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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Cavaliers are a great car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kirby - January 15 - 11:48 pm

  This is now my 6th Cavalier. No matter how you cut it they are reliable and low maintenance. In the past 18 months of owning the 2000 cavalier I have now, it has cost me less than $200.00 in total repairs(regular oil changes included). My only complaint is the suspension is a little weak. All Cavaliers have been known to hit hard over bumps leaving the comfort of driving being sacrificed. However if you can sacrifice the comfortable drive for a cheap, reliable, low maintenance, gas miser. Then a Cavalier is right for you.

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  Head Gaskets-Bad - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sandy - January 13 - 3:13 pm

  This car went trough its first set of head gaskets under 12,000 miles, then again in the 20,000s. These first two times it was under warrenty. But it went again, this time I had to pay. It is not cheap. You think Chevy would have recalled or taken care of this problem. I was not the only one. So can you guess what this car needs now again for the 4th time? Yes, head gaskets again... So you know that this time I will not buy a Chevy again. They just dont take care of their customers. Time to buy a Honda Civic.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CarolA - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 93 Cavalier. I had great luck with the car. I owned it for 6 years and the worst thing that went wrong was the head gasket... but hey it was ten years old. I found it to be a reliable dependable car so I decided to purchase a newer model.

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  Very much improved!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BobnSue - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had a 95 Cavalier coupe. When my parents took me out car shopping for a new car I chose the much improved 2003 LS Coupe with an automatic transmission. I dont know why they say its not improved because everything from the seats and controls to the engine and transmission including traction control are much better than my (also a first year design) 95 Cavalier. Its much peppier than my 95 and gets great gas mileage, better than rated. Ive owned it 6 months and love it! The only problem Ive had was it was delivered with a wobbly drivers side power mirror. Why not buy American!

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  Not Bad for the Price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CheesyEagle - January 7 - 9:06 am

  Sharp exterior styling, responsive handling, and a strong engine make this an enjoyable car to drive. The poor build quality, ugly interior (especially the steering wheel) and relatively low level of refinement always leave you wanting more. Overall the bargain basement price makes this package worthwhile, but Chevy still has a long way to go in order to compete with the "imports" (loosely termed).

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  2005 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James Jardine - January 5 - 10:47 pm

  Very good ride. The engine is smooth with excellent fuel economy and surprising power. The 5 speed manual is excellent. The durability, reliabilty and cost of ownership have been excellent and keep me coming back.

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  Computer missing - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Grote - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I got the car, and in less than five weeks my computer had to be replaced. Then after getting the computer back someone rear-ended me. I must say considering the force of impact the car withstood the blow. Im still waiting to get it back.

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  Interior Needs Redesign - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Blackwell - December 29 - 12:31 pm

  Maybe because Im short-windshield view is very narrow between the top of steering wheel & bottom of sun visor. The elevated position of the wiper is VERY distracting! HATE the steering wheel-instrument panel&ignition are hidden from view-you have to crane your neck to see around it & grope to insert the key. Window controls are too far toward the rear of the console. Front doors do not open far enough for easy entry. Dash lights cant be dimmed to level I find comfortable for night driving. Black XM radio antenna looks like a wart-should match the body color. Noisy inside-not yet sure if noise level is engine noise or road noise from the tires-I may change tires. Poor radio sound adjustment

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  Good Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Daniel - December 29 - 5:20 am

  I had this car for four and a half years without any major problems with the engine or transmission. The dash did crack though and the car had three recalls for minor things. Overall I was satisfied with it. The reason why I got rid of it is because I found out about its poor crash rating. According to many reports this is the most unsafe car on the road especially regarding side impact.

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  WORTH IT - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By LIZ - December 28 - 1:36 pm

  FUN TO DRIVE,VERY FUEL EFFICIENT...HANDLES THE CURVES VERY EASY.THE CAR COMES WITH A LOT OF FEATURES THAT MOST CARS WOULD CHARGE EXTRA FOR...EVEN THOUGH I OWN THE MOST BASIC MODEL AND I DO NOT HAVE POWER LOCKS OR WINDOWS