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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:

• 

  Tried and True - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By comeback - April 25 - 2:57 am

  Basic transportation to be sure, but with good economy, a/c, cd, ps & pb and cruise for a low purchase price. I drive +-30K/yr so Ill drive it for 3-4 years or so. Dont worry about getting door dings or scratches, resale will surely be low on this car - but who cares? Yyou didnt have to mortgage the house to buy it. Trade it in on something else when you need to. It will likely be reliable, economical and safe transportation.

• 

  Great ride, great price.... - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Franco - April 14 - 6:56 pm

  Nice ride, smooth engine, cheap on gas, nice looking, what else can you ask for? I dont understand why Chevy Cavalier got an early retirement.

• 

  Will Own Many More Cavaliers!! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rachek - April 13 - 10:49 pm

  I drive for a living. I spend no less than 9 hours a day in my car and it is the best purchase I have ever made. I love my car and will own it till it wont own me anymore.

• 

  My car is GREAT! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Brandi - April 12 - 5:18 pm

  I love my new car! I bought it brand new, and its wonderful! I really needed a reliable car to get me back and forth to work and college, and the Cavalier I bought exceeds my expectations. The price was great as well!

• 

  Just OK - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By weezmachine - April 11 - 3:32 am

  I bought it used in 2001 with 100,000 miles on it, and it now has 155,000. I know the motor was rebuilt before I bought it. Ive replaced the brake pads 3 or 4 times, new rotors, starter went out, new headgasket, window motors replaced twice, trunk leaks, door leaks, replaced the battery, speakers are shot...I could go on with the list repairs Ive had done in 4 years. Not to mention its rusting everywhere! What do you expect for an 11 year old Cavalier though? Its pretty reliable though and it was decent to me for 4 years but Im sick of putting money into it that I could put into car payments for a newer car.

• 

  Good Product for the Money - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rebekah - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My car is primarily used for vacations, weekend trips, shopping etc, not commuting to work. With the rebate the total cost on my car ended up being between $13-14,000. For this amount of money I think I got a great deal on a reliable vehicle. Ive had no engine or mechanical problems with the car in the five months Ive had it. But, the seats need to be more comfortable. My lower back hurts after a two hour drive. Also, the viser moves the rear-view mirror every time you put it down. Thats a pain. I love the styling of the car outside and the power windows and locks. I think the backseat is nicely spacious for a coupe. Great stereo and air conditioning.

• 

  Excellent Value!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rtoumbs - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Cavalier I have purchased in the last seven years. I have spent almost nothing on maintenance. I totaled the first one in a head on collision and walked away without a scratch. The 2nd one is now being driven by my 15 year old son and I just bought a new 2004 LS Sedan. None of the compacts I looked at came close with regards to engine power, standard features, and price. I will hold on to this Cavalier until they bring back the model name in 2016 or whenever Chevy comes to their senses. This car makes the daily-recalled Ford Focus look like a joke!!!

• 

  Good All Around Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chevy Guy - April 6 - 1:24 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years now and it has been a completely reliable vehicle. I purchased this car based on two other reliable experiences with the same make/model. I commute every day from suburbs to city in all kinds of weather (including snow - i use snow tires too) and this car performs very well. Car gets very good gas mileage and decent performance with 4cyl/auto combination. No major mechanical/quality problems. Only problems of any kind has been an ABS sensor that failed and sticky power door locks (both warranty repairs). There are not many cars that have this value for the money.

• 

  Worst choice of my life - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By disturbedchic - April 5 - 3:34 am

  Bought a 95 Cavalier to replace what I thought was an ailing car I shouldve kept. In the 7 months Ive owned the car its had mechanical problems 6 times. First day I got it found out something was wrong with the transmission which would make it freeze up and not switch gears when it warmed up. The water pump busted and I went through 4 jugs of antifreeze before it could get fixed, transmission started to go, car would max out at 50, back door popped right open one day around a turn, and just recently it would take a city block to get it to 30mph and the whole exhaust system nearly touches the ground while the converter looks ready to blow.

• 

  Love my 94 Cavalier - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rlenser - April 4 - 2:08 pm

  Have had the car 11 yrs now, and will regular maintenance, it has been worth every penny. Surprisingly, we were considering selling it (its the bright shiny red rally sport coupe) and its kept higher value (vs initial price) than our other vehicles! Love my Chevy!