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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 best car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By allhailadam55 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  the car is great except a little laggy on the automatic trans. but besides that everything is average or above in my book i dont know what the editors problem is!!!!!

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  Slow but steady wins the race - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By single mom - November 22 - 3:55 pm

  I have been driving this car for over 10 years without any problems. It has 180,000 miles on it and no major repairs. Replaced exhaust due to rust, but I live in the snow belt so lots of road salt. An edging of rust just starting along the bottom of the doors. With Nokia tires I have driven this car thru blizzards and floods. As a single mom, I need reliability. It has never left me stranded. It is a no-frills version, so there were no gadgets to breakdown. Still gets 30 mpg and the interior still looks like new. Seats have been very durable. I dont think you can go wrong buying a used Cavalier if you are looking for basic transportation. This has been the best car!

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  Not the best - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By HBB - November 18 - 5:36 pm

  I was given this car as my first car. The design is very sporty but the interior is out dated. It gets great gas mileage and is a good starter car. It is very small! Although it only has 30,000 miles on it, it sometimes kills and doesnt want to start.

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  My 2005 Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By LBC - November 11 - 7:28 pm

  My father bought me this Cavalier used with almost 80,000 miles in May of 2008. There is about 83,000 miles on it now and its been pretty awesome so far. My father bought this car with a crack in the exhaust manifold. Not a big deal but can be very annoying and embarassing sounding when she first starts up. Overall I really love driving this car. Its a great upgrade from the 1998 base model Cavalier I had before this one.

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  2001 Cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By angela - November 4 - 10:08 am

  I havent had any problems with it yet, besides the cruise control not working and the A/C doesnt work so it gets really hot in the summer with the dark interiors. But not using the A/C gives me even better gas mileage.

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  Great gas mileage! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sassycat - November 3 - 4:49 pm

  I was driving our SUV to work everyday and got the Cavalier to save on gas. I love this car. Its cute, reliable and definitely performs in the mileage-saving area. On the open road Ive gotten 40-mpg! Ive driven this car solo across the country a number of times and have had no problems. It has about 80,000 miles on it but the interior and exterior still look new after a wash & wax. Had a clogged fuel line that caused problems last year but that has been fixed. A strut bearing needs attention, apparently thats a typical problem, annoying but not critical.

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  Good value - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rt - October 28 - 10:28 pm

  My car has over 145,000 miles on it and virtually trouble free. Only the fuel pump replaced (at $500 at 5 yrs and 125k mark) the rest was maintenance: tires, serpentine belt, battery, brakes, but nothing at all expensive. 2/3 of the mileage is freeway the rest local. I drive 70, get 35mpg without air, 33 with air on. 5 speed. no frills, except CD player. No issues and no worries.

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  Fond Memories! - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rachel - October 26 - 10:07 pm

  This was the best car I ever owned! I bought it used with 43,000 miles on it and put another 135,000 miles in 6 years. It ran like a dream even after it was flooded in Florida! The A/C didnt work so great after the fire, but it still ran for another year. (if you change the oil, dont leave the rag and bottle under the hood!) If you take care of it, itll last you a really long time

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  Sad, Its a Joke - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By noone99 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had a 91 Olds Cutlass Calais to 2K Cavalier. I almost/should have bought a Honda Civic. Wife has a 2K Odyssey. Cavalier has 33,000 miles. I’ve heard noises from the front struts, a recall on the electrical system, rear defogger takes 3 times longer then Calais. I have a 5 speed. When hot out-side with A/C on under load, Cavalier doesn’t have an A/C compressor cut-off, causes “sitting duck” at 25-35 MPH in 2nd gear. Dealer says, “its designed that way". Stereo, 91 Calais had much better factory speakers. I went from the perfect running car to a joke. Dad’s Cavalier is punishment if you have a 11 year-old daughter that gets into trouble, who doesn’t want her friends to see her in this car.

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  Got Milk? - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By LMX - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Thus far, I have had no problems with my car, and although it is less than 5 months old, I bought a 99 Z-24 brand new, and traded it in, so I had it around 3 years, with no major problems, and only normal wear and tear expenses with my very aggressive driving style. I race, and these cars have held up suprisingly well with the stresses I put it through, although I do keep it excellently maintained.