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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  One of the worst ever - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By savageice - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Engine broke($1200), timing chain broke (800), hit a little toothpick tree in the snow and did over $2000 worth of body damage. Add that to a couple of other problems under the hood....I pay more fixing it then I did when I bought the stupid thing

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  Isnt there a lemon law? - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eakwave - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had to fix or replace the air conditioning, brakes, clutch, head gasket, and two valves before I even hit 50,000 miles. Of course, most of this happened about six hours after the warranty was up so it all came out of pocket. Gotta love Chevy.

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  stay away! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By davehatescavaliers - February 23 - 2:00 am

  after being ripped off in 2001 for $3000 more than the car was even worth, its been one problem after another with this little piece of you- know-what. im considering replacing it with a 12 year old accord with 108,000 miles if that tells you anything. that honda will be a real step up.

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  Dont buy this car. - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tezdel81 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My mother always said, "you get what you pay for." That is exactly right with this car. The best thing it has going for it is gas mileage. Otherwise, its built to last only a few years. No trade in value, you will end up owing way more than its worth in the long run. Stay away is my opinion.

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  Not so great - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mellyc - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 cav brand new and ive had nothing but problems with it. Its definately a piece of junk. I will come to a stop and my car stalls.. Ive taken it in to be fixed many times and nobody can find the problem. Its definately a lemon, i would not suggest buying a cavailer.... Definately not worth the money..

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  commuter car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By philnjean - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Poor brakes. Ive only got 19K on this thing and the front rotors have already been replaced. When the antilock engages it makes a terrible noise and it feels like its just rolling with no brakes. Dealer says its normal. I cant believe brakes that sound like that are normal. Average fuel economy. Interior looks cheap, but car was cheap. Awful resale. Only one year old and its lost half its value

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  Poorly built - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Will Neverbuyanother - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is fairly quick & comfortable. Transmission makes horrible noises(GM refuses to repair) front struts rattle, Sunroof drainhole (RH front) plugged causing wet roof liner, flaking paint around gas cap (when brand new) LH power mirror quit adjusting, Loud whistle from sunroof at highway speeds, radiator reservoir cap broke, sqeaks, rattles everywhere, engine runs hot when idling(rad fan rarely comes on)

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  Too much money spent to keep car running - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joerell - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1998 Chevrolet cavalier rs, which now have 90k. This car has been the worst. My brakes went 3 times in a year and a half, which didnt come cheap. at 81,000 mile my gasket went, at 89,000 my alternator went, now at 90k it in the shop because of its transmission. After a while the trunk wouldnt close so i had to get new lock parts for it as well as the drivers door. It seems like the car is in the shop more than on the road. For a student or a 1st time buyer this was the worst car, in the future i would stay away from american cars. My mom have a Subaru Legacy Out., which have well over 100k,the only expensive thing she paid for was brakes.

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  This car is pure junk - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JulieKay - November 7 - 10:00 am

  after only six months it is now sitting back at the dealership and has been for two weeks with the transmission out of it, the steering shakes and something is wrong with the brakes and the heater control switches are broke for my first new car i bought a pure lemon

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  This car is a lemon - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shilow - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Right from the start there have been problems with this car. The engine has been remounted 3 times due to a design defect that causes the engine to not fit properly into the vehicle. This makes the front end vibate constantly, especially when idling. It is not considered a safety problem by GM. But it can cause other parts to fail or break from the vibrations. Also the coolant system has had constant problems and many replacements. It is now leaking due to a rotted head gasket. Dealer repairs have been unsatisfactory. I would not recommend this car or any other GM vehicle to anyone.