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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  165,000 miles and still running strong - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RICK C - September 25 - 4:54 pm

  Bought the car for a 100 bucks 2 yrs ago. It sat in grass for 2 yrs before I bought it so the under-carriage and lower rocker panels are shot. I spent 700 in new brakes, tires, gas tank, wheel bearing, fuel filter and a tune-up and it has ran great since. The 2.2 engine did have a head-gasket leak (weeping coolant outside the block) I added a bottle of hapco head-gasket sealant into the coolant a yr and a 1/2 ago and that fixed it. Gas mileage average is 28mpgs. Overall Im pleased with my purchase and hear that these engines can go well into the 200k range easy.

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  Reliable not comfortable... - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lissa - July 27 - 10:49 am

  Love that the transmission and engine seem rock solid. Hate the noise and all the electrical issues. The low profile tires make for a noisy ride when combined with the lack of passenger cabin insulation. The paint job is not durable. Like the body moldings which gave the old classic a newer sporty look. Hate that pricey as it was to get the sport upgrade, it didnt come with power windows. Watch for lower blower motor issues, dash electronics issues and AC problems. The drivers side seat blew a spring in the first year. The gas tank reservoir will crack on these bad boys too. All pretty spendy repairs.

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  Lots of problems - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By severinep - July 20 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car last year and it had 91,000 miles on it. I am close to 100,000 now & had lots of problems. A spring in the clutch system was broken making it impossible to switch gears with the pedal. $1,100 to fix this and the auto-repair guy had never ever seen this happen. Sensors are bad and keep sending check engine messages or check fluids when everything is fine. Now I have another $500 in repairs because the muffler is gone and the transistor that regulates the fan for heat/AC is dead. I could change that myself ($25) but it is impossible to put the blower motor back since it uses special plastic screws. Only an auto- repair shop can do it.

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  glad they dont make them anymore - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mart - July 3 - 9:27 pm

  at 47000 miles head gasket,water pump.thermostat had to be replaced.at 55000 miles fuel pump had to be replaced,located inside of fuel tank,oil filter is in a bad location,air conditioner has stop working.when car does run it runs good and get good gas mileage.

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  It stinks! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Brent - June 7 - 7:25 pm

  This car is not reliable at all. working on it almost every weekend. Engine is very loud makes all kinds of noises. Had to replace Transmission gasket seal, change spark plug wires, a/c unit doesnt work, had to change struts and the headlights are a pain to change. Gm uses very cheap parts to build this car. Dont waste your money on one.

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  Never Again, will i buy a GM product - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jeff - May 19 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my cavalier new in 2003 and i am not hard on a vehicle. But since i have had this car new it has been thru 3 sets of brakes and rotors, 2 times to have the horn fixed, first time was under warranty second time cost me some major money. The fuel pump went and that was a major blow to my pocket book. Over all the car is ok but when it comes time to fix something you better have a brinks truck in your back pocket to fix the stuff that goes wrong. I have a 94 S-10 that has 126000 miles on it and it hasnt cost me near what the cavalier has cost me. So i will never buy another gm product again.

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  Disappointed in the cars reliability. - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NYC Geezer - January 13 - 2:06 am

  I bought the car new in 2001 and still have it. Its initial appeal was all the standard features for the price compared to other small cars where almost every desired feature was an expensive option. Although I maintained the car very well to this day, it had its share of rattles & clunking noises from the day I first drove it. Fortunately, I bought an extended warranty when my 3 year/36000 mile new car warranty expired, because the car needed some very expensive mechanical repair work after the Chevy warranty expired. As a retiree on a fixed budget, I cant afford expensive repairs or a new car every several years, so Im thankful this car lasted till now, but no more GM compact cars for me!

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  Wow, I bought it twice? - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kerocky24 - January 8 - 6:48 pm

  This car gives me problems all the time. It rattles, it clanks, and its falling apart. I had one shortly before this one. I should have known when it burst in to flames that it was a bad Idea to buy another. Live and learn huh? The car leaks oil, the speedometer is broken, (it dances as Im going down the road) I have replaced the fuel injectors 2 times in the last year, (I know other Cavaliers that have fuel leaking!) The seats are so uncomfortable. The suspension stinks. I have tried to keep up with this car but have decided to drive it till it dies. My car has some miles on it but thats no excuse!

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  300,000 miles - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By contaucreek - January 2 - 4:40 pm

  Bought used in 04. Drive 100000km a year and have about 480000km on it now. Odometer burnt out, dash lights burnt out, countless rear strut mounts,a/c failed first due to wiring then due to probable clutch problem, usual headlight wiring issue, does not burn a drop of oil, reliable like you wouldnt believe (touch wood)

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  Junk - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DaddyHines - December 28 - 10:05 pm

  I bought my Cavalier brand new in 2003. In October of 2008 I had to replace the engine because my oil pump was not working. None of the dashboard lights lit up or anything. It just died one day. My Cavalier has less than 75000 miles and got oil changes regularly. The mechanic says it was a manufacturer defect but of course, Chevy offers no help. My heat only comes out the passenger side vent and my rear defroster stopped working like a year after I had the car. Other than that, its great.