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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2001 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is great! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Curtis Lockwood - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The Chevrolet Cavalier we purchased is being used for our driving school in Columbia, SC. We have driven the first car for one year and put 50,000 miles without any repairs. We have found that it is extremely agile and the handling is terrific ( new drivers can be a challenge to teach even in a well handling car). We have gotten 32 MPG as an average through the first year and now have about 92000 miles on the first car. We just purchased another Cavalier to expand our business and plan to buy another before the end of the year.

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  Glad I Got Rid Of It!!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eri-bear - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I totally loved this car when I bought it new 4 years ago, soon after I began having more and more problems: the CD player broke, the dash creaked(had it replaced 2x, the last time it cracked in half), battery leaked acid all over engine(most of the repairs not covered under warranty), air conditioner makes terrible sounds when idling(dealer mech. said this car was cheap and bottom of line), horrible sounds coming from tires(dealer mech. couldnt hear it???), had to be towed to the dealership twice because it wouldnt start, the accessory fuse shorted after the first use(had the short fixed but it happened again), had fuel pump replaced...only has 22K miles.

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  My Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JoeinSand - June 22 - 2:00 am

  So far my experiene is great. It may lack some features other cars have in that makeket, but I love the over all look of my Cavalier. I have the base model w/ the sport pakage. Its much better than my last Dodge Neon or Nissian Sentra.

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  NICE LOOKING - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KIMOLAND - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003, started hearing the wind from the drivers side, took it to a dealer they said it was the door. They wouldnt fix it because we didnt buy it from there. over all, it is a nice car, we got a great deal on it. Gas milage is not as Vhevy claimed, only makes about 23-26 range not 34MPG. Low profile tires made it so attached to the ground and handles better. a little loud engine from inside, not as bad from the outside.

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  Dont buy one! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ali00 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I had the strut mounts replaced twice within 20,000 miles and now, at 35,000 they are squeaking again. Very soon after I purchased the car, the rattles and sqeaks started. The engine runs very loud (again, more rattles). I had to have part of the dash replaced, because that cracked fter approx 15k miles. The A/C fan makes a loud clicking noise for about the first 10 min. its on. I know, I did not purchase a Mercedes, but after 35k miles, I expected a ittle more. I will never purchase a Chevy car ever again.

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  Love this car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By heather stevens - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I always love to drive this car. It is cost effective and very reliable. It is a great car for first getting out of college.

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  A very reliable Chevy--98 Cavalier - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By matjag - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had moderate to heavy usage since its purchase in December, 1997. It seems virtually indestructible in that it has required only oil changes, brake work, and new tires in the past 6.5 years. Very quick (2.4 litre engine) for a compact vehicle making it a joy to drive. The only drawback is its very low profile. At times it appears that kids on tricycles can reach down and touch the roof of the vehicle. The motor is still very quiet and smooth despite the 85,000 miles of Houston city driving. With minor supportive vehicle repairs, I see no reason why it cannot attain 150,000 -- 200,000 miles. This is the best automotive bargain Ive received.

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  i love my chevy cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By galaxiewoman26 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  i like my car .. theres no other car id rather have..its good on gas.. and its very dependable..

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  Best car for the price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lauren H - June 13 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for the price you pay for it. It has great handling, always reliable and stylish. Ive owned two cavaliers and neither ever gave me any mechanical trouble.

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  CAVALIER - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By COCO PUFFS - June 12 - 2:00 am

  MY CAR I BOUGHT BRAN SPANKIN NEW IN 96 ITS STILL RUNS BESIDES 2 RUN-INS WITH DEER ALL I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERWISE IS THE CLUCH AND THE IDLER ARM OTHERWISE IT IS A VERY GOOD AND RELIABLE CAR RIGHT NOW IT HAS 185,000 MILES ON