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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Excellent Car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Savage - November 17 - 2:00 am

  As a proud owner of a 96 Chevy Z24 for around 6 years now, I have enjoyed owning this car and never once regreted buying it. Its powerful 2.4 twin cam engine and 155lbs of torque give it a fun sporty feeling of driving and its sleek sporty look is even better. Great reliabilty and perfect for anyone to own

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  Still Runs like new - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavalier - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my cavalier new in december 1995, drove it over 130,000 and it runs like the day i bought it!!!! Dependable and FUN to drive

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  nice car! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By diaster24 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  ive had no problems what so ever with my car i got a really good prive on it and i love it its pretty fast with a cold air intake this one is worth buying!

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  Great Car! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cavalier Owner - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from the first time that I test drove it. The LS version has larger wheels which make for a great drive. The only maintainance that I have to do on it is the standard oil changes and services.

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  7 years and counting... - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By iowadoc - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and now have 133000 miles. Only one significant repair (just off warranty). I just did my first tune up! Runs like a tank, reasonably comfortable, handles very well, fun to drive. I plan on going 200,000 with it. On the highway I get about 33 mpg or better. The engine will still be running when the body falls off. Ive owned at least 10 cars and this is my favorite.

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  It doesnt get any better - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Adlar Landry - October 14 - 2:00 am

  For this price its a steal, I was going to get a VW Jetta 12000, got in this with 99000 miles on it , it drove a lot better than a Jetta with 50000 that I was going to buy , its fun sporty sun roof and great sound system for being stock , and the pep is something else all together, The dash is great and very very durable , my only complaint is the Plastic on the seats and seat belt covers is weak and falls apart easily , other than that I paid 4,400 it was used by a personal friend runs as if I took it off a lot ... I give this a 87 - 92 out of a 100 rating

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  Cav - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Spick - October 5 - 2:00 am

  It has gotten me through it all rain, sleet, snow. And has not died on me yet.

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  Fun car... they just keep getting better - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By modelboy - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Mine hasnt had any problems that I didnt create. I had to replace the clutch since I taught someone how to drive on it. The engine has so much unlocked potential that you just cant get from any other car in this class. My certified mechanic brother that works on funny cars and top fuel dragsters loves to help me make it faster by doing this or that since he agrees that Chevy makes by far the best engines out of anyone. FYI I have been able to push out 250 hp out of the 2.2 engine naturally aspirated, so imagine what the 2.4-liter will do when we swap it out and supercharge it! Were going for 1000!

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  95 Chevy Cavalier Coupe - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JWingert - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 Cavalier about September, 1998. Today, the car is running just like new. The syle is sleek and curvy. The enterior is filled with fun features like a sunroof, cd player, comfortable seats, nice sterio system, etc. The engine is very , VERY reliable. I etimated that I get about 29 MPG on it. I have never had to fix anything major yet, just the regular mantainence.

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  96 CHEVY - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DEBBIE - September 23 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A GREAT CAR FOR ANY AGE GROUP.