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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Economical and reliable - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By worksforme - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable transportation. Except for a few minor warranty items, have only had to do the normal maintenance, which is cheap to DIY, and not so expensive if you take it somewhere. Its been a real workhorse for commuting to work and running around town. Its not going to win any performance/fun awards. Thats not what this car is about. Noise is fact of life in this car.

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  The Great Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By PimpCav - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for a new driver. I got this car when i was 16 and i still love. Its so easy to drive. It almost takes no effort at all.

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  Good Performance For The Money - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Crawl731 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall this car has been very reliable and fun to drive. The Z24 has performance that the other cavaliers in 1993 didnt have. It comes with a 3.1 V6 that has some good power and acceleration. The look of the exterior is very nice and sporty. The interior is basic and comfortable in the front seats. The back seat can be tight for taller people. I have only had minor problems so far. I have 109000 miles on it now. It still has the original transmission and it is working fine.

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  Sporty and Quick - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Red99bmwm3 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Z24 for over a year now with no problems what so ever. Ive added a GM supercharger to the car and couldnt be happier. An extra 50 horsepower in these cars make them a lot more fun to drive.

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  cavalier ls sport - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By USMC92183 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a wise decison to buy this car even though its my first car

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  A great long-lasting ride! - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nicolle - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new 12 years ago and now have over 145,000 miles on it. I havent spent more than $800 in replacement parts and still have the original exaust and clutch. The car has been extremely reliable, getting me home safe through several snow storms and NEVER breaking down. The engine sounds better than newer cars Ive test drove lately.

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  Not bad! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Little Jenn - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my first "new" car and I was thrilled when I bought it. After 3 years I had to have the transmission replaced! Thankfully I opted for the extended warranty because it came in handy. Ever since then Ive had to do minor repairs here and there but the car keeps on going. Since my Chevy is stick I get EXCELLENT gas mileage! Its small enough to park on city streets but big enough to carry anything I need to stuff in there!! I would recomend it to anyone who needs a nice size car with a sportier look.

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  Hard to get rid off - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By New Chevy Guy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This bad boy has taken me to NY from VA and back about 10 times. It has battle the narrow curvy backroads of VA and has taken on the pot holes and wild taxi drivers in NY. No wonder I need shock work! And most importantly it has never left me on the side of the road. Every time I try to find a reason to sell it I cant. Sincerely, New Chevy Fan 1993 Chevy Cavalier VL 2D

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  Better than a Saturn! - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Krammer - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The Car is 12 years old w/ 230000+ miles on it. Ive replaced heater core (150 bucks). Replaced water pump (20 bucks). Spark plug fell out (200 bucks). Maybe a thermostat (2 bucks). This was a great investment. Z24 brand new was 14,000.

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  Fantastic car for my money. - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RMcoolX - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I got this car new (8 mi.) for only $7295 plus a $600 dealer add-on package. No-trade in and no extended warranty. Needless to say, its a FANTASTIC car for the money! Great performance for a 4-cyl. Build quality is lacking a bit, however. Thanks to the manual tranny and strong engine, the car is very fun to drive. Also, the car is surprisingly smooth at highway speed.