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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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-
good car - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
By sean gatewood - August 25 - 2:00 amI bought this car with low miles and have driven the car into the ground and it still starts and gets me there every day. It has been a great school car for a good price it has never failed me. I have never replaced the cluch exaust or anythiing for that matter outside of an altranator and battery.
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I like it !!!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Josandi - August 23 - 2:00 ami just bought this car with only 7 miles on it (12/31/02)(date bought) today (1/2/02) and i put 190 miles all with the same tank of gas that the dalear filled up with and its just below the 1/2 tank mark,,great car i love it,,i say to all get a cavalier
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Cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Nana83 - August 13 - 2:00 amI love my cavalier. It is fun and easy to drive and it is really good on gas.
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Decent Wheels - better than a lot - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By allen_hillsboro - August 3 - 2:00 amGreat Initial Price, Good Seats, Good Handling, Great Air conditioning, good stereo. Im pleased and will buy another when this one dies... I cant really think of one complaint. When you read the reviews of this car, you think it was terrible, but those people must be driving Mercedes normally or something...
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great car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By KristinaBaer - July 29 - 2:00 amive had no problems with this car at all. I love the style and everything about it.
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LOVE IT! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jeanine - July 18 - 2:00 amI bought this car used with 15,000 on it. In one year I put over 24,000 on it. It still ran beautifully. I had no "major" problems. The plastic did start to crack and make little peices fall off like the seat belt cover. However this is a small price to pay for the relability and the hassle free ownership of the car. I just totaled the car by rear-ending someone going 65mph. I have to say if it werent for the air bags and the strudyness of the car, I would have a lot more than bruises on my body. Id reccommend this car to anyone, in fact I just bought a 97!
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Great Car for the Money - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Good Car - July 16 - 2:00 amWe bought the Cavalier LS new in 1998 and have been very pleased with its performance. There have never been any reliability issues and it surprises us how it always starts with the first crank even when being left out in the cold Wisconsin winters over night. The gas mileage is about 30 HWY and has lots of acceleration. No beefs for the money spent and now it is practically paying for itself.
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cav - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By fdaklf - July 9 - 2:00 amThis car is well worth the value. I strongly suggest it.
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Good reliable and affordable car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Kira - July 9 - 2:00 amThe only kind of repairs done to the car are general maintenance and a brake job and new battery after 4 years.
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41,000 Miles - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Dweezil - July 2 - 2:00 amHave owned for 4 years no problem. Still on the 1st set of tires.Avg mileage on long trips over 30 mpg at 70 75 mph. Rides like a much heavier car. Very underrated. Was a bargain fully equipped. Dealer is sensational. Open 7 days a week. M-F till MIDNIGHT!!!