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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2000 Chev Z24 review - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ORF - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My Z24 outperforms other compact coupes in many ways. It was thousands of dollars (Cdn) cheaper than Japanese rivals and the 150hp engine offers ample mid-range torque that most Japanese engines dont have. Shifting is crisp and smooth with the Getrag 5- speed. Ride is stiff but helps a lot keeping the car stable during cornering. Reliability is better than expected. The only problems I have encountered so far were the erratic fuel guage and battery leakage, which were fixed under warranty. Overall the car is very fun to drive and inexpensive to own.

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  Just give them a real suspension - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By thestevester - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Have put 22,000 miles on my 2001 Z24 since buying it new last year.I Have had no problems at all.Great looks and a good price.The car handles very well and is only lacking a better suspension.The build quality on mine is very good,much tighter and no rattles compared to my 91 z24(also bought new).2.4 is a little loud at idle but quiets down on the road.Great on the highway but it can get tiresome driving the manual around town,especially on bad roads when the car feels like it falls right in to potholes.

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  I am proud of my cavalier! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By agent 99 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  look I am single, working mom. I need a car that works and plays as hard as me and my daughter. I have met my match in the 99 chevy cavalier. Whoopee!!!! The gas mileage is easy on my fragile finances and hey, I look good in its sleek design...met a nice man who noticed me pumping gas...was it me he noticed or the car?

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  Always Chevrolet - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By American Buyer - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my daughters first. She/we have been very pleased. I put new brake pads on when we first got the car (daddys worry) and other than routine maintenance, have not touched it. Fun to drive and well built for the price. Safety ratings were good for a small, cheap car.

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  Fast z24 - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tom P - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has been Good to me. No problems 2.4l has the best power of any 4cyl I have driven.Great shifting trans,shifts hard no lag.

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  My review - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By MM2107 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for over five years and never had problem until this month. The water pump went on the car. It is a big job for do-it-yourselfer or an expensive job at the shop. Other than that the car has ran perfect with regular maintenance for 110,000 miles. Everything still operates in and out of the car. Performance wise it is a speedy little four banger with good acceleration and no problems at cruising speeds on the highway.

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  Cavaliers are Awsome!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By apracing - July 20 - 2:00 am

  i dont know why this rating is soo low people must just be writting crap without knowing what they are talking about. For a very affordable price the cavalier is the perfect car for any student high scool or college!!

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  reliable - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jhall - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a great car! Its not the coolest looking car, but Its the best car Ive owned. Its got around 130,000 miles. Never had any real problems with it. Very reliable.

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  Love my Z - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By INANE - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Z24 for a little over 4 years now, bought it when it was one year old. I had traded in my 89 Berreta GTU for it (a car that doubled it value from all the work I had to do to it). I like the designs of GM products but I know that most of what they made from the 80s and early 90s were junk from a reliablity standpoint so I cautiously purchased the Z24 with an extended warrenty. I guess its good to say I only had to use it once, had to replace the water pump, otherwise this car has been near perfect to me (has 71k miles now).

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  Great little car. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chad123 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years now since it was brand new. I have had nothing happen with it and the only work that has been done is the scheduled maintenance. I have the automatic with AC and a CD player and everything performs great. I live in SD where the snow falls often and this car has done very well, especially the ABS and Traction Control. Performance is decent considering its a little 4 cyl engine.