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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Very disappointing - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Steve-o - April 22 - 8:40 am

  Ive never had more problems with a car than this one. My Cavalier has had one thing go wrong after the other. Its never been abused, the oil has been changed every 3,000 miles and its not even driven that much. I only have one more year of payments, but Ive decided to trade it in for something other than a GM. Maybe I just got a lemon. For those who are about to buy one, beware. The Cavalier is a cheap car and its one of those things where you get what you pay for. I guess its back to imports for me.

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  worst car ever - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By * - April 21 - 10:15 pm

  Cd player doesnt work. The stick is hard to move and sometimes doesnt go into park and has to be shoved. Dashboard rattles. Mileage does not show up half of the time. Passenger side window does not go up, therefore it never goes down. Air conditioner wires cracked. Im sure Im forgetting things but I just cant remember everything wrong with this car. This is the worst car known to mankind, probably getting rid of it during the summer.

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  Rattle trap after 8 years - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mkbangs - April 21 - 9:42 pm

  I bought this car brand new and had no complaints for about 8 years. Then it began to rattle me silly at idle in drive. I tried everything. New motor mounts, insulation, new plugs and wires. I finally had to get rid of it. I paid a good price for it and I enjoyed it most of the time. I wont buy another Chevy though because of it. It was like the minute it was paid off it was done. Also the auto door locks quit working on the driver side and the passenger window stopped working correctly and neither were electric.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tonya - April 21 - 10:58 am

  I bought this car with 7 miles on it in 2002. Since then I have pretty much driven the heck out of it. Had a rear light replaced and emissions sticker put on as far as the recall, but the only major thing Ive replaced was the fuel pump. Im pretty hard on cars, so of course Ive had general maintenance work, including brakes....and maybe a tire or 3. This car gets great gas mileage, even with the A/C on. I drive all over, so I needed something economical. This makes my 3rd Cavalier. Previously I owned a 1988 and 1994, both were great cars. I will drive this car til it falls apart, since GM discontinued it. This car has been the very best. Plus, its completely paid off!

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  Great gas mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ty - April 18 - 11:46 pm

  With regular maint. This has been such a problem free car. Me and my son drove from AL to SD for vacation road trip, I got great gas mileage!

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  Great Little Car! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bethann591 - April 15 - 1:30 pm

  I bought my 1997 Cavalier used in 2000 with only 50,000 miles on it. Its been a sturdy, reliable, and fun little car. Ive put another 74,000 miles on it driving all over the country. Recently I encountered a freak sleet storm in rural Montana and ended up rolling my car in a ditch. I always said Id drive that car until it died, and boy did I. The car was totaled, but I was able to walk away from the accident with minor scratches and bruises. Thank you, Cavalier! You did you job well!

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  The Price is Right - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CapoFerro - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing bad to say about this car. If you are looking for a no frills car that will give you reliability, overall driving confidence and will not hurt your deminshed bank account in this poor market then this is the car for you.

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  Unhappy Cavalier Owner - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By betht_121 - April 3 - 3:25 pm

  This car was not even weatherproofed at the factory, bought it brand new. Nothing but problems. Customer service was no help other than replacing the carpeting after the car flooded from no weatherproofing (the "new" carpet doesnt even fit). The dashboard rattles, the window broke very early in ownership, the trunk light was wired wrong. There is still something wrong wiring-wise but no one can find it. Did I mention the customer service experience left a lot to be desired. I have been trying to get them to address any of these issues for almost 2 years now. . I wouldnt recommend a Chevy to anyone.

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  My very first car, and boy am I happy wiith it! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jesus - April 1 - 6:57 am

  I bought this car for $850 from some shady dude. I was skeptical since its my first time buying a car but I think I got a pretty good deal! Car has 208k miles on it and it runs like a champ. Ive owned it for around 6 months now, drive it everyday for work. Gas mileage is amazing, 15 bucks fills the tank and it lasts around a week and half! It handles beautifully and its pretty fast too. It currently has only 2 issues, the gas gauge went bad and it needs the passenger side engine mount replaced, but its nothing serious or that cant be fixed. I truly recommend this car if youre looking for your first car.

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  Great for the money - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ryan - March 31 - 8:56 am

  Its a car. I only put about 3000 miles on a year but reliability is great. Extremely uncomfortable seats, dasboard cracks, stereo system ok, car is black and only after 7 years the paint is in horrible condition, but is expected for color. Reliability is great and most parts if needed are extremely cheap for someone who can install themselves. Never had any major problems with anything else