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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  LS Sport Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Funcritter - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive! Chevy had finally designed the Cavalier so that it looks great, is fun to drive and has ALL the features one could want in a car. The handling is fine, could have been a bit improved over moderate bumpy roads but otherwise, I have no complaints. Thanks Chevy!

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  Just Fine - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kggggd - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Never a problem, good economy, decent performance, great basic car. I compared Neons, Escorts, Focus and Civics. they either didnt fair as well or were priced too high.

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  Just Plain Great! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Gurliej25 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have read other reviews about this car and it boogles my mind how people could dislike this car. I bought it with 6000 miles on it and havnt had a problem yet! I love everything about the cavalier, and am very dissapointed that 2004 was the last year for them. But i can gurentee I will always buy a chevy!

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  2004 Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jen6374 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Hi this is my 3rd cavaler and my favorite drives awsome i just got it on August 5

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  Excellent car for young, wild drivers - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By anusia - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever had. It is very comfortable and I really enjoy rididng it. At the time that I bought it, it was the only yellow car that I saw and I took it. I dont regret it and would recommend it for any type of population. If its young or old the car is really perfect for anybody. I wouldnt trade it for any car.

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  Good Cheap Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ooaiiau - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I made it through a lousy dealership and got an awesome little car. My only complaint is the power windows. Sure it could use more power, but I already knew i wasnt buying a corvette. For the price & what it is, this is an excellent and very reliable car.

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  cavalier - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jamie24 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have ever had with my car is the driver side window (power window) stopped working.

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  my cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By curtis bowes - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i would like to say that my chevy cavalier is a very dependable car. the price is affordable and it is very great on gas i recomend this car for anyone that wants to have a car thats fun to drive thankyou curtis bowes

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  wow - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chelsea - July 16 - 2:00 am

  its was an awsome car

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  Awesome to drive! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tracy Nelson - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for eight years and enjoyed every minute of it, my teenage daughter even loves it! Its comfortable, reliable, good on gas, and stylish. I can put it pretty much wherever I want it whether I am in traffic or parking. I highly recommend this car unless you are over about 64", I imagine it might be a little too cramped up then. My husband is that tall and is comfortable in it.