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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 311 through 320 of 1,309.00-
So Great I Bought It Twice - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Mobfusion - September 13 - 2:00 amMy vehile was flooded during Hurricaine Charly. So I went out and bought a new Chevy Cav.
-
new cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By NicciDeorio - September 6 - 2:00 ami just bought a brand new chevy cavalier.its a great car. very dependable drives great. and nice looking as well
-
cavaliers are good - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By blo1170 - September 4 - 2:00 amthe car is fun to drive. it handles surprisingly good with minimal body roll it feels glued to the ground, accelleration is peppy but not a traffic light warrior. the exterior looks great the interior is cheap looking but ok.all in all the best cavalier ever made.
-
Good Little Car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By dynomatastic - September 2 - 2:00 amI bought my used Cavalier in 2001 with 38,000 and since then have driven it to hell and back (average 22,000/year Total: 102,000 to-date). Hasent died on me yet! Only major problems was with the ABS which was still covered under warranty. But this car has taken a lickin and has kept on tickin (been in 2 fender benders and backed into by SUVs about 4 times). This has been a great second car (not as fun as my 89 Tracer Hatchback :), gets great gas milage, and I hope it will last me another 22,000 miles! *knocks on wood*
-
follow up - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By greennirvana102 - August 28 - 2:00 amwell, ive had the car for about a year now and nothing really has gone wrong with it. its at 120,000 miles and still runs strong. Ive put about $1000 in repairs though...... but that was all stuff I knew I had to get. Tires, water pump, and tune up. Overall, great car.
-
I agree with "Not again by vaaccess" - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Hell Boy - August 25 - 2:00 amI agree with Vaaccess a 100%! I bought my Z24, because I wanted a cool car to get me to college, and work. But the car became more problem, then it is worth it. Several times I went down to Toyota and Hyundai dealerships looking to trade inn my z24. But I just could not trade in my sports coupe for an Accent or an Echo. The only thing that stoped me was a thought of giving up my hard earned monthly paycheck just to pay for the new car and insurance. Other wise I would have done it a long time ago! This tought me a valuable lesson of never buying another American car again.
-
Reliable Cavalier - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By JMeadows - August 23 - 2:00 amA very good, reliable and gas friendly vehicle. Very little up keep other than basic oil changes, etc.
-
Buy one - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Ron Fowler - August 21 - 2:00 amHad mine for 6 months. Ride is very good. Acceleration better than expected. 22 mpg around town. A/C works super (florida). Has most wanted accesories, standard (LS series). Downgrade this car for wind noise when window is open. Excellant radio, with sub woofer std. With todays discounts this is a super bargain.
-
Excellent value - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jarvi - July 26 - 10:00 amI have driven it for 15000 KM so far and I enjoy it every time I drive it.You can not get anything better for the money. Very stylish. Excellent on gas. Nice interior layout except for the central console.
-
really is a okay car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By natalie8 - July 25 - 2:00 ami have to say i think it is a okay car. i havent had any problems out of it yet!. i think it depends on how you keep a car up. the only thing i dont like is it needs more room and i wish mine had another cup holder in the front.
