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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  NEVER buy again - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cavalier hater - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my mechanic in 2000. I have had nothing but problems with it since purchasing it. I had to replace the transmission, I have had leaks in the oil and radiator. The A/C works, but using it causes the car to overheat. Problems w/ the starter and acceleration, very noisy. Speakers on the drivers side dont work, door panneling is falling off, and locks are falling off. This car is in the shop every 3-4 months. I had a 87 Olds that drove better and needed less repairs. My b/f has a 2001 Cavalier and is having problems with it as well. I wouldnt recommend buying this car used.

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  Awesome to drive! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tracy Nelson - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for eight years and enjoyed every minute of it, my teenage daughter even loves it! Its comfortable, reliable, good on gas, and stylish. I can put it pretty much wherever I want it whether I am in traffic or parking. I highly recommend this car unless you are over about 64", I imagine it might be a little too cramped up then. My husband is that tall and is comfortable in it.

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  Third Cavalier...no complaints - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lucky17757 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Despite Edmunds poor opinion of this car, I have had two new and one used Cavaliers and had a good experience . The horsepower and price with rebates makes it a keeper. Fuel economy is great also. Two thumbs up. Cant wait to try the new Cobalts in a few years when I have retired my new one!

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  A reliable car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BTH - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Its not a fancy car, but it was a good value and it is reliable. I have not had any problems with this car. I use it to go to work. For the money it was the best and newest used car I could find for the money.

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  Great daily driver - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By amp108 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and very reliable. I have never had to have any major work or any problems with anything on the car. The car gets very good gas mileage (25-30) and is quick compared to other compacts.

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  Im gonna miss you olgirl - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By GM Girl - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since we bought it new. She doesnt owe us a nickel! With 188K miles on it, my husband still takes her out on roadtrips over 400 miles one way. He travelled from Philly to Cle on a single tank of gas. He has driven this car very hard over the years and she still just zips right along. Now that he has a new truck, Im left choosing between the 96 Saturn with 120K miles or or my old faithful girl. Guess which one Id choose?? But with my luck, the day I sell the Saturn and all its troubles, my cav will give up the ghost! This is our 2nd Cav, and Id buy another if I didnt have 2 growing kids.

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  Its just a Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Still drives a Chevy - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Initially loved the cheap price I paid, but soon discovered it was a cheap car. No major problems, but a few things have broken including the a/c vent, seat, a few wheel covers, and the accumulator assembly had to be replaced. The CD player tends to skip if an entire CD is played, no matter how new the CD is. There is a lot of wind noise, you have to turn the radio way up when driving on the highway. Get up speed is good. The car is light and can be pushed around by the wind on the interstate. The car looks sporty, but you cant tell the year of the car by the outside unless youre looking at the front or the back. Inside looks like my old Corsica.

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  Best Car I have owned - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shadow822 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and have been very pleased with it. Love the 2.4L engine. I am 59" and the drivers seat is fine for me. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg in town. I have looked at the new Chevrolets and the seats seem very hard and uncomfortable to me. The maintenance on this car has been very little. The main reason I would not buy another is the seating and they no longer offer the 2.4L engine.

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  I made a mistake!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kelli - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something dependable. So I thought that if I bought a new car it would have to be right? Wrong. I am afraid to touch anything because it usually falls apart. I have had it for 3 months and I already regret buying it. My ac works good but I cant use it because it makes my whole car shake. This car feels like it is about ready to fall apart. It is comfortable once you get in and keep your hands of flimsy things. But the truth is its cheap because its built cheap. I wish I had bought a Honda. I am going to loose about $2000 for this stupid mistake! Oh and I have 2 friends with the same model and both of their engines blow up!

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  cavalier review - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By damian - June 24 - 2:00 am

  i am sastify with this car as far as the gas mileage,as far as the guality of is interior my opinion is that it is very cheap.I also had problems with the seals in the windshild it cause some water damage.I am very sastify with the exterior design.I had not other problem so far with this car.