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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  Happy with the car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By snowbird - January 7 - 7:25 pm

  This is my second Cavalier. The first one was a lemon. This one has been great. I have 204,900 miles and it is still going strong. The only maintenance is oil, tires and plugs. The mileage is great 29-31 mpg. The only problem with the car is a wind noise that comes through the windshield at high speeds with the right wind direction and high wind speed.

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  Not Bad for the Price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CheesyEagle - January 7 - 9:06 am

  Sharp exterior styling, responsive handling, and a strong engine make this an enjoyable car to drive. The poor build quality, ugly interior (especially the steering wheel) and relatively low level of refinement always leave you wanting more. Overall the bargain basement price makes this package worthwhile, but Chevy still has a long way to go in order to compete with the "imports" (loosely termed).

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  Thought Chevys Were Best? - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Macee - January 6 - 1:49 am

  My car was a good car up until the past three months. It ran very well and the feul economy was pretty good. But then a squeaking sound started in the front end that the dealership could not figure out what was wrong. Turns out, it was the shocks. Then, I started to hear a grinding sound: rotors are grinding. And now the transmission is slipping at second gear. Now, my dad is a mechanic so it was well maintained. I love my car...it was my first new car. It was my graduation gift from my parents. And until now it was great...but now its falling apart!

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  2005 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James Jardine - January 5 - 10:47 pm

  Very good ride. The engine is smooth with excellent fuel economy and surprising power. The 5 speed manual is excellent. The durability, reliabilty and cost of ownership have been excellent and keep me coming back.

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  Theres nothing wrong with car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By occasional renter - January 4 - 5:16 pm

  Ive seen various reviewers trash the cavalier over the years. I am driving the 2005 and it is a very nice car. it is not as smooth as the Hyndai Elantra, but the Cavalier has a good feel to it. I enjoy driving it. The interior plastic is cheap. It is perfectly acceptable for an economy car.

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  fun and value - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By gary - January 2 - 12:16 pm

  I ahd a cavalier back in 1999 and came back to it in 2005. the car is really quite well made, fun ti drive and has all the feel of a more expensive sports car with the ls coupe edition. Im afairly big guy, 510 240 and the only thing i could ask for is a little more head room. othe than that im thrilled, love driving it and would like to hold on to this one for a while.!

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  2004 5 Speed Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rickey - January 2 - 11:26 am

  Awesome engine and trans. The base Civic 5 speed I tested had anemic acceleration compared to the base Cavalier. The Cavalier sticks to the road very well with an acceptable ride quality. The BASE stereo with CD rocks! I also own a 93 Cavalier 4 door with 223,000 miles which is still very dependable(only unscheduled maint.was a set of fuel injectors), and another 04 Cavalier this is my wifes car which is an automatic with 24,000 trouble free miles. My "other car" is a 96 Caprice with 178,000 miles. I am very impressed by the amount of car Chevrolet offers for $10k. Based on the price, mileage, and reliability I have received I can personally say the imports dont impress me at all.

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  Sporty looks, fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Wiccan1 - January 2 - 7:55 am

  I have only driven the car about 2500 miles so far. It is great looking, great on gas, comfortable, and pretty peppy for a 4 cyl. I took the car on a 1500 mile cross country trip, the only problem I had was from the Highway Patrol.lol

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  Little Red Cav - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kyle Carpenter - January 2 - 12:28 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! its simple, and worth every dime I payed. I bought it with 3 miles on it now I have 32,000 miles. And Ive enjoyed every mile. I drove it from Florida to Northern Indiana to Maryland, Now i have it in Hawaii. I love the sporty look.

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  Little Red Cav - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kyle Carpenter - January 2 - 12:12 am

  I love my little red cavelier too bad I need to sell it. I have a 2yr old... We did have the car for the whole infant stage and it was still great.