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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 1,309.00-
my second hwy trotter - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By jfp1042a - November 19 - 2:00 ammy second one the first 1 gave me 190000 miles with no repairs oh yes a water pump condidering that i drive 40000 miles a year the cav is mrs old reliable and not a money pit either excellent superb in snow to roomy spacious enoiugh even 4 a big guy rar to in my 4 doors good heating sys decent satero good instruments to improve...... seats and larger brakes and all 4 disks please
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The best first car ever! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Elcke - November 14 - 5:16 pmI love my little purple Cavalier, its so cute. I swear it has a life of its own because it looks after me, I couldve been in so many accidents with it. Ive hit numerous things with it and it still runs better than the day I got it!! I wouldnt trade it for anything.
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Chevy Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By JoCar - November 10 - 2:32 pmThis car took some steep mountains in VA and never fell below 50mph. Incredible for a 4cyl. Averaged 37mpg thru the mountains.
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I love my car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Rheamh - October 17 - 2:00 amI bought my 04 cavalier about 2 months ago. I couldnt be happier with it! I have always liked the cavaliers. I will never own anything but a chevy! If you buy a cavalier be prepared to be amazed!
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Excellent car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Toxi - October 13 - 2:00 amOnly have 1200 mi on our silver LS 4dr Cavalier- purchased over Labor Day weekend. Enjoy everything about it. Havent had snow/ice yet so dont know about the defroster. The a/c was a Godsend since that on our old 88 Mazda didnt work. We get 24 mpg running around town. Havent been on the highway yet. Getting used to the remote keyless entry. Traded in a 86 pontiac 6000 and 88 mazda 323- so weve moved into the 21st century.
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best car ive ever owned - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mag - October 12 - 2:00 amThis is the 3rd cavalier Ive owned, and I love it. It has a smooth ride, accelerates quickly, and looks great. I have a yellow cavalier, and so many people ask me about my car. Its sporty and drives like a dream.
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Saw it. Drove it. Bought it. - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By St. Patrick - October 11 - 2:00 amGreat car. Got premium sound, 16inch alloys, spoiler, sunroof, sport suspen, cruise, AC, chrome exhaust tip, MP3/CD player for base $16,000. "Pro" reviewers shred the Cavalier while at the same time say the Civic is the greatest car since the wheel was invented (BTW I grew up with Hondas). Flat rediculous at best. These reviews of the Cavalier are nonsense. There is no way the Civic will beat this car for the money, or period for that matter. This is a great car. The professional reviewers also complain that the interior has cheap plastic. Why is it that plastic is just fine on the inside of Japanese car or a MINI but is "cheap" in an Amer car?
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Great - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Tim W - October 9 - 2:00 amGreat for the money. No problems. Great MPG.
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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Geem - October 9 - 2:00 amThis is our 4th Cavalier. Obviously, we are very happy with them.
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Good Buy - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By K. - October 7 - 2:00 amI like how the car drives. Just breaking it in so for now fuel economy sucks but it will get better gettin about 28 on the highway 20 in the city rated for 26/37 but it will go up. No regrets about getting the stick. Only thing I miss about the Saturn I traded in is the remote keyless. This isnt a big deal with this car since its only 2 doors
