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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Worst choice of my life - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By disturbedchic - April 5 - 3:34 am

  Bought a 95 Cavalier to replace what I thought was an ailing car I shouldve kept. In the 7 months Ive owned the car its had mechanical problems 6 times. First day I got it found out something was wrong with the transmission which would make it freeze up and not switch gears when it warmed up. The water pump busted and I went through 4 jugs of antifreeze before it could get fixed, transmission started to go, car would max out at 50, back door popped right open one day around a turn, and just recently it would take a city block to get it to 30mph and the whole exhaust system nearly touches the ground while the converter looks ready to blow.

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  Mixed Feelings on the 2002 Z24 - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By weethecherokee - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 98 Ford Contour Sport to a 02 Z24 Sedan. Right away the poor quality of the interior was appearant. It is really plain. Road noise is pretty bad. Have had the car in the shop 4 times in 6 months. 1st time was the second week of ownership. The car is peppy compared to the contour, but the ride and handling pale in comparison. Not sure how the car will hold up over the long haul. Got the ext warranty to 75,000 just in case. The car has a nice sporty look from the outside. Also, the gas milage stinks for a 4 cyl!!! About 16-20 city & 23-26 hwy. I think the brakes will need to be replaced soon, after only 10k, they are getting soft.

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  gm never again - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By unhappy777 - November 15 - 2:02 am

  its funny, when I read about the problems people have with this car, I just smile and nod, cause I have them too. Way too many of them, after 80k, rattling everywhere, cracked dash, water pump needed changed(expensive), now strut mounts need to be changed, cause of horrific squeeking, at highway speeds the driver door makes a noise as if the window wasnt all the way up, a/c had to be repaired, ..... Im afraid to drive this car, whats going to break next? And this car isnt that old yet.

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  crap - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bad choice - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is crappy. Not only is it ugly,its crap!!! i hate my cavalier, i have spent 19,600 something, repairing it so far, yes, nearly 20 grand of repairs for this 15 grand car. WHYdo u ask,well i dont know, BUT CAVALIERS ARE THE WORST CARS EVER!!!!!!!!!!

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  Should have bought a Camry - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CC - August 19 - 9:29 pm

  Had this car for 3 years. Bought at 117k. Not a very reliable vehicle. Timing chain needed replacing at 118k, water pump went bad at 140k, fuel pump went bad at 160k and left me stranded, fuel pressure regulator went bad at 161k, now the starter is bad at 165k. All of these are common Ecotec problems. There are also drivetrain issues, which are also common. The drivetrain rattles when starting the car up. I have put into this car exactly what I bought it for. Its not worth it. If you want to get a Cavalier, an earlier year with a different engine would suffice. The only good thing about owning this car is that, despite everything going bad, the engine itself refuses to give up. I would only suggest buying this car if you know how to fix it yourself.

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  Nice but slow car! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By nitrouscav97 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a fully customized cavalier with lots of mods. But it lacks severely in the performance issue, all the other cars in its class are FASTER! I would be satisfied with 150HP at the least, the car cant seem to turn my chrome wheels fast enough to go anywhere. My wife loves to drive it and I like to drive it too, it looks great with the modifications, but i have no beef under the hood to get onto the freeway! PLEASE help me with this, I need something to boost this cars performance. Also the dashboard does creek in the hot sun while driving, and the AC and the power steering blew out too soon! Thank you -Kyle

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  NEVER buy again - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cavalier hater - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my mechanic in 2000. I have had nothing but problems with it since purchasing it. I had to replace the transmission, I have had leaks in the oil and radiator. The A/C works, but using it causes the car to overheat. Problems w/ the starter and acceleration, very noisy. Speakers on the drivers side dont work, door panneling is falling off, and locks are falling off. This car is in the shop every 3-4 months. I had a 87 Olds that drove better and needed less repairs. My b/f has a 2001 Cavalier and is having problems with it as well. I wouldnt recommend buying this car used.

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  bought a LEMON yellow - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By twtybrdrn - June 11 - 2:00 am

  the car stalls suddenly without warning while shifting, the spare tire is a joke, it blew out on a major highway, leaving me no choice but to have the car towed on a flatbed, the back seats are very narrow and hard. poor exceleration and loose gears

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  chevy cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By imac34 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is cramped inside and when My wife and I get out it seems like the shocks cant handle our weight and makes an awful sound. I took it back to dealer they fixed something but it still makes an awful sound when exiting. It simply is to small a vehicle.

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  HATE IT!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kerryd0320 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I HATE THIS CAR...MY DASH HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES, MY RIMS WONT STAY BOLTED GOOD, AND I JUST ALL AROUND HATE THE SMALLLL INTERIOR, OH YEA AND MY PAINT IS ALREADY PEELING