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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  92 Cavalier RS 4 door - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By clinton lallathin - August 7 - 1:23 am

  Its fun to drive, safe and reliable. I have had no major problems with my car at all.

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  VERY PLEASED CUSTOMER - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By johnboy511949 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING THIS CAR FOR SEVERAL YRS AND AFTER PURCHASING IT IT HAS SURPASSED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS AND SO HAS THE SELLING DEALER.

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  best damn car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sfc sarge - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Shopped long and hard for a new car. Searched for good used car, finally for the money, the Cavalier came on top. Noone gives you as much car for the money.

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  Our Little Puddle Jumper - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sid johnson - July 31 - 12:12 am

  Where do I start? We have owned the car since February 2005, purchased new. The reason for purchase was the price of gasoline and a long drive to work. We are getting 32 mpg without A/C and 29 with A/C. The power of the 2.2 Ecotec is incredible. If you need to go, you can go! The stereo is awesome. I really like the fold down rear seats for storage during transportation. Handling is really tight, a very fun car to drive. When doing oil changes, there is no mess with the filter being on top of the engine. It’s kind of nice not having oil running down your forearm for a change. Chevrolet is really pushing the Cobalts, so if you want a good deal, they are darn near giving away Cavaliers.

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  Accident Review - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cav Owner - July 29 - 6:50 am

  I enjoyed my Cavalier very much when I first bought it, just as any new car owner enjoys their car. It was smooth sailing until I got into an accident where I was T-Boned by a Corolla (a car not much bigger than the Cav). After that, things just went downhill. First of all, it crumbled like a sheet of paper in the accident while the Corolla had only a few scratches on its bumper. Shortly after, my A/C went out, and now it rattles at low speeds. Its a good car until you get some mileage on it.

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  rally sport - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By lore - July 28 - 8:34 pm

  car has never given us any problems and for the price its a decent car but lacks power for a so called rally influenced car

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  Whats all the complaining about? - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bill - July 28 - 3:08 pm

  I cant believe how poorly people rate the cavalier. This car is inexpensive, fun to drive, great looking for its age (almost 10 year old design) and gets great mpg even with the 2.4 dohc. The more time you spend driving it the more you like it. If people want luxury options they shouldnt rag on the cav. Its an economy car on paper but feels like a lot more when you actually own and drive daily. Stop the complaining. Keep your delusions of grandeur to yourself. Full coverage insurance on the car is very very reasonable. I have full coverage, live in Manhattan and spend less than 1000 a year.

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  Mom/family car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Robert&April Wheeler - July 27 - 9:56 pm

  I love my car for the fact that it has saftey features on it. I wish it would of had side airbags. I now have 18,699 miles on it. We went to the tip of TX, and going down I got 34mpg. By the time we came back, I got 36, not bad. This is my first brand new car and I plan on keeping it untill 100,000 miles. I take very good care of it because I want to know that when I get rid of this car that I gave them a good car. But the thing I like about it that it has been around since 1987 and that a thief cant take my car or stereo and if we were in a wreck all electric is shut off. I am well please with our car. Just cant wait for electric/gas cars.

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  Happy with Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James OMelia - July 24 - 10:19 pm

  I purchased it new and have had no problems. This is my second Cavalier, having bought a 97 new. Great A/C and heat, pickup, reliability, and gas mileage. I like its looks too. I disagree with Consumer Reports concerning this vehicles comfort and interior design. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for cheap transportation and some degree of style.

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  Not a bad little car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By getelimi - July 24 - 5:10 pm

  This is our 3rd Cavalier. After drivivng it for 3 years, so far so good. The only problem is the AC stopped working 800 miles past the warranty. The dealer covered the parts, but we paid for labor- wasnt happy about that. Drove it to Florida 1300 miles, and it was very noisy on concrete highways, and in one instance the car would not start until I jiggled the shifter. I liked our 86 the best, and drove it 109,000 miles with no repairs.