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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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

• 

  Chevys It! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rad Tad - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The engine is sluggish, the imterior parts are cheap and break easily. It doesnt have much horsepower. It has more along the lines of grasshopper power. I wish I could trade it, but because it doesnt hold its value well I would be terribly upside down!

• 

  Ms. Fed Up - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Honda Luver 4 life - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I do not have a happy report about this model. back to the dealer a total of fifteen (15) times, Ive had my driver door serviced for loud noises, ignition switch & lock replaced,AC serviced twice, battery replaced for leaking acid, check ingine light stayed on for days,my theft deterent system had to be reprogrammed, the coil had to be replaced, going 70mph on the highway the car just shut off on me (and this happened twice), fuel pump had to be replaced, cd had to be replaced. I never know when Im gonna stall on the highway driving this vehicle.

• 

  I hate my 2003 Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Allana - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Well where do I start! I have owned this car for 10 months now and I have had nothing but problems. 9 warrenty issues including a knocking noise in my front passenger side tire area which has been unsuccessfully fixed with 4 attempts now. The interior squeaks all the time, the breaks arent that good, the car rides like its falling apart. The only good thing about it is the a/c and Im sure that will go soon enough! Being a student, its all I could afford but if I had my time back I would have listened to everyone who told me that GM cars are no good and went without food to lease a better car! No more north american made cars for me ever!

• 

  Run, save your money - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tiffers - August 27 - 2:00 am

  After buying this as a certified car from a GM Dealer it has practically fallen apart. Thank god for the extended warranty we bought. It has covered $500 in electrical work and $680 for replacement of a water pump. Yes, replacing the water pump cost $780 because of the amount of labor it takes to work on the Olds engine stuffed into the engine compartment.

• 

  Big Problems and Hefty Bills - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By midnyte_sun - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 1998 and it ran fine for the first year and a half. Then it started having all kinds of problems. At 85,000 miles Ive had these problems: Electronic Modulator busted, water pump busted, engine constantly overheats, a/c, vent, heating only works at max, catalytic converter busted, oxygen sensors malfunctioned, and I get horrible gas mileage : 275 miles on a full tank. (Ill be nice and wont even include new tires, shocks, struts, brakes, etc). Total repairs: $7,000+

• 

  The cheapest car ever built... - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavalierssuck - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Cavalier last fall for $5,200. It sounded like a bargain at the time. My family has always had Chevy cars and trucks so I figured it would be a good car. WRONG. The first week I had it, the spark plug wiring needed to be replaced because it would sputter like crazy. Three weeks later it needed a new clutch (yes I am a very good manual driver). Almost every morning in the winter it wouldnt start, and if it did start it ran bad. 3,000 bucks later it still runs like garbage. VERY CHEAP CAR DONT BUY IT!!

• 

  cavalier is a nightmare - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By danielles fat - July 27 - 2:00 am

  carv -a-lier horribly built car..no power.no quality.if u have it get rid of it before the warranty runs out..if it lasts that long.everything breaks.transmission rattles (charactaristic, not a defect)..rides like @#%$, For performance leave car at the dealer for warranty services

• 

  I hated my wifes car - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mlittrell - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car came with my wife. She loved it and I hated this car with every fiber of my being. It was uncomfortable, it couldnt get out of its own way, and felt like it would tip over at every corner. The good thing is that there werent any options to break. It was pretty reliable, except for the yearly recharge of the freon, the replacement of the master cylinder, and the alternator. For a GM vehicle with almost 80k mi, I would say that that wasnt bad. It still looked pretty good when we sold it, but my father in law and I are very good about keeping our cars up. I wasnt surprised that the dealerships really didnt want it as a trade in.

• 

  My car is always broken! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Unsatisfied cavalier - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had almost everything fixed and it just keeps breaking down. I bought it used as a bargain, and it has been far from that. Ive put more money into than I paid for it just three years ago. Off the top of my head, things that have been replaced are the entire cooling system, the computer chip, brakes more than once, air conditioner, and the inside is falling apart!

• 

  Dont Buy a Cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cgehlich - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had many problems with my Cavalier. This month alone, I have put over $700 into the car, not including my car payment or insurance. Granted, I drive the car a lot. But, many things continuously go wrong with it that shouldnt (Engine Light goes on, Emergency Brake dont always hold, there is a crack in the dashboard - no one ever since in the passenger seat, so I have no idea how this came out, etc.). Ive done everything to keep the car well-maintained, but nothing seems to be working.