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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  solid car, but weak engine - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ........... - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my cav. less then a year ago and it only had 46,000 miles on it. But now it has close to 73,000 and it still runs great. The only problem Ive had with it was I needed to replace the altinator. at 72,000 miles.

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  My 2004 Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AMHugs - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Cavalier I have owned. It has nice outside lines and roomy trunk. The fold down back seat will be useful. I wish the car was wider and mor comfortable for back seat passengers.

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  Good car - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By brady - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I dont know if I just got lucky, but my cavalier ran for over 130,000 miles with little to no repairs on it. Only after 130,000 did anything need to really be fixed.

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  One Speedy Devil - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By One Speedy Devil - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I really like how the car drives the only thing i would have liked to see that was different on the car was a better seal for water. it leaks like crazy but all and all, a very nice car

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  crap - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bad choice - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is crappy. Not only is it ugly,its crap!!! i hate my cavalier, i have spent 19,600 something, repairing it so far, yes, nearly 20 grand of repairs for this 15 grand car. WHYdo u ask,well i dont know, BUT CAVALIERS ARE THE WORST CARS EVER!!!!!!!!!!

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By PrincessMommy26 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have owned even though I havent had it very long. I have to small children and its a big enough for my family. Everything about the car is great. How things are set up on the inside and how it looks on the outside is ourstanding. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good family car but also sporty looking 4-door.

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  So Great I Bought It Twice - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mobfusion - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My vehile was flooded during Hurricaine Charly. So I went out and bought a new Chevy Cav.

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  I love my Z24 - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jjz24 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 7 years now and I love it as much as the day I bought it. Ive had absolutely no problems with it. Wonderful vehicle!

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  Work / Family fun - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mad Mike - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 2000 miles on my 2005 Cavalier. It runs great, gets 35 mpg (highway), and the A/C and cd player make it very nice to travel in.I put 500 miles on a week traveling back and forth to work and we use it as a "family car" on the week-ends.

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  My Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KarKoXO - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my Cavalier. It looks so good on the outside. The inside is just as great because its comfortable.