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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Z24 - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Abusif - March 7 - 9:12 pm

  I think that its a good -low price- performant car. It look nice and its reliability is fair... Good choice...

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  1999 Chev Z24 Convertible - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Elvis - March 4 - 10:57 pm

  Engine revs quickly and is responsive. 5-speed transmission feels really nice. Clutch grabs near the top allowing fast shifts. Front and rear strut braces keep the steering tight when taking corners. Suspension is fairly stiff, you feel all the bumps but the handling is good. There are better convertibles out there, but nothing as good as this car for anywhere near the price. This car was less than twenty thousand USD new with all options selected (except automatic transmission).

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  cavalier: a platform to build on - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rad - March 4 - 10:21 pm

  there has been a few problems but in all it has been a good car except for the hub caps that squeak really loud and are very anoying god i wish i had money for alloys

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  Ive Been Happy! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Michael B - February 27 - 6:12 pm

  Purchased this car w/ 24K.Bought it to enjoy w/top down. Comparble convertible of this size & quality would have cost much more. Been extremely pleased w/reliability of this car. Normal wear & tear things replaced.Power top works great. Still get great comments on car & can keep up with rest of traffic when I am not leading it. Get in the 30s for mpg. Drove this car w/ top down into new millenium. Give it a chance! So far I have put 58K on mine for a total of 82K.

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  a good knockabout - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jbert - February 26 - 12:24 pm

  This is the third Cavalier in the family and all have been reliable, even into their older age. It sure isnt fancy -- lots of cheap plastic -- but its kept on running w/ basic maintenance for 10 years and 100K miles.

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  my cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mjjmmj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  built cheap the counsul is smaller no vanity mirrors not like the older models i had a 96 much better deal thedealer broke off the handle to the anti theft so i couldnt use it because i wasnt charged for it...

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  2002 Cavalier LS - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By alrosu - April 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. Ive had 2 oil changes so far, one at the dealer and another at a local place in town, and both have overfilled my oil by at least 1/2 a quart.

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  love my cavalier (CA-VAUL-E-A) - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By virtuous woman - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car! I purchased a 2002 cavalier LS coupe with the sports package and it is nice. It handles very well and is good on gas. Also, I was able to take advantage of the rebate offer, which saved me a lot of money. If you want a sports car, but do not have "sports car money" I recommend this car. Make sure that you get a coupe with a sports package. This car is really nice. It far exceeds what I expected. Chevrolet has come a long way with the Cavalier!

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  i love my first brand new car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By karen - February 10 - 10:00 am

  i have had alot of fun driving around in my little put put car. i love it. the only thing that i would change if i could would be the leg room. there is non-by the way i am 58".

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  Chev. Cavalier 4 dr sedan - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By magalloway - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the price 12,500 (dealer promotion) this car is peppy, reliable, comfortable, good gas mileage 30 mpg. auto trans, ABS brakes, power steering, am/fm cd player, clock. Rear seat folds down to extend trunk length. 100,000 mile coolant. Tight ride and steering, not sloppy. No mechanical problems, third one Ive owned.