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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 71 through 80 of 1,309.00-
why i dislike my Cavalier - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By 311 - April 14 - 2:00 amMy 1996 Cavalier has been a very reliable car, besides that it is a poorly made car. This car is a basic ecnomy car, it will never be anything but an ecnomy car not even the z24 will be more. The horsepower to weight ratio is pretty bad(130HP to 2617lbs) , the Torque (120 ft-lbs) is also pretty bad. The interior of the car is very cheaply made, from the seats to the steering wheel down to the side door panels which always seemed to be crack on every Cavalier. If anyone is thinking of upgrading a Cavalier i would highly disapprove, go out and get a sports car and dont make the same mistake that i did.
-
Reliable powerful engine, but no comfort - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
By OMD - April 5 - 2:00 amGot mine in 1995 at 52,000 miles and have since put 40,000 miles on it. AC worked great in TX. Starts on even the coldest days in MI. Control dome for wipers and alternator need changing in first 60K. Interior panels cheap and rattle like hell, keep coming off. But engine is reliable and has lot of low end torque. Steering fairly responsive, but lots of body roll. Excessive road and wind noise - especially on highway. Body of car still free of rust after 90K. Repairs to date: $3000 - changed alternator once, all brakes twice, shocks & struts once, battery twice and other small repairs. Radio quite powerful and has lot of bass.
-
DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS!!!!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Poof - March 21 - 2:00 amI purchased this car right out of High School.I dint know what I was doing. This was all I could afford. The only smart thing I did was buy the extended warranty. If I hadnt I would of spent $3000 on fixing it. Gas mileage sucks. I had the rear main seal go, head cover gasket, leak in the fuel injectors, o2 sensor, alternator, oil pump, oil pump sensor, only thing that is still working great is the a/c and coolant system. I cant wait to finish paying it off in Aug 2003. This was my second cavalier and it had nothing but the constantly over heating. Im talking, going to work and find your coolant broke inside your car, leaking everywhere.
-
Avoid like the plague - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
By taken4aride - March 6 - 2:00 amFuel pump-August, 2002 $800. TRANSMISSION-January, 2003 $2300. Head Gasket-Febraury, 2003 $500. Total mileage of this car is only 68,000. This is, without a doubt, the absolute worst car that I have ever owned. The above list is only a small sample of the problems with this car. Many problems similar to other reviews (motor mounts, shoddy interior, etc).
-
This car is satan itself - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By dmr028 - February 13 - 2:00 amTime chain went $650 Fuel regulator $350 Radator $750 Head gaskets $800 (I only had the car 6 months and miles were just over the warranty in 99 - I have no speeding tickets either!) 4 recalls in the time Ive owned the vechile. DONT BUY THIS CAR YOU WILL GO BROKE FIXING IT!!!
-
Never Buy a Cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Jon&Stacy - February 3 - 2:00 amI have to say they are good for gas milege. As a over all car would never own one again. They do not have any power and are very prone to break down. They are not worth your time or effort or money. They are only good cars if you want to spend the money onthem to repair.
-
Poor - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Ftmjohn - November 11 - 2:00 amStupid car! So loud i can hardly hear the radio.
-
Watch out for the exploding windows - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Stacia Allen - October 30 - 2:00 amThis has got to be the worst possible car ever. Ive had the drivers window and the rear window explode so far. No one was around - nothing hit the windows. Just exploded while I was driving. The coolant light comes on everytime I make a sharp left hand turn. My windows leak like crazy whenever it rains. Ive had it into the dealership 3 times regarding this matter. They told me to roll the window up first then shut the door to help it seal - still doesnt help.I could tell you for hours the things that are wrong. This is just some of the big stuff. Only some of it-I havent even got started.
-
my car sucks - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
By beautifulsound - October 18 - 2:00 amI bought my car from a friendly old man who convenced me that the only right car for me was my chevrolet cavalier. He was a liar and a theif! I now am the unproud owner of a car that constantly breaks down and takes all my money. Please dont buy a car from a friendly old man! Death to cavaliers!
-
Friends dont let friends drive Cavaliers - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By kray - September 8 - 2:00 amI have had my car for a little over a year, and I hate it. It looks good, but the transmission and clutch dont work well together. This is the only car I ever had that I wish was an automatic. The seats and other interier bits are cheap and wearing too fast. It doesnt handle very well, and it has far too many rattles and squeaks. I wish I would have spent more money on a better car.
