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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Excellent Value!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rtoumbs - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Cavalier I have purchased in the last seven years. I have spent almost nothing on maintenance. I totaled the first one in a head on collision and walked away without a scratch. The 2nd one is now being driven by my 15 year old son and I just bought a new 2004 LS Sedan. None of the compacts I looked at came close with regards to engine power, standard features, and price. I will hold on to this Cavalier until they bring back the model name in 2016 or whenever Chevy comes to their senses. This car makes the daily-recalled Ford Focus look like a joke!!!

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  Love my 94 Cavalier - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rlenser - April 4 - 2:08 pm

  Have had the car 11 yrs now, and will regular maintenance, it has been worth every penny. Surprisingly, we were considering selling it (its the bright shiny red rally sport coupe) and its kept higher value (vs initial price) than our other vehicles! Love my Chevy!

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  A Rocket - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Keith - April 2 - 2:27 pm

  The Cavalier is sporty and fast for a 4 cylinder and getting over 30 mpg with the price of gas doesnt hurt either. With the manual transmission, it shifts smooth and makes it easy to merge on the highway. So far there havent been any squeeks or rattles. Over all I give this car a 10! Hats off to Chevy.

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  I love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By elou8271 - April 2 - 1:49 pm

  I love my Chevy Cavalier. I dont look at other cars anymore and wish I had them! I am 400% completely satisfied with my purchase and if this one should ever run down...many many years from now...I know that Ill be purchasing another Cavalier to replace it!

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  Great Little Car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cc732 - April 2 - 7:40 am

  I am still very pleased with this cars performance and reliability. It now has nearly 80,000 miles (128,000 kms)and has only needed a right power steering hose replaced. I had the radiator flushed and replaced the transmission fluid at 65,000 mi. (recommended maitenence in Owners Manual). The original Goodyear tires were replaced at 62,000 mi.(100,000 kms) because the traction in snow and ice was going away. Decent discount tires were purchased and are satisfactory for handling and performance in city and highway driving. The paint and accessories are all still good. A trim piece under the windshield on the dash has developed a minor crack.

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  I love it.... - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kelly - April 1 - 10:55 pm

  I love my Cavalier, and it shows by the way it looks. My friends are surprised at how quick it is, being that Cavaliers have such a bad reputation for being slow, when my car can move quick. Anyone who is looking to purchase a Cavalier, I recommend it. I get almost 28 Miles per gallon. You cant beat that!

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  excellent car for a reasonable cost - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By doug lindstrand - April 1 - 1:46 pm

  Chevy had a 5000 dollar rebate so I bought this car for under 10,000 dollars out the door tax included. It is very well equiped too. It is fun to drive, excellent power, and it has a quality feel to it. Im completely satisified and feel this car as as good as any import in this class.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Fun car - March 31 - 11:48 pm

  I have gotten great gas mileage out of this vehicle (up to 34mpg highway). It is a fun, sporty car with a little more kick to it than the average Cavalier. It is a great car for those that are single or have no kids (being a 2 door and a compact back seat would probably be a little bit of a hassle with carseats although the capability is there). This is a great, stylish, dependable car for those that want something fun to drive.

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  2005 Chevy Cavalier LS Sport - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Gale Camuso - March 31 - 11:41 pm

  I am very happy with my purchase. This is the 4th Cavalier I have purchased. It helped to have a large rebate on it. Its very sporty (I have been stopped and told its a nice looking car - very sporty) It came with the mp3 player and satellite system and I am very happy with that as well. Drives very smooth and quiet. I am sorry to hear this is the last year that Chevy is making Cavaliers. I will have to figure out what kind of car is will be buying in 4 years from now. The interior looks like the previous Cavalier RS 1998 I had.

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  Driving till the wheels fall off - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Scottyd - March 31 - 12:14 pm

  I now have 206,000 miles on my Cavalier and it is still running like a champ! I still get roughly 33 mpg and I dont ever use any oil. The only major repairs were that I replaced the front brakes and rotors twice, and both front bearings twice, but it has never let me down. Great Car!