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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 1,309.00-
What a great buy - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By bandit88 - April 14 - 5:59 pmI bought this car as the second owner with 234, 000 miles on it, about three years ago. Ive put about 60,000 miles on it and Ive put minimal amount of money in it. It is fun to drive, easy to learn stick on, and I average 33 mpg with most highway miles. This car owes me nothing!
-
2004 Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Littlelady - April 10 - 2:00 amI just bought this vehicle a couple weeks ago. My Cavalier replaced a 1997 Geo Prism. I went for all the luxury available. I love it! Very comfortable and affordable for a car in its class!
-
White 1999 Cavalier-Z24, 2dr. coupe - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Pippy - March 31 - 6:22 pmI bought my cavalier-Z24 new in fall of 1998 (1999 model yr.)and I still own it! It has 52,000 miles on it and runs/looks great! If I could purchase a 2010 Cav.-z24, Id buy on in a heartbeat! Luv this car, had/have no problems with it this far, everything works fine :) luv this car!
-
Great to drive!! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Ghost6987 - March 23 - 5:55 pmI got this car in "05" with about 100k on it and I drive it about 130 miles aday. Im a Young kid Im 21. I have the 2.2 its rusted and has a lil rodded but I have a perfect tac in it also I put a turbo on it only running 8psi a better cam and a 2 3/4 inch piping its still my daily driver never left me on the side of the road a beat on it all the time great car as long as u keep up with everything. Do an oil change with royal purple! All the time it helps the car out and protects it the best. The car has on the dash right now with the oem block rods and pistons it has 291k and still going strong. I love my teal civi killa
-
Love My Chevy! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Cat - March 11 - 9:29 pmI love my car! I have never had any major issues with this car. I get my oil changed as recommended, new tires, breaks things like that. Its sporty, and I think its fun to drive. Its got a great stock stereo system.
-
Great car, no problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
By brnwrng - February 2 - 9:49 amI have had no problems to date with the car and it gets great gas mileage. I wish I had the 5 speed version but the auto was still good. The car is responsive and handles great.
-
Good all around small car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Bill Spond - January 25 - 3:48 pmGreat gas mileage, 29-30 MPG on the interstate. I have had one wreck skidding backwards into a guardrail at about 50 mph and very little damage to the car. Very well built.
-
Good Value - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By KJT - January 19 - 10:00 amThis is a nice car with a great price.
-
nicest - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By kathyde - January 15 - 2:00 ami have never had a car that i could drive around and feel more comfortable in. it does not feel like a SLED, and definatinly not a BABY./ i get looks every where i go, and coments. like ;AWESOME CAR-BEAUTIFUL.
-
sporty cruiser - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
By bash - January 15 - 2:00 amthis is the first new car i have ever had i was so excited with it. I beieve i made a great choice.
