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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Satisfied - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mark E Mark - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I recently got a 2002 Cavalier base coupe, and i had doubts about the performance aspect of the 2.2 L engine. My car was equipted with a 5 speed manual transmission which proved to deliver good pick-up and acceleration. It will really fool you. Although it is not as refined as its imported competitors, it has all that one would need, all in pretty good locations. I recomend the chevy cavalier.

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  Great for the price! - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Heywood - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when I was in college. I paid $13,000 for it. I am very happy with the car. It is still running fine after 7 years and 65,000. Over the 7 years I have spent about $500 in repairs (normal wear and tear). I have taken the car from NJ to Philly to Chicago to South Dakota back to Chicago and back to NJ. It has survived everything from 100+ degree heat to -50 degree cold. Chevy company has been very good with any recalls (very minor). I would recommend this car to someone. It is a low end car, but great the the college or high schooler.

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  SOME PROBLEMS - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AVERAGE - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT SO FAR. FOR EXAMPLE THE ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY. WHEN I CHECK IT IT IS ALWAYS FULL. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION YET. ALTERNATOR WENT OUT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER HAVING THE CAR. WENT THREW TWO NEW BATTERIES BECAUSE OF THAT. NO PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THAT YET.

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  Not Bad - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 2nd car - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about 8 years. IT is nothing fancy but can be considered basic transportation. The ride is kinda noisy. It has over 140,000 miles and my mechanic told me it should last much longer than that (I attribute part of this to the care I place in the car). Auto service is difficult - hard for me to reach the oil filter, etc. I have had an alternator and water pump replaced. The biggest issue is an electrical short has wiped out most of my interior lighting systems. Body rust started about 20K miles ago. I am happy with the vehicle but would like to upgrade to something else. I will probably keep this one as a commuter car, though.

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  Reliability - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Zealander - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Its great for a first time car buyer. If you treat it right, it is a low maintnence, repair it yourself vehicle. Mines pushing 300 000km and still purrs like a kitten. I highly reccomend using synthetic oil. I only burn half a liter every 10 000kms between oil changes.

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  Not again - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By vaaccess - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I like my car, well enough that is. Its a good car if your looking in this price range, but I, for one, wont be buying another American car again. Next time Im going to German Engineering.

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  3.1L "Sleeper" - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dr_Watson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  One word about this car that sums its character up Torque. She may not have alot of ponies on the stat sheet, but its light and that 185 lb-ft of torque will rip the tires until smoke starts rolling out of the wheel wells. Ive driven it hard for over 3 years now and the only repairs needed have been 1 alternater, 1 battery, 1 water pump, 1 windshield wiper motor, and lots of brakes (thats the fault of my less then old lady driving though). The car is a fun machine to drive, and Ive loved it to death. Its a sleeper that can easily keep up with Eclipse GSTs, and the like.

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  Loving it - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By NCS - March 18 - 12:49 am

  This was my first car that I actually owned, a 5-speed Z24. What a great fun little car. I got it with over 130k kms, and am now over 170k after a little over a year. The jump for a car in this class is great, much more $ is usually needed to get anything worthwhile the torque department. Very few minor repairs, and regular maintenance keep things going smoothly. Ive also drive a 1990 Corsica with over 500,000kms on it driving in northern Ontario for 9+ years and it still runs fine...whats that about North American cars again? Ive got nothing bad to say about it.

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  Same problems as others. - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James Nemanich - March 15 - 2:31 pm

  I just wanted to say that I am having the same problems others are having. Transmission out, electronic fuel sending system (Controlls fuel guage) replaced 2 times, waterpump, heater core, wheel berings, window motors. GM sold these with the new Dex Cool engine coolant. Around 1999 they discovered this was breaking down and causing internal engine rust. Id trade in before 70k.

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  cavelier convertible tops in gas milage - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fyarbrough - March 14 - 12:00 am

  My Chevrolet Cavelier is tops in gas milage and would be an excellent car for a young person or old. However, I think GM needs to improve on the sturdiness of the vehicle.