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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 371 through 380 of 1,309.00-
killa car - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
By killakam - December 25 - 2:00 amheater core problems that about it...i bought it for like 5 hundred canadian...its got 261000km on it, but it still runs great
-
Pretty good 5yr old buy. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By josamas - December 23 - 2:00 amI bought the car used (I would never have bought it new, 16.5k to high), the car was a steal at $3,300(thanks GM for your high deprec. rate). After five years the car still performs well for its kind and I would highly recomend it to someone bargain hunting for a compact car but want something that looks, and perform good or a teen going off to college, use the money you save on your college tuition instead of using it on a lousy car note for an over priced automobile.
-
Good car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Mr_Picks1 - December 19 - 10:00 amFun car to drive to drive with the 5 speed trans, great gas mileage, very quiet motor.
-
Getting what you pay for - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Snookums - December 13 - 2:00 amI bought this car with hesitation.I knew I didnt have the best car,but i also didnt expect problems from a new car.Such as...the visor is my biggest annoyance,stalls on occasion,floor matt on drivers side,electrical problems with two windows,blinkers,tailights and controls in the middle.Uncomfortable seats,loud A/C,cups dont fit in oddly placed cupholders. Worst of all, TERRIBLE PAINT JOB(if an acorn falls on my car it gets scratched)! I never knew of ANY car where a light in the glovebox was NOT standard! Nonetheless,i do like my Cavilier. Breaks work very good,gas mileage is awesome,nice look,safety features,radio/speakers,A/C,dimmed lights,performance.
-
Good value car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By TopD22 - December 8 - 2:00 amIts no Lexus, but its a pretty good car for the price I paid 10K. Came with automatic tranny, sunroof, rear spoiler and cd player. Has pretty good ups for a 4 cylinder, and very firm brakes. Only problem I had was a burnt out right brakelight, which was covered by warranty and fixed in 15 minutes. Very good car when compared to the similiarly priced Hyundai Accent and Kia.
-
read this:) - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By squeakky131 - December 4 - 2:00 ami bought this car in june and its been great since then. ive put 5k on it since then with no problems. engine is quiet but sounds healthy, and is surpringly powerful for a 4cyl. everyone seems to have gotten a good deal on their cavis, im paying 18k including interest.. i got shafted and the car is def not worth that much! i get good gas mileage. sometimes feel that the interior was very cheaply made- like the interior door paneling is going to fall off when someone shuts the door. the heat gets VERY hot but when you turn it off its too cold..
-
what a surprise! - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
By thewrightstuff - November 30 - 2:00 amI took this car over from my mother when i moved to the area in 1999. i drive it hard because i live 50 miles from work, plus regular driving from place to place. this car has been reliable and beautiful! it looks brand new when washed, 7 yrs later, what a nice finish! as an ARCHITECTURAL interior designer, i would make improvements to the interior, but as a vehicle its been great and efficient. my mother bought the car used and someone had switched radios. it works but is a pain to figure out and theres no documentation on it. the clock is always off.
-
nice car for the price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By tammyg - November 26 - 2:00 ami like my cavalier. i have had it for almost 5 months and it has been a very good and dependable car. it handles well and the pick up on it is really good for a 4 cylinder. i think the gas mileage is pretty good on it as i do lots of traveling. but i do a lot of interstate traveling and seem to be having to fill up just as often as i would doing in town driving. the car is very uncomfortable to be in for traveling though.
-
What Happened - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Rico83 - November 7 - 10:00 amI have had my car all of four months and I have had to replace both rear signal lights, my car has stalled and all before I even put 7K on the car. If this continues I may have to get another car soon.
-
Pretty great - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Cavalier owner - November 4 - 2:00 amits a very reliable car and fairly comfotable. i like the cd player and the a/c is great. allaround i think its a very good car.
