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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Good Rental - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Andrew423 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We resenty got in a car accedent and have to rent a Chevy Caviler and its great its nice car it drives great easy on the roads and i still like my car but this cars nice.

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  2Dr STD 5-speed Cavy - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavalier - March 9 - 3:41 am

  Had the car about 2 years now, recently replaced the head gasket ($700) and waterpump ($300), both typical of the 2.2L engine. Extremely fun to drive (5 speed only), ice cold AC, good stock sound system, sporty styling, has never overheated, decent gas mileage, good value for what you pay. Acceleration is great with the 5- sp! Cig lighter is in a bad place, as are temp controls, rattles terribly under 1500 rpm, hesitant idle, shaky at much above 70 mph, cracked dash (of course), "clunky" steering, dash/glove box rattle.

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  A Cheap car in many ways - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KidsCar - March 7 - 2:05 pm

  Although it didnt cost much to buy as a used car, it has cost relatively a lot since I bought it. Head gasket $1000, rear shocks $300, alternator $300, not including tires and brakes (normal wear items). Although it looked great when I bought it for my daughter, I wish Id spent more on a Civic or Corolla and would have ended up with a better car. It has annoying issues like a leaky trunk seal, poor paint on bumpers, slipping door seals, etc. I had not purchased an "American car" in several years - this product reaffirms why.

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  ultimate bargin, buying American only - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sam1zak - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Excelent bargin, This was my fisrt American car and I love. I have always bought imports in the past . But that has changed to American only now since after this car. I feel imports are overpriced and overrated. I cant wait for the colbolt in 2005

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  Couldnt part with it if I tried...again - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By missaretha - February 27 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car brand spanking new. Ive babied it on every oil change, tire rotation, mileage service, etc. The gas mileage is great, between 35 to 40 mpg on the highway. Riding with the top down is not as windy as I thought it would be and the stereo has never needed improvements. If you like it loud, this car gives it to you. I also like the fact that I have a Teal colored car. Ive never seen another car in the same color.

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  Good Basic Transportation - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Matt - February 26 - 1:26 pm

  Relable and smooth running subcompact. Only complaint is the dashboard warps and cracks too easily. Other than that, a very low maintenance car.

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  BEST ECONOMY/FUN CAR EVER - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Johnathan - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Chevy must have done something really right when they built my car. It is a 1990 Chevy Cavalier that still rides like its on rails. Its got 228,000 miles on original everything and it is still one smooth ride.

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  Great For Students! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By foxxy - January 31 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 97 Cavalier sedan from a good friend of mine. It had a little body damage when I bought it but nothing major. They had put a new O2 sensor on it but other than that had no major issues with it. So far the only thing Ive had to do to it was put a new water pump on today. Im a college student and I highly reccomend them to anyone looking for an inexpensice way to get around. Despite below freezing temps, mine has started up almost the first time every time. Its really a great car as long as theyre well taken care of. They may not be the fanciest or the fastest car out there, but theyre dependable and great fuel mileage. They really have a lot of potential. I love mine to death!

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  Great First Car - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bella - January 29 - 1:20 pm

  I bought his car brand new and I have had this car about six years now. The glove box has rattled since day one and the dash board cracked at about forty thousand miles. I will say that is a very reliable car. Always started up no matter how cold or how hot. Inexpensive to fix and because of the price had a nicer car than most of my friends. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, inexpensive, decent looking car.

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  Midnight - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cwilson179 - January 28 - 10:46 pm

  I bought my car on January 29, 2004. It has been the best car I have ever had! It is dark blue metallic. My car is 5 years old now. It still runs like new. I have taken care of my car very well. I always get compliments about how good of condition that my car is. Everyone loves the color of the car including me! The 2.2 ecotec so far is a very good engine I now have 82,000 miles on my car. I dont have any problem with the comfort with the interior of the car. I drive this car at least 40 miles per day mostly highway driving. It gets the same great gas mileage that I got the day that I got it! It gets between 30 and 32 mpg. I would not trade this car for anything.