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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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wonderful car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By dolphnlover - August 30 - 2:00 ami love the cavalier.i am glad i bought one.it is fun to drive and get great gas milage.i love it
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Great car for anyone - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By lilqtgrl1123 - August 30 - 2:00 amThis was my first car and Im glad I chose it. Its extremely fun and comfortable to drive. I feel safe in the Cavalier. It has all the features I need and its roomy.
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Love my car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Lee Damron - July 19 - 2:49 pmI really like this car bought it new and have approximately 70,000 miles on it. I keep it in my garage and it still looks like new
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Best car i have owned..it just keeps going and ... - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By todd - April 9 - 1:20 pmI bought this car new off the dealer lot. I currently have over 235K miles and still getting 24MPG city driving. It uses about 1/2 qtr every 4k-5k miles. The clutch needed replacing at around 75K due to a failure on the springs, but the replacement GM clutch is still going in the car but is showing signs of needing to be replaced again after 160k miles. The original alternator gave out at 220K miles and i was still running the original serpentine belt. Other than these repairs and the usual repairs (brakes, rotors, struts, springs,filters, plugs, ect) the car is still on its original factory parts including ball joints, tie rods, CV joints, ect. But after 14 years the car is showing its age from michigan winters and such, but is still running strong. Goes to show you if you take car of the car and do the repairs/maintanence...it will run for a long long time.
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Well Improved! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By BKuz - March 12 - 2:00 amI have owned a 93,96,98,99 and 2001 Cavalier Z24s and by far this 2004 is the best! Very much improved!Faster smoother engine and sportier handling. Gas milage great, 28 and 29 combined city/hwy. Brakes improved,workmanship improved.Low wind noise,richer paint finish,even has solar ray glass,others had cheaper glass. A lot for the money! Forget Honda and Toyokey! My nephew has a civic and has nothing but trouble with it.Plus they smell like sulfur!Plus they are 1 and 2 the most stolen cars.
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Lovin My Cav - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By gabagooo - February 15 - 10:00 amI recently purchased a 2003 LS two door. I have racked up 1700 trouble free miles. So far the gas milage has been excellent. I love the sunroof and sound system. The car is easy to drive and park.
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cavaliers rock!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By pt13gt - December 11 - 2:00 amIm sorry edmunds thinks this is an outdated platform but its a lot better car than my sons focus and my sisters lancer! for the money I love my cavalier and an sorry to see it be the last year for them.
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Way better then expected - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Grizzly1 - December 9 - 10:00 amI first had a 1995 Ford Escort LX, then went to the 02 Z24. Ive had the car for about 7 months now. I love this car! Im getting the same fuel economy or better then the escort. This is WAAAY more reliable than the Ford. I had to take the my Ford to the shop way too many times to count. I have had no problems with the car. My only complaint are the interior is not as big as expected, but still plenty for me and 3 other people.
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Chevy Cavalier LS Coupe is Great! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By cUTIEpIE - November 4 - 2:00 amWhile everyone is running around touting the latest in foreign cars, my personal pick is the Chevy LS Sport Coupe. Its priced right, has wonderful fuel economy (havent yall cringed at pump prices lately?) This car handles like a sporty dream, it has a no nonsense interior without ninety- nine gizmos and gagets to fiddle with..has great pick up and cant be beat in city traffic for maneuvering. Its a terrific second car!
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cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By OBPIP - November 4 - 2:00 amIt is a great vehicle, I dont understand how you can say it is outdated. Look at the difference from the very first cavalier, even the 96s. It has saved me so much money on gas. Smooth ride, good pick-up.
