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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Cavalier Racer - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jason Howard - October 25 - 5:33 pm

  I am currently building up my cavalier to race and take to car shows. It actually handles and responds better than I thought it would when I got it.

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  Keeping it as log as possible - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Great little car - October 4 - 2:44 pm

  Took my big Ford F-150 off the road as gas was getting too expensive for the mileage I got on it. Bought the car with a lot of mileage and little rust. Runs great, great on gas. Close to 40 mpg. Put 12,000 miles on it with no problems. Replaced rear brakes and self installed a new heater core. Very little room under the dash. Im very impressed with the vehicle. Obviously the previous owner(s) took care of it especially up here in Maine with all the salt on the roads in winter

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  Keep Looking! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By SarahB - October 2 - 8:46 am

  Ive had this car for five months and needed to replace the head gasket and coolant system. The car has run warmer than it should since I got it, and just recently finally decided to overheat. This car is only at 51,000 miles. Keep searching for other cars!

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  Cheap ride - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Import Owner - September 30 - 9:17 pm

  Weve had our Cavalier for several months, and Ive logged a quite a few miles on it. Overall, this is a nice car for costing a few thousand dollars. Its fairly zippy around in town and can get around at freeway speeds just fine with a little coaxing. It works like a tool should, but is not as enjoyable to drive as most other cars Ive driven.

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  Cavalier is a worthy car to own one. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Road Runner 2000 - September 16 - 8:51 am

  Driving control and stability is excellent, especially on highways, comparing to the car in the same segment such as Civic, Corolla and Focus. Surprisingly, its even better than Camary and Accord of the same year model. The acceleration is very impressive even though equipped with a shy horsepower engine. However, the engine is torquey. That compensates for the cars weight quite well. Fuel consumption is outstanding on highways and resonable in town. Cars appearance is handsome, and roomier than the like ones. C-Pillar looks very beautiful. I like this the best.

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  Way better than my HONDA - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Vicki12 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  After having so MANY PROBLEMS with my 2001 HONDA CIVIC, this is way better. It doesnt break down like the civic. The sales people were nicer and not so arrogant.

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  Great little car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dunnr - September 6 - 8:23 pm

  This is a great little car if you are not looking to spend a fortune, but want to get plenty of options. This car has all the options you could get in 2003 except a sunroof.

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  A GREAT BUY! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By juniorsgv - August 28 - 10:00 am

  well to be honest im a honda person. but my fiance had her eye set on a cavalier ls sports coupe. id never been in one but im sure glad we bought one. the way it shines with its shiny rims, sunroof and ground effects. i dont get what all the complaints are about the performance and the interior i think its just as nice or better than comparable cars in its class sure you save more gas in a civic but no way a civic can pickup like this car can.

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  What more can you expect? - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TeeA - August 28 - 10:00 am

  You cant buy a better car...for the money. If you want a luxury or sports car, shell out the cash for one. If you want a nice ride, decent pickup, and a satisfactory interior for a cheap price, this is the car to get. I buy a new car every year and owned Camrys, Accords and SUVs. This car gets good gas mileage is easy to drive and for much lower cost than most others.

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  Awesome car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mannyd98 - August 26 - 5:57 pm

  One of my favorite cars. I owned one in 96 and regretted getting rid of it. When I saw this one, I had to buy it. Also very safe and reliable. We were just in an accident. A Ford F250 ran a stop sign and hit us. It totaled my Cavalier, but we were all alive