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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Best little car ever! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jes - June 10 - 11:07 am

  I bought this sweet little car right out of high school and have enjoyed it every day since. The only thing I have ever done to my car is get new tires and oil changes. It has never broke down or needed anything replaced. I have driven it hundreds of miles across the country and it is very comfortable for a little cheap car. I have to sell it now because I need a four door car for my new little baby. I am going to cry when my sweet little Cavalier goes away!

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  Amazing Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By LM - June 8 - 10:56 pm

  This car has made amazing mileage. On a trip across SD got 35 miles to the gallon and in normal traffic around 30 miles per gallon. It runs well and the air conditioning is excellent it keeps the entire car cool.

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  Great little car for your money - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kari - June 2 - 8:54 pm

  I bought this car brand new and Im just now trading it in. The only reason Im trading it, is because I need a bigger car for a family of 5. I wouldnt trade it if I didnt have too. Its been the best car I have ever owned. Ive only put on 81,600 miles on it and it still drives like its new. Had someone back into me but my father was able to pull the dent out and it doesnt look so bad. Only had to replace the tires and brakes. Great car for your money. Ill miss her, Ive been through a marriage and divorce and now a new family with her. I hope the next person loves her as much as I have.

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  Love the convertible - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jlash - June 2 - 8:07 pm

  Bought this convertible through an estate sale. Purchased it for fuel economy, but love to drive it, its a peppy little car that is fun to drive and very sporty looking. I get great fuel mileage and it turns heads when I drive down the street.

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  Good for the price - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By stillridinchevy - June 2 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my car in Nov of 2006, about to trade it in for something different. The suspension is really bad (every bump or hole in the road makes my car sound like its dying, when any other car Ive been in will go over the same ones very smoothly). I wouldnt recommend it for anyone with babies (small back seat), its not very safe (car would crumble in an accident), the front bumper is removable, it kind of "clips" on, the turn signal lights and tag light have been replaced many times, gas mileage is not that great! There is no way its 30MPG. Id say more like 20. Its not a bad car, overall I enjoyed having it.

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  Great car, great price - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By P - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  This was my first new car and has served me very well over the last 10 years. I use it exclusively for driving to work and put very few miles on it. For the most part no complaints. The battery post corroded from the inside after 10 years, cant beat that. CD broke after 9, but radio still works fine. Drivers window motor and A/C stopped working after 8 years. The A/C is something under the dash that is way too much to spend on a 10 year old car and the window motor, switch and relay has been replaced numerous times and it still doesnt work. Car always starts and still get 27 mpg average after 10 years. Great pick up for a 4 cyl. Most reliable car Ive ever had.

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  Fun to drive, great on gas, unbeaten! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bigbird91 - May 26 - 11:06 pm

  We purchased our 1998 Cavalier Z-24 coupe (2.2, 5 speed manual, the car had an engine change after previous owner blew the engine using NOS). Even with the smaller engine, this car is very fast, its a piece of cake to do a burnout. It has been very reliable, it has about 150,000 miles on it now. It gets great gas mileage (about 38 to the gallon if my dad drives, about 30 if I drive, but Im 16 and like to punch it.) Over all, this car is great, handles way better than the non Z-24 version, and looks great.

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  A perfect domestic car for $4 a gallon - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cutty - May 24 - 2:14 am

  I read all the reviews on here prior to buying, and the biggest thing I agree with is the suspension. The day I got it the coil springs snapped. I took care of that and since then had no problems. the car is great on gas 29/30 mpg. Mine has the 5 speed so it does move a lot better than the auto. I currently have 96k with no cracks on the dash either. The biggest thing that I can think of is that all the pedals have a noise to them but Im sure a little wd40 will cure that. Overall Im happy with it and would definitely recommend to others.

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  Great little car! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cheryl - May 19 - 8:17 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years (bought used) and have had no major problems. It handles very well even in the snow, and has a ton of spunk. The gas mileage is unbelievable, I get 28/city, 35hwy! Super fun to drive, nice tight steering and lots of acceleration, great sound system and convertible is perfect in the summer!

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  Our Baby - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Stargazer - May 17 - 10:57 pm

  My husband and I have had our Cavalier only a few months and have been very pleased with it. It is very fun to drive and we love the way it looks. We have read the other reviews and do not agree with everything that is said about the Cavalier. With todays gas prices it is a very economical car.