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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 Product for the Money - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rebekah - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My car is primarily used for vacations, weekend trips, shopping etc, not commuting to work. With the rebate the total cost on my car ended up being between $13-14,000. For this amount of money I think I got a great deal on a reliable vehicle. Ive had no engine or mechanical problems with the car in the five months Ive had it. But, the seats need to be more comfortable. My lower back hurts after a two hour drive. Also, the viser moves the rear-view mirror every time you put it down. Thats a pain. I love the styling of the car outside and the power windows and locks. I think the backseat is nicely spacious for a coupe. Great stereo and air conditioning.

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  Good All Around Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chevy Guy - April 6 - 1:24 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years now and it has been a completely reliable vehicle. I purchased this car based on two other reliable experiences with the same make/model. I commute every day from suburbs to city in all kinds of weather (including snow - i use snow tires too) and this car performs very well. Car gets very good gas mileage and decent performance with 4cyl/auto combination. No major mechanical/quality problems. Only problems of any kind has been an ABS sensor that failed and sticky power door locks (both warranty repairs). There are not many cars that have this value for the money.

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  Teens First Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sk8mom5am - April 2 - 10:27 am

  We bought our daughter this car because the price with the all the great features far outweighed a late model used car. It is a very loaded car (satellite radio, tail fin, alloy wheels) so it looks updated and she loves it! It has been extremely reliable and we have been very pleased. I will caution that for an adult it may feel a bit tiny, but it gives a solid, peppy drive.

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  97 Cavalier - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joe - February 25 - 9:41 am

  Just bought it as a work car. Only had 54,000 miles on it, so not a bad deal. To me the interior is very reminiscent of the 1980s and early 1990s Cavaliers. Most everything seems to be in a logical location. I like the fact that its cheap, easy to maintain and its decent on gas. Ive driven Cavaliers before, and never had any trouble with them! Although I had forgotten about the loud, droning exhaust note from those GM 4-bangers.

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  2004 Chevy Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 2004 Chevy Cavalier - February 23 - 1:02 pm

  I have been a Chevy owner ever since I was able to drive. I have never had a serious problem with any Chevy Ive owned. If they have had a problem Its a cheap and easy fix I found I could do myself. My 2004 Cavalier is extremely good on gas. Its really reliable this winter. I havent slipped while driving and I still only have the stock tires on it...not even winter ones. I handles curves pretty while at higher speeds and brakes quickly. Its small enough to squeeze in and out of city traffic easily but yet large enough to fit 4 adults comfortable. I especially like the trunk... its alot larger then it looks. It has good pick up when you need to pass also.

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  good bang for the buck - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By unwarranted - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a year ago. Its actually a 2001 Z24. At first I was a little upset that I bought this car instead of a Honda Civic. If it wasnt for this cars poor resale value it would be ideal. If you plan on keeping this car to its end then its perfect. The acceleration and performance is much better than a Civic. The Civic I found hardly had any pep to it. The ride quality is a litte noisier than a Civic. My wifes corolla seems like a better ride than this, but I got the stick in the Z24 and it sure if fun. I had test drove both the automatic and the manual and I would recommend the manual over the automatic.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By darrell hovermale - February 8 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased this car for a short commute to work, however I have taken it on vacation, and it performed quite well. Sometimes I think the high- falutin car critics,are just a bit too critical of American cars. My Cavalier is reliable, peppy, and a good looking car. Im happy with it, and I dont care what anyone else says. My next vehicle will probably be a Chevrolet.

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By timothytheroux - February 1 - 10:54 am

  I wanted a cheap commuter car that was good on gas, cheap to run, and that I would not feel guilty about racking up excessive mileage. I have to say that I have been very pleased with this vehicle, especially when I factor in what I paid for it. Including the rebates and incentives, I got my car out the door for less than $10K w/taxes and fees! For this money, I got a good looking, decent performing vehicle that is maintenace free until 100k miles. I have been very satisfied with the engine and transmissions performance, as they are the same used in the new Cobalt. The interior looks respectable, and is comfortable for an average size person.

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  Go Go Speed Racer - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Melissa - January 20 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this car because I needed something cheap since Im starting a new job and going back to school. I had very low hopes for the Cavalier but just needed something to get me from point A to B. When I first got the car I dubbed it the "Go-kart" because it was so small. I had no idea this car would be so much fun to drive.

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  Good basic transportation - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By PublicTrans-no more - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car seems to have been designed to be basic transportation with a few extra features to make you forget that. While the Cavalier may be a bit higher priced than its rivals in the same catagory, you cant find a better mode of basic transportation. The automatic transmission is a charm, seemlessly gliding through gears, and the 140HP engine pops when you need it to. The ECOTEC engine also sips fuel, my highway mileage is easily 38-40 MPG. How we ever got by without 60/40 fold down seats Ill never know, this feature is the bridge in utility that hatchbacks always had, and traditional coupes could only dream of...until now.