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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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Great Car for the Price! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By JML1953 - November 4 - 2:00 amFor the price, I dont think you can do better. Got mine when the $4000 rebate was on - great buy!
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Best low end car Ive ever bought - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By GM Guy - November 4 - 2:00 amI got the Z24 model, it has a 2.4L engine, larger 16 " wheels and 5 speed transmission. This car is very responsive, I like 3rd gear the best! I bought it to go to/from work... but Ive taken it on long road trips and was very surprised at the great ride!
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Love my Yellow Cav - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By pammypooh01 - November 4 - 2:00 amI love my Cavalier. I wouldnt change a thing about it!!!! Its fast and it looks great too!!
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Well done!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Christopher Bradley - November 4 - 2:00 amI think that the car is a work of art. It has great ergonomics, exterior design, and drive feel. I got a $4,000 rebate which helped alot with the down payment. I am very satisfied that I purchased a reliable, fun to drive car.
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Nicks review - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Nickp - October 29 - 2:00 amits cool and fun to drive
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love the ecotech engine - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By silverbroomstx - September 22 - 2:00 amWe got ours in june 2003, we love it, I never have purchased an automatic, until this one, it is great for the money! black with after market rims from the dealer, no ground effects no pin stripes it really is hot looking! and really quick too!
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I like my new car dispite Edmonds views - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Kimmiey - September 16 - 2:00 amI like this vehicle.The design this year is changed in some ways.It looks sporty for a 4 door sedan.It runs good. One down fall that I have had though is that there is a cable for the heating vent adjuster that has malfuntioned and from what I am told is a recall. Also, I dont care so much for the ETS system on the brakes, that had failed at 9,000 miles. Something snapped??? The car will run just fine without that. To me, it is an $800.00 mistake. I do not regret buying a Chevy Cavalier and will be sad to see it taken off the market next year. I currently own 2 Cavaliers. My other is a 1999.
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Disagree W/ Edmunds Review - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Hershey - July 17 - 2:00 amThe 03 is the best. Not sure why Edmunds feels this car is old. If you look from a pract point it rcvd new fascias,eng in 03,trans is new design. The int. not as cheap as you say,as for the rest of the car, just so much you can do when something works. Why is it that when imports changes fascias Edmunds hails as comp redesign,when U.S. manf does it is insgnfcnt,car is still old design? Elantra is worse,I drove both. Only feature that beats Cav is the 100k war,doesnt help resale. If you read the small print you cant sell it out of your family doesnt help resale. Do a REAL test,drive each w/30k. You find why the CAV CONS RATING is high.
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2003 chev cavalier 2dr there GREAT!!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By nutshouse - July 17 - 2:00 amI REALLY LOVE THE WAY THIS CAR DRIVES,IT,S EXACTLY WHAT WAS LOOKING FOR,I DID;NT EVEN DRIVE THE CAR BEFORE I BOUGHT IT,BECAUSE IT LOOKED SO GOOD! EVERYTHING WORKS GREAT,GOOD STEREO SOUND REALLY DRIVES VERY WELL,HANDLES GREAT,I HAVE NOTHING BUT GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR!!!!!!
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Great Car and Great Price!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By manth - July 5 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Cavalier 4-door Sedna is a great running car. It handles really well and the engine is quiet. It is a great car and affordable too. The dealership paid for my insurance down payment and filled the car up with gas for me. I have a great 75,000 mile warranty.
