pm

  Ive driven this Cavalier from Vegas to Baltimore, MD. back to Vegas and then to Georgia. Its been everywhere in-between. Ive used it as a pizza delivery car! I think GM did right with this engine and body style. I wish the fit-and-finish were up to Asian and Euro standards, but you get what you pay for I guess. I like the Cobalt, but think the Cavalier has a better look. Cavalier may have been a checkered ast, but it still is one of Chevys best selling cars ever! Cobalt should be renamed Cavalier to keep the legacy alive. I bought my car as a standard 4-door sedan w/o all the bells and whistles inside. Ive had to replace the trunk latch. Overall a great American car!

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  tanjim750 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tanjim - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven foreign cars and they do not compare with the cavalier.

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  Its a good car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By davidricepar - September 25 - 3:12 pm

  Ive had my 2004 STD COUPE for a little over a year now and I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I have the sport appearance package and I suggest that upgrade it makes a lot of difference for a little bit of money. This car is surprisingly smooth at fast highway speed (Im talking 90+ mph). It cruises easily at that pace and obviously even better at normal 70-75 mph. The handling is wonderful and makes it a joy to drive.

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  Nothin but Chevys - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NA - September 15 - 2:51 am

  This is the 2nd out of 3 Chevys ive owned and once again, no problems. I bought it from a young HS girl and even after a beating it still drove beautifully. Gas mileage was awesome, around 30MPG and a very peppy fun car to drive. A few minor maintenance issues, brakes, new battery, ect...but thats to be expected with any car. The seats were not the most comfortable and the back seats were not accomodating to anyone. Had a few problems with sticky buttons, dials, and such but I think it was due to previous owner. Truck space was good. Would reccomend to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, fuel effecient, and peppy car!

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  2003 Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jim - September 10 - 3:57 pm

  After owning a 96 Cavalier coupe, and putting 175,000 miles on it with no problems, original everything, I had to get a new one with the awsome ecotec. Performance mods are endless. even better than my first!

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hotboy71 - September 6 - 4:29 pm

  I purchased an 2005 Cavalier Coupe 9 months ago. So far, I dont think I have ever driven a 4 cyl car with as much pep and yet still sips gas like this car. Although the cars fit and finish are antiquated, at best, I feel I could have done a lot worse. A buddy of mine just bought an 05 Nissan Sentra SE-R and I would take my Cavalier in a minute over that. You think the materials used on the Cavalier are cheap? Try the Nissan and see what you get! Everythings made of hard, thin plastic. My view of the Cavalier, good car for the money.

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  New Lover - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By armygirl72 - September 1 - 1:52 pm

  I love the ride. The engine is a little noisy for my taste but the rest of car is self makes up for it.

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  My value package, soon LS sport coupe! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By raw cavalier - August 29 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my Cavalier about a year ago now and I must say it is very fun to drive and it gets great gas mileage! I have had several problems with the a/c and the check engine light but now that the car is back to being new, well almost anyway, it is great to have. I am planning on adding little performance mods and accessories to make the Cavalier even more stylish than it all ready is. Good car overall and hopefully is will very reliable in the future! Good luck with yours if you get one!