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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RandRJohnson - April 13 - 2:00 am

  We own a 98 Honda Civic, but we drive this car most of the time. It is a great traveling car, and is quiet and smooth. Overall this car is a great buy!

• 

  i like it - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Luke McKaskle - April 13 - 2:00 am

  currently i own a 2001 caviler i enjoy driving it. Its been a really good car very dependable. But there is not enough performance parts avalible for the 2001 model. So i was thinking of getting a new 2004 model with the new ecotec engine theres a lot more avalible for them like turbos and after market intake manifolds , exaust systems , header and so forth. But i am looking forward to driving a new one to see what this new engine is a about. From what Ive read so far im imprest . They made a 750hp engine out of a 4 cylinder without sliping the juice to it and only useing 24psi Luke McKaskle

• 

  good car now i have spent money - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fandfcavalier - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dicent lil car. not something to brag about but none the less its a car. i have upgraded the brakes, exhaust system, and intake system and after that i am impressed with the lil car. i have the 3 speed auto and i ran a 17.33 in the quarter and 9 sec 0-60 the other day. the only thing is that the 2.2 liter motors timing chain tenser is crap. i need it changed and the cheapest place to change it so far is 500 bucks. Another thing i hate is gms crappy alternators and water pumps. i am on the second water pump and the 3rd alternator. but other than all of that is been a good car.

• 

  Great fun car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By drkoz0123 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My Cavi was my 2nd car. I was looking for something sporty, reliable, and more safe than my previous car to go back and forth to college. Currently have 64000 miles. Only had a few problems but nothing major. One of them was recalled 2 years later and GM has been great to refund then money. Its great on fuel. Does OK when its really cold, Ive been stuck without a vehicle because it was too cold a few times. Seats are a little uncomfortable and bad for very tall and/or larger people. Needs more cup holders. Needs a better stereo system which I changed. The seat that folds down in back is great to haul stuff. Seems to dent and scratch easy.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CamaroSSFan - April 6 - 8:23 pm

  Bought mine in May 1999. Except for a failed battery, the car has exceeded expectations.(Even at 41000 miles, theres still half the tread left on the tires!) The look is still sharp despite dating from 1995, and, with routine maintenance and good care, very dependable. As long as the finish will last, this will be kept as a daily driver for years to come.

• 

  Very dependable car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Elysian - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I havent had a problem with this car yet. Ive put it through a lot, and the worst that has happened is that the locks tend to freeze in winter. My mother owned a Cavalier also and had no problems for eight years. Definitely recommended for drivers who want cheap and reliable.

• 

  UNHAPPY - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By WAS IT WORTH IT!! - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I JUST TRADED OFF MY WIFES CAV AND WE DID NOT GET BACK FOR WHAT IT WAS WORTH. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, AND STILL LOOKED NEW. THEY ONLY GAVE US 5000.00 FOR THE CAR, AND WE PAID 17,500.00 FOR THE DAMN THING.

• 

  Good for the money - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kmant - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Cavalier used with 57,000 miles on it. I had to replace the pulley on the a/c and the rear strut mount right away. I noticed it started leaking oil around 110,000 miles. I replaced the head gasket one weekend around 115,000 miles. There is rust on the bottom of the front and rear door on the passenger side. Had to replace the spark packs at 135,000 miles. There is a low humming noise when I turn left. I have 138,000 miles on it and that 2.2 still runs strong. No oil burning. Other than the above mentioned, the car always starts. For the money it is a good car and I would buy another.

• 

  I loved mine! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JCarter - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I just sold mine with 84,000+ miles, only because I need a bigger vehicle for my growing family! No mechanicle problems at all! Had the roter worked on once, but it was because I had to stop so hard and fast in a traffic jam. I did routine maint. on everything, and my car was a dream to own. I loved taking long trips because of fuel econ. and comfort, and would handle speeding fine!

• 

  Reliable car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Donald stavish - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had no costly repairs to talk about