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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Get the LS, upgraded engine - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By MNB - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Could be a great compact to get really, really cheap because it depreciates like crazy. Find 1) an LS, big improvements over STD, 2) an upgraded engine. I have the better engine, and it makes the car much better to drive, accelerate, etc. Makes the Neon & Corolla feel like a Big Wheel in comparison. I find it pretty comfortable, but some people dont. Tires were good in the winter, havent had to replace. A few of these cars were lemons (read other reviews) so be sure to get maintenance records from the seller. Up to 40K, Ive only replaced the brakes. But you could get a pretty solid car with this one. My car is only worth $5K, thats a steal.

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  short drive-traded it off! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ford8n1 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded a Ford Escort in for a new Cavalier. The seats were "horrible" with these deep designer groves that hurt your butt and back. Added seat cushion and thick seat covers-Malibu seats are good should have installed one of those. View to back terrible with back seat headrests and third light in middle of view. Cornered like a drunken sailor. Traded it for a different car with only 4800 miles on it. Defroster design in middle of windshield not very effective either as it distributed fan pattern in middle with no coverage till later for the driver to see through. To me a dated design ready to be replaced! My 1999 Escort handled better with better seats!

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  Great car for the price - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Anthony - July 17 - 5:34 am

  I bought this car in 2007 with about 17k miles on it for $7000. I have had very little problems with it since then. Check engine light came on maybe at about 40k miles and it was a small $100 fix. Instrument cluster did screw up which is pretty common for those cars. Got that fixed online for $50. My air door actuator went bad around 60k miles but that was a cheap $25 part. Biggest fix was replacing the rear brakes because some spring broke about a year ago at roughly 100k miles. That repair was about $700 but I think I was screwed over by the repair shop. Shouldnt have cost that much. Other than that I havent really had any other problems with the car. I only do oil changes about every 6000k miles or so and the car always runs great. I still have it today and its still running great at 145k miles. I plan on keeping this car until it finally craps out. Overall had this car 9 years, paid 7k for it, and have had far less problems than any person I know with their car. Great Buy!!!

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  GREAT WORK - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CATHY ISBELL - July 14 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR LOOKS AND PREFORMS GREAT. THE NEW STYLING IS ASOME. THE CAR HANDLES BEAUTIFULY. IT HAS A NEW AGRESSIVE LOOK, THAT MAKES A BOLD STATEMENT. ILIKE IT BECAUSE ITS DIFFERENT, EVERYBODY NOW DAYS HAS A HONDA, MITSUBISHI, OR A NISSAN, THOSE ARE GREAT CARS BUT, I DONT LIKE BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. I LIKE BEING DIFFERENT AND THIS CAR MAKES IT POSSIBLE.

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  A reliable car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BTH - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Its not a fancy car, but it was a good value and it is reliable. I have not had any problems with this car. I use it to go to work. For the money it was the best and newest used car I could find for the money.

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  Im gonna miss you olgirl - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By GM Girl - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since we bought it new. She doesnt owe us a nickel! With 188K miles on it, my husband still takes her out on roadtrips over 400 miles one way. He travelled from Philly to Cle on a single tank of gas. He has driven this car very hard over the years and she still just zips right along. Now that he has a new truck, Im left choosing between the 96 Saturn with 120K miles or or my old faithful girl. Guess which one Id choose?? But with my luck, the day I sell the Saturn and all its troubles, my cav will give up the ghost! This is our 2nd Cav, and Id buy another if I didnt have 2 growing kids.

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  Its just a Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Still drives a Chevy - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Initially loved the cheap price I paid, but soon discovered it was a cheap car. No major problems, but a few things have broken including the a/c vent, seat, a few wheel covers, and the accumulator assembly had to be replaced. The CD player tends to skip if an entire CD is played, no matter how new the CD is. There is a lot of wind noise, you have to turn the radio way up when driving on the highway. Get up speed is good. The car is light and can be pushed around by the wind on the interstate. The car looks sporty, but you cant tell the year of the car by the outside unless youre looking at the front or the back. Inside looks like my old Corsica.

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  Best Car I have owned - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shadow822 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and have been very pleased with it. Love the 2.4L engine. I am 59" and the drivers seat is fine for me. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg in town. I have looked at the new Chevrolets and the seats seem very hard and uncomfortable to me. The maintenance on this car has been very little. The main reason I would not buy another is the seating and they no longer offer the 2.4L engine.

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  cavalier review - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By damian - June 24 - 2:00 am

  i am sastify with this car as far as the gas mileage,as far as the guality of is interior my opinion is that it is very cheap.I also had problems with the seals in the windshild it cause some water damage.I am very sastify with the exterior design.I had not other problem so far with this car.

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  My Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JoeinSand - June 22 - 2:00 am

  So far my experiene is great. It may lack some features other cars have in that makeket, but I love the over all look of my Cavalier. I have the base model w/ the sport pakage. Its much better than my last Dodge Neon or Nissian Sentra.