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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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

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  Keep Looking! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By SarahB - October 2 - 8:46 am

  Ive had this car for five months and needed to replace the head gasket and coolant system. The car has run warmer than it should since I got it, and just recently finally decided to overheat. This car is only at 51,000 miles. Keep searching for other cars!

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  Good First Car for HS or College Student - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chevyowner4 - May 3 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this car used in Oct. 2002. I loved it at first, but it had no features in it at all. I liked the "look" of the car. The first year was great! Then, the problems began, one by one. First, it was the fuel injection...Totally broken and it cost $900 to fix. Then, it was my A/C. Then, my dashboard creaked then cracked. There is a chirp coming from the driver side wheel. All 4 corners if the interior squeak when I drive, especially near the trunk. Now, for the worst part: The brakes are the worst brakes ever. I had the rotars fixed 4 times, each time was $200. I had all the parts of the brakes fixed, to no avail. I assume this model has chronic brake issues. Never buying American again!

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  Turn and run! - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Shanzman - February 17 - 7:00 am

  Where do I start? First off, if you live anywhere north of Illinois, do not get this car. Horrible heating! Within 3 weeks two spark plugs blew out of the head. I had to re-thread both of them. They did this on a cold start! It had a leak in the car,(Water) Which I could never pinpoint. I would have four inches of standing water in the rear floor wells. I have had two coil packs go bad. This is a joke to even think you can replace them. They are on the front of the engine and its takes a mechanic two hours. Replacing the heater core is supposed to be easy, Wrong! It is plastic, yes plastic from the top of it to the lines that hook up. The suspension, is rough.

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  One problem after another - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bob Koenig - December 20 - 2:12 am

  I bought this car when it was only four years old and it didnt take long for things to start going wrong. At first I started having problems with the electrical system. I had to replace the alternator. Next,the car started over heating, I had to replace the thermostat. Then the gears started slipping and I had to get the transmission rebuilt. Then the compressor for the air conditioner stopped working, I could hardly tell, since the air was never cold in the first place. After that I had problems with the emissions control system and had to replace the E.G.R. value. The car never was the same after that it would stall if you didn’t keep your foot on the gas pedal very dangerous.

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  Junk - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Q43000gt - December 4 - 6:39 am

  This is my company car. It is junk! 14,000 miles and it is falling apart. The car is driven 100% city in mph zones less than 40mph, but it should not be this much junk. Brakes are shot Car has overheated more than five times. Something in the steering is going out (makes a weird noise when turning). 17mpg average over 14,000 miles (all city). Car has a hard time starting at times. Rattles in the snow.

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  Totally inferior product - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dan-o - November 11 - 6:33 pm

  Ive never owned a GM product, and based on this purchase, I never will again. At 45K miles, the dash panels are coming apart, rattling, & squeaking. Annoying squeaking has developed in the front suspension, and a disconcerting grinding noise is coming from the engine compartment at startup. I found a gap between the interior roof liner and the door edge that I can fit my finger through. What a disappointing example of American auto manufacturing. Im going to sell it, get a Honda, and not feel one bit of sorrow for GMs current troubles.

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  Problems Overheating - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Stuart - October 10 - 12:19 pm

  My daughter bought this car with 90,000 miles on it. This past Febuary 05 we replaced the thermostat, in the last few months it has started overheating again,Oct 9,2005 I replaced the radiator and thermostat again. It is still overheating. Next item I am going to check is the caytalitic converter.The fan is OK. We dont know what else to do to get it to stop overheating. As a result it has been parked for the last 4-6 months. Next we are going to check the head gasket. I would appreciate any help or advice. The car has about 115,000 miles on it.This overheating problem is a real aggravation since we cannot pin point the cause of it.

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  STAY AWAY - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JOE A - July 11 - 5:40 pm

  I recently rented a 2005 Cavalier on vacation and can honestly say it was one of the worst cars I have driven. The car itself was in fine condition with approx 22,000 miles so I cant blame the cars problems on the rental company. Where do I start...lumpy, uncomfortable, poorly contoured seats, bathtub seating position, quirky/non intuitive/poorly marked/dated controls, many squeaks and rattles, unattractive dash/interior, poor material quality, jiggly ride, poor stability control on the freeway. However, gas mileage was good. Overall, if I had to live with this car as a daily driver instead of a rental, I would trade it in. Stay away.

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  Trouble from the Start - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By loca - April 28 - 6:35 pm

  I got my Cavalier in Aug of 2000 and from the beginning it had a chirp sound coming from the driver side wheel..The dealership didnt know how to fix it. Everything else was fine with the car until 2003 when the transmission fluid and oil kept leaking. I would get it fixed and then 4 months later I am in the same situation. Right now it needs a new transmission and a new catalytic converter and leaked out both fluids. Im in the process of replacing it now. I would not suggest that anyone ever get this car. I know I will never buy another GM vehicle again.

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  Just OK - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By weezmachine - April 11 - 3:32 am

  I bought it used in 2001 with 100,000 miles on it, and it now has 155,000. I know the motor was rebuilt before I bought it. Ive replaced the brake pads 3 or 4 times, new rotors, starter went out, new headgasket, window motors replaced twice, trunk leaks, door leaks, replaced the battery, speakers are shot...I could go on with the list repairs Ive had done in 4 years. Not to mention its rusting everywhere! What do you expect for an 11 year old Cavalier though? Its pretty reliable though and it was decent to me for 4 years but Im sick of putting money into it that I could put into car payments for a newer car.