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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  96 cav - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 96chevy - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Just getting rid of this car after over 103,000 miles due to a blown gasket. Only other significant repair was air conditioning system around 75,000 miles. It was a reliable, affordable car.

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  Excellent Car - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Gregory Jackson - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My car was purchased new I have 378K miles and never had any engine work. It does not leak any oil.Ive put new belts,alternator,plugs and wires. But that basic maintenance on a vehicle. I put new chrome rims and tires on about 4 years ago. I need a new A/C compressor and will be getting a paint job soon. As for engine work it runs great. Its the Heartbeat of America!!

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  Great First Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By nsfreerider - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I am a mountain biker and I can fit 3 people (2 in the passenger seat) and 3 bikes in my cavalier. Great for drive and drops. Doesnt have a lot of power, but isnt lacking in power. Awesome fuel economy. Odometer starts glowing with heat after 21 hours of straight driving. Great in the snow.

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  Always good to go! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By imdante - January 31 - 2:00 am

  my wife and I had this car for 4 years 11 months (1 more month till paid off!). somebody rear ended our car yesterday. anyhow we were both sad to see it go. this car was always great to us. all that we had to do is change the oil. thats it. we took this car to Las Vegas all the time. never any problems. Ive heard some not so good things about the cavalier, but ours was great and I would buy another one no questions asked! I would highly recommend!

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  RUST!!!!! - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NickP - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the side skirts of this car fool you. Behind them lies plenty of rust. This is a great car if cared for but down the road be ready to bring out the bondo and refurbish the wheel wells, door jams, and the door panels.

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  My new car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DTorrez - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I have had it for about 2 weeks now and I really cant say about the reliability or the performance of the car. Just on what I have experienced its great.

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  Very Nice Car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ben123 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Had no problems, besides the clutch but I changed it, and had no more problems.

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  For sale or trade - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Percy Avram - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with this vehicle has been good. It is my wifes car. She is 82 and can no longer drive. The car is in excellent condition with 39,600 miles It is maroon red color with a grey interior, power-steering, air- conditioner, radio and automatic transmission. Original tires.

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  1998 Chevy Cavalier..pretty good car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Erika - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car close to 3 years...I would recommend this to anyone for a first car...Cavaliers must in general be good cars...i mean they keep making them year after year...through the years...i replaced the battery, tires, ignition switch, and serpintine belt...usual oil changes, and transmission change, brakes were put on also...but in my opinion these were typical maintenance jobs within a 3 year time...

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By csforster - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchsed the 02 LS Sport in May 02 as my daily driver. My previous cars have always been Hondas or Toyotas. The Cav is by far the best value for the price. So far the cars had zero defect/problems. I am very impressed with handling and perfromance the 2.2 ECOTECH Engine is quick and the 5spd transmission shifts flawlessly.