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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Surprised by Cavalier - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By melncolly - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I grew up in a staunch Ford family. So when I bought my Cavalier...I was afraid....hah hah...not really...so far, Ive done minor maintenance to it (oil, tires, front brakes, battery) Ive put about 25K miles on it in 14 months and no problems with the car...and it is my first five speed, and I like dropping it down a gear or two to get some extra ZOOM! Watch out for me in my teal Cavalier! Its sporty and gets around and I can keep up with the Acuras and Hondas...if I want..) I hope it lasts till I pay it off in April 2003!!

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  180,000 miles & still going strong - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By verysatisfied - June 29 - 4:06 am

  needed a car for commute of 110 mi rd trip. decided on 97 cavalier. bought in aug 97, have car 4 1/2 yrs, has all original parts (except for brakes & tires). car runs & performs today like it did when i drove out of the dealership, except for an a/c compresser which was replaced after 3 yrs. i do believe ive gotten my $s worth out of this car & being that i still do the same commute today, i could see me buying another cavalier when its time to replace this one.

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  This car saved my husbands life - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By GBate - June 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in 1996 new. We never really had any major problems with it. It was good on gas mileage and when our children were small, it was comfortable for them. As they grew however, the back seat was too small for anyone over 5. My husband was side swiped on a major highway and crashed into a guardrail at 60mph. The car was totaled but he walked away. I give credit to the solid build of this car.

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  Cavay - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ehs - June 25 - 10:00 am

  It is great, a lot of fun!

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  GREAT economical Car - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CeaCea - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Got mine new 10yrs ago. Until recently, w/ 57000 miles onm it I have never had any problems. Like others, my alternator just recently had to be replaced, but besides that it has been minimal maintence problems. Its a true value for the money. Only now do I realize what GREAT gas mileage Ive been getting, esp compared to cars now! (What happened!?) The 94 has a great, cute style, love my bright blue color and is roomy, compared to the newer Cavs. The downside if you work on your cars or have others do,gen maintenance (oil changes...) is difficult to do on your own w/ the way they have things situated.

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  Not exciting, but reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By yeti - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Cavelier, bought new in 1997. For both of them, the engines held up extrememly well as I piled on the miles, but they were not particularly exciting to drive. In hindsight, I should have plunked down the money for a Honda Civic for not much difference in price and gotten a little better milage and better long term reliability and resale value.

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  Z-24 Review - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joe Hydralics - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for two years now. I can say that it is a reliable car that is sporty and fun to drive. I have put 29000 miles on it so far, and it now has 85000 miles. No major mechanical problems have come up yet, though the struts are in need of replacing. The 5-speed manual is easy to opperate, but it will slip out of reverse from time to time.

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  Great little Car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TooBright - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my cavalier used and with high mileage. I still love it, and cant think of selling it.

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  Fun car to drive - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CavalierGirl - June 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Cavalier. My first was a 1998 4-door sedan. I love this car. It has alot of pickup for a 4 cyl engine. Its a cute car that is resonably priced. No major problems with this one or the one I owned before it. No complaints. I have over 70k miles on this car and will probably drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  Money pit - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By SteveNY - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years. Ive replaced the struts, front and back, the strut mounts front and back (twice within 14 months for the back), the front wheel bearings, and Ive had times that the car wont start because the spark plugs got a little dirty. (I wind up having to replace the plugs every six months or so). Along with the other little stupid things Ive had happen, if I didnt do all the work myself, I cant imagine how much it would have cost me. Im so ready to get rid of this piece of junk.