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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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Workhorse - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
By sailordave - January 27 - 6:34 amHad mine until a truck ran a yield sign and hit my drivers side front fender. Trucks tire stopped on the hood of the car. Engine and transmission still ran but was declared totalled. No major problems with the car. Loved that I could easily reach and change the fuel filter myself without jacks or lift. Solid little car. Sure miss it especially since it was paid off in full.
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Chevy Cav - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
By sunnygrl2930 - January 27 - 3:01 amLove the car, love the way it drives, just diappointed about the head gasket. But I bought it with more than 100k anyway. Love the gas mileage. Love driving it. Never owned a Cav before, but my next car will be a Cav, too. Two door. Love them. Love the way it looks and sits.
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Best Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By victor - January 25 - 10:13 amI am a car ASE mechanic of over 20 years. This is a good family car.The best Chevy sedan I have seen in years. Good reliability, good quality. I dont care what JD Power says, its the best sedan yet.
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Hot Chevy Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By John - Erie,Pa - January 22 - 12:53 pmThis car has been very fun to drive from when I got it in Dec 6 2004. It was the last fully loaded model Ls sport and I love this car. Great gas mileage and very sporty and upgradable if you are into that stuff. The 2.2L Ecotec engine is the best engine in this Cavalier, and I owned 3 Cavaliers.
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My 04 Cavi - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By jmock - January 20 - 11:50 amThis hasnt been too bad of a car. Although, I dont think I get the mileage others do. The best I have gotten is 29 mpg on the interstate. I have had it in the shop 5 times for front end noise in less than a year. But I like the style, and for a 2.2 it has decent power.
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Great Price/performance - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By JohnEP - January 20 - 10:00 amThe Cavalier is nothing fancy, a basic car, but as a commuter car it gets consistently 30 mpg and has had zippo defects. Nice mileage, with various rebates and payments I ended up at less the $10k for a new vehicle, which is unheard of. (Thank you, GM MasterCard.) This car seems to get knocked in trade rags; I dont understand why. I test drove about six-seven models in the $15- $20k price range, and all have similar plusses/minusses. Most seemed noisy, and handled adequately but not great. Cavalier in this price range really seems to be near the top. And its fully debugged, in my opinion. Traded in an 87 Corolla, am quite happy I did.
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Not a bad car at all, at least for me - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By p DuB - January 15 - 4:31 amI bought my 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier standard black coupe in November 2006. I like this car because it hasnt given me any problems yet. I hear very good and bad things about this car all the time, I dont really know who to believe. But, all I can say is that I own the standard 2002 coupe model with about 58,000 miles on it and it runs great. Ive had this car for about 2 months now and havent had any problems yet, but from what I have been hearing and reading about this car, Im ready for the worst that can happen with it. I havent changed the oil or anything on it yet, but I will very soon. Overall, its very reliable for a nice every day car for driving for fun, to work, or to school.
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Get what you pay for - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Gabe - January 14 - 9:54 amIm still driving my Cavalier and I have to say that its not too bad considering the price. Obviously its one of the more inexpensive cars out there, so expect what you pay for. The key phrase here is "preventative maintenance." As long as you get regular oil changes and check-ups, the Cavalier will hold up. Will say that it seems to run into problems on very wet days, especially when running through puddles. Not too enamored with the crash ratings but, again, you get what you pay for. Couple of expensive repairs but confident they are isolated incidents and dont affect the overall dependability of the Cavalier. Remember, its a cheap car. Dont expect a Porsche out of it.
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Can anyone say - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By LMXRacer - January 12 - 10:00 amI am a sport compact guy, domestic of course. I buy a sub $20,000 car, and modify it for racing, so I am hard on almost every aspect of the car, and both z-24s (my old 99 and my new 02) have held up extremely well. Of course I keep them maintained, but that goes without saying. An excellent base with which to build upon, if you are into this lifestyle as I am. With a few simple engine, exhaust, and tranny mods
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Cavalier Nightmare - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mark0 - January 12 - 10:00 amLow engine coolant light came on after 4 weeks... Crack in Engine block all the coolant drained into the engine and mixed with the oil. Dealer replaced engine. without car for 2 weeks. Then the alternator died at 3 months... Did anyone else have so many problems?
