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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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

• 

  Honda killer - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Zoltrix - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car expecting it to be a gutless stock 4 cylinder. I put a spintech exhaust on it and a K&N filtercharger. the only cars that have beaten me were other cavaliers. My best story is of a 96 honda civic with a turbo and NOS. we did the first run and i was expecting to be beaten ...he missed second and i was gone.....then the second run he said i was finished so we lined up again i got a little better start ..he missed second again but found it fast he was starting to pull up to me hit third i heard a terrible noise and he dropped back and i won again....later i found out he fried his tranny and had to drive home in second gear...

• 

  AWESOME CAR. - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By keithe - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR IT HAS EVERTHING THAT I WANT. AWESOME ON FUEL. REALIABLE. I WILL NOT STOP BUY CHEVY PRODUCTS. IVE HAD SEVERAL CHEVYS AND I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM AT ALL.I GOT A GREAT DEAL ON IT TOO.ESPECAIALLY WITH THE AWESOME REBATES THEY HAVE NOW.

• 

  Cheap Fun - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kitty - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is affordable and fun to drive! It is exactly what I was looking for. It is really cute too! The new Ecotec four-cylinder is fast- for a four cylinder. (16 sec in 1/4 mile.)

• 

  Great Buy! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Montymax - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, with about 35,000 miles on it. I now have about 73,500 mils on it (all done in a little over 18 months). I have had no major mechanical problems and I drive the daylights out of it. (Only fixes are a front wheel bearing, front rotors and fuel pump - onyl rotors werent on extended warranty). I would recommend this car to anybody wanting a cheap, fun-to-drive, reliable sports coupe. Very good for a first car, or for a college student...

• 

  Love my girl - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Changita - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My Cavalier is three years old this month and I still love her. Had a few problems with the converter at first but since replacement shes been running like a champ. Driven across the country 3 times and never had a single problem. Shes small, sporty, and reliable.

• 

  Best Car I Have ever owned - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nathan Sweeney - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned. I have had a 93 Honda Civic and a 95 jeep Wrangler before the Z24. This thing gets 30 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving, goes 0 - 60 in like 8 seconds, and corners like a mofo. 100mph comes up easily in 5th gear and feels completely stable and in control. Insurance is the same as the 93 Civic for me, a 19 year old male. Had I owned this first, i would have never had the YJ or the Civic. Build quality is flawless in the Z24 except for the paint. Scratches easily. I just want to drive around as much as possible. Its a great car! Looking for a first car? get a Z24, you wont regret it!

• 

  I Love My Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Beckie - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my car. It handles the curves real well. I get awsome gas mileage both in town and on the highway. It is a spprty looking car, but is big enough to ride comfortably in it. This car as a lot of get up and go. Its great!

• 

  Great car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Great Z-24 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 months now. Its been great the only thing I have had to do is get the water pump replaced. other than that this Z-24 has been great. Ive put cold air intake on and it has a really nice deep tone. Ive also put euro style lights on and i must say they look great. At 84K it runs very well. the five speen has alot of nuts for a 4 banger... all around great car

• 

  Perfect for a first car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mattdean - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great buy as a first car. Very simple efficient interior and great exterior looks. Aftermarket stereos are very easy to install as well, no need to keep the factory deck in the car. needs some more performance thats the omly complaint. very easy to work on the car.

• 

  Chevy Cavalier LS - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By raseco - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Since buying my car used in 97, I have never had a problem w/ this car. Other than the normal maintenance and upkeep, I have not had to replace any other parts.