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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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2004 5 Speed Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Rickey - January 2 - 11:26 amAwesome engine and trans. The base Civic 5 speed I tested had anemic acceleration compared to the base Cavalier. The Cavalier sticks to the road very well with an acceptable ride quality. The BASE stereo with CD rocks! I also own a 93 Cavalier 4 door with 223,000 miles which is still very dependable(only unscheduled maint.was a set of fuel injectors), and another 04 Cavalier this is my wifes car which is an automatic with 24,000 trouble free miles. My "other car" is a 96 Caprice with 178,000 miles. I am very impressed by the amount of car Chevrolet offers for $10k. Based on the price, mileage, and reliability I have received I can personally say the imports dont impress me at all.
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Sporty looks, fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Wiccan1 - January 2 - 7:55 amI have only driven the car about 2500 miles so far. It is great looking, great on gas, comfortable, and pretty peppy for a 4 cyl. I took the car on a 1500 mile cross country trip, the only problem I had was from the Highway Patrol.lol
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Little Red Cav - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Kyle Carpenter - January 2 - 12:28 amI LOVE THIS CAR!!! its simple, and worth every dime I payed. I bought it with 3 miles on it now I have 32,000 miles. And Ive enjoyed every mile. I drove it from Florida to Northern Indiana to Maryland, Now i have it in Hawaii. I love the sporty look.
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Little Red Cav - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Kyle Carpenter - January 2 - 12:12 amI love my little red cavelier too bad I need to sell it. I have a 2yr old... We did have the car for the whole infant stage and it was still great.
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nice car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By douglas lindstrand - January 1 - 8:53 pmI only had this car for a few weeks but I can tell its a solid little car for the money. IT handles very well and goes thru snow and slush in a sure footed manner. Nice sound system and I just think its a winner. I paid less than 9,000 dollars for it excluding taxes and it is well equiped with auto, cruise, air, and a CD player-am-fm radio. Best buy I ever made.
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Best car for the money!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Ken Paulson - December 29 - 7:29 amBest car I have owned to date, very reliable! Cant wait to drive it again!!
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An excellent car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jack - December 28 - 6:23 pmAn excellent car for the $14.5K I paid totally. Many wonderful features. The engine, the transmission, the air condition are great! All these are expensive key parts.
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customer - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Cin - December 20 - 8:19 pmsave gas, fast speed. nice color to convience me to buy it. Like to use keyless remote. Like to have back seat to flip down, some room for my skis.
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Good Decision - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Diane - December 6 - 5:58 pmMy husband and I just bought the car earlier this month but we researched it a lot prior to buying it and test drove many cars before making our decision. So far I am really enjoying it and we are very pleased with it.
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Nice to drive and own, Looks sharp! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Red1 - December 2 - 1:04 amEasy to handle, eases in and out of traffic, great handling, looks sharp, comfortable for me, maybe not for larger individuals, sporty style....
