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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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Marys Review - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mary smith - May 26 - 2:00 amI think this car is great
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Great Car!! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Tdaddy - May 23 - 2:00 amI bought the car in 1998, with the mileage at 134,000 miles. The car now has 230,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The power of the 2.2 is amazing and I have no problems keeping up with the newer cars. Although alternators seem to be a reacuring problem, and brakes but all around its a real great car. Right now I have to look at a new transmision problems, and im curiouse to see if anyone else has had shifting problems with the Automatic transmission, the car wont shift to drive, and i feel it might be a common problem with that year
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you are loseres - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By 125367576814 - May 18 - 2:00 amyou guys dont know what you are talking about.you are all idiots for bad- mouthing such a great car. me and some of my friends all own one and we all love it.go to car domain.com and look at all of the street models you will see why its such a great car.
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Good - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Axem - April 24 - 2:00 amI have been driven this car for more than two year, with no mayor problem, I drive 100 miles daily to work and he never left me down. Maintance is the key for this car
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I LOVE MY CAR! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Deeee - April 12 - 2:00 amI bought my car in the summer of 1999. With the exception of a couple of recalls, and a new ignition coil, I have had no problems with this car. I wouldnt recommend getting a white top, as it is impossible to get it clean. Other than that, I love it and I love the dealership I bought it from.
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Cavalier - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By ChazH - April 1 - 2:00 amThis car is small and quicker than I expected. It is a five speed, which makes the fuel economy even higher. I usually get 480mpg. There is alot of aftermarket items avaliable which makes it easy to up the performance. I would highly recomend this car to anyone.
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"The Car Of My Dreams" - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Matthew0126 - March 28 - 2:00 amA very very good car for the $money$.
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Z24 - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By marlon - March 22 - 2:00 amThe car rocks !!!
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I love this car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Joecool200 - March 17 - 2:00 amIts great on gas, very fun to drive. Has a very unique style and lots of performance for a 4 cyclinder engine- very fast and sturdy 1 doesnt shake at 100!!!!!!!!! I love this car , especially the good sticker price! Everyone should get one! I had one before this and I bousht it in 88 and its still running ! Very reliable!!!!
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Keepin the Ragtop! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Keepin this one - March 13 - 11:29 pmMy leased Z24 convertible is my second Cavalier Z24 and replaced the 1997 Coupe. Everything (except automatic transmission) is standard, at a reasonable price!! Ive had no major problems with either car. My lease is ends August 2002 and even though Ive looked at everything made including the RS Sport Coupe, the ZCavs replacement, Ive decided to buy out the lease and keep this car!
