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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Very good for the price range - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By yako - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a no-frills car that beats the hell out of the cheap makes that you find in this price range. My previous car was a 97 Kia Sephia, and I am already impressed with the build quality, quietness, ride, handling, performance, and standard features. The styling leaves something to be desired -- there are nice features, but the rear-end looks like a Ford Contour. The front-end is a marked improvement over previous Cav. years.

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  nice little car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mike - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this car couple weeks ago. Got over $4000 off the MSRP with $2002 rebate and a huge GM card earnings. So far its been really nice to drive. The new 2.2 Ecotec engine is much better than the old 2.2 and 2.4 engines. Feels more powerful than most small car.

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  CAVALIER 2 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By L2 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS REALY ABOUT MY 1992 CAVALIER THAT I BOUGHT NEW 12 YRS AGO I LVED THAT LITTLE RED CAR BUT AFTER 169,000 MILES AND ALL THE GOOD DEALS ON NEW CAVALIERS I DECIDED TO GET A NEW AND IF THIS CAVALIER IS AS DEPENABLE AS MY 92( I HAD ONE MINOR ELECTRIAL PROBLEM IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT ALL I DID WAS MAINTANCE(OIL, FILTERS,TIRES,ECT.) NEVER HAD ANY OTHER PROBLEM FOR HER LIFE TIME SHE STILL HAD GET UP AND GO WHEN I TRADED BUT YOU COULD TELL SHE WAS STARTING TO FEAL HER MILES MY NEW LITTLE BLACK BEAUTY HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR LOVE THE RADIO HATE THE DASH CANT USE THE SPACE I HOPE I HAVE 12 MORE GOOD YEARS WITH THIS CAR

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  The Cavalier (2003) - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By K.B. - July 21 - 2:00 am

  *One of my friends recently bought a new Cavalier and found out that it had a big makeover. She got inside and said, "This is the car for me!" It drives fast, but not too fast. It looks sporty, but its personality is for city streets. The car is fun to drive and could use a few more features and a new interior design.

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  great for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ty&mikespopop - March 25 - 10:00 am

  At $10,200 The Cavalier is a bargain.I bought the base model strictly as transportation to work.It came with a 5 speed manual trans,A/C and a cd player as well as P/S,and P/B.What started out as just a work car has become our everything car.Its fun to drive, good on gas and handles like a sports car.It has excellent brakeing and emergency handleing.Someone cut me off and ran me onto a grass shoulder at 65mph last week and the car behaved like a champ.

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  Great Sporty Car with Lots of Power - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Elizabeth - February 13 - 7:53 am

  This is a great sporty car with lots of power. I really loved driving it for a long time. Unfortunately, once it started have severe mechanical problems (about 2 years ago) it started going downhill fast.

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  Very Suprising - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chemmie - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I was very suprised in how peppy the engine is. For the price, I dont think there is a car that will match it. The interior is cheaper than others but it is still pretty sturdy and can handle wear and tear from people and dogs. Because of the peppy engine, it is very fun to drive! Also gets better gas mileage than listed.