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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 381 through 390 of 1,309.00-
Not bad for the price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Skiidaho - October 29 - 2:00 amGot this car for a song 8999 after all the rebates and GM cash. Nice CD, tilt, etc. I have a Ford F150 Super Crew that is to nice to put so many miles on and the mpg is not so great. So I get the Cavalier and get 34 hwy 29 city. Delighted with the mpg. The car is kinda nice looking for the price. I added 16" wheels and 205 55 tires which made a huge dif. in the way it looks. Shifting is easy, ride is good, engine is above average. The interior is a bit cheap but so ways the price. These cars dont hold their value but if you plan on driving it for 3yrs or more so what. I look at it as a disposable car, kinda like a term life policy.
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pretty good car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By jrc485 - October 28 - 2:00 amOther than the fact that I had to replace the motor in the window after the first month of owning it and a couple other minor things early on, Id say the Cavalier is a pretty good buy. Its been running great for a year and a half and doesnt look like a cheap car.
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What a Great Car! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jeff83 - October 23 - 2:00 amI special ordered this car and have been the only owner for seven years and 61000 miles of trouble free ownership. Had it for five years before I had to do anything to it other than oil changes because the battery started leaking.It is almost 8 years old now and the only major repair has been to replace the water pump for a heafty 800 dollar bill last year.It still has the origional rear brakes and all 4 struts.I got 50000 miles out of the origional tires. No rattles,leaks or anything that does not work. Overall a great car!
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Old Reliable - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By RileyA2345 - October 21 - 2:00 amOnly one repair in 45000 miles, a brake job, and Pittsburgh has many hills! Routine maintaince at my local mechanic(oil change,lub and filter, with air adjustments in tires). Tires are still original equipment as is battery and all other parts. Mileage is about 22 around town and 30 on trips. Id recommend this car.
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Not bad for a cheapo! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By ford8n1 - October 20 - 2:00 amBought it with some problems namely a rebuilt title but lady bought it from drove it for about 30K and 2 years so thought not bad plus bought it "cheap!" For a plain jane car it does have a smell of what I call reliability and a proven nameplate. Hey after all what is "transportation" all about?
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good little car. - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By chasler - October 16 - 2:00 amI get 35 miles to the gallon! It rides nice and handles great. Just a good value in a small car.
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Great little car! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By REVBOO - October 14 - 2:00 amThe best part about this car is the maintenence costs. Ive owned it since new and have never had to spend anything on repairs. Im just now starting to spend on normal items that wear out (tires, brakes, etc.). The only thing that has been replaced on it is the stereo. The CD player quite working while under warranty.
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Time to Give Up MY BABY!!!! - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Overall Happy Owner - October 10 - 2:00 amOK, my Cavalier and I have been through alot of events. My kids becoming teenagers, three 1500 miles trips out of state, one marriage, some repairs, and my twenty-some-things. Anyway, I have drove my Cavalier for about 8 years. She has at times cost me money but, never more than $500.00. Transmission still runs, you will fix breaks alot, has started up mornings for years (except for those repair times), and BEST FEATURE.....MY BABY has 184,000 miles and still running. In early 2004, I will retire her but, not to get rid of her. In two years, my son will be at the age to drive....and guess what he will be driving!!! Thanks, for reading.
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none - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By chris balasevicius - October 6 - 2:00 amI,44 year,s old I have driven pickup,s all my life but because of my job i now have to travel 160km per day and i find this car a pleasure to drive
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Great Car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jens Car - October 1 - 2:00 amI have been driving this car for almost six years, its fun, has great acceleration and will drive for over 400 miles on a tank of gas. The five speed transmission is great for passing cars. The resale value once I paid it off (60 months) wasnt very good, which is why I am trying to drive it for as long as possible. I would definitely not buy another one NEW, or finance another one for that long.
