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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Third Cavalier...no complaints - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lucky17757 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Despite Edmunds poor opinion of this car, I have had two new and one used Cavaliers and had a good experience . The horsepower and price with rebates makes it a keeper. Fuel economy is great also. Two thumbs up. Cant wait to try the new Cobalts in a few years when I have retired my new one!

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  Great daily driver - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By amp108 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and very reliable. I have never had to have any major work or any problems with anything on the car. The car gets very good gas mileage (25-30) and is quick compared to other compacts.

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  2001 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is great! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Curtis Lockwood - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The Chevrolet Cavalier we purchased is being used for our driving school in Columbia, SC. We have driven the first car for one year and put 50,000 miles without any repairs. We have found that it is extremely agile and the handling is terrific ( new drivers can be a challenge to teach even in a well handling car). We have gotten 32 MPG as an average through the first year and now have about 92000 miles on the first car. We just purchased another Cavalier to expand our business and plan to buy another before the end of the year.

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  Love this car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By heather stevens - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I always love to drive this car. It is cost effective and very reliable. It is a great car for first getting out of college.

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  i love my chevy cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By galaxiewoman26 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  i like my car .. theres no other car id rather have..its good on gas.. and its very dependable..

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  Best car for the price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lauren H - June 13 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for the price you pay for it. It has great handling, always reliable and stylish. Ive owned two cavaliers and neither ever gave me any mechanical trouble.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joe Zip - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Car rides very good. Interior is very good. Abnormal wind noise when driveing with window down. Console rubs my leg a little. Other than that, I like it very much.

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  matts review - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mattdude - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, i would suggest to buy it.

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  Road Tripper - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By roadjoy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought with $4K rebate in April. Put on Dunlop A2 Sport tires. Drove to Dallas from Phoenix. 75MPH+ at 35MPG+. Thin paint on inside of bottom of Passenger door. Otherwise, perfect. Less than an hour at the dealer ...

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  Fun drive - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Silver Bullet - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. You can throw it around. You wont beat too many in a 1/4 mile race, but the highway driving experience is a blast.