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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  If only the engine worked... - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Miss Charlie - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Oh how GM has disappointed me. Bought this brand-new in 99, now has 64k miles. I absolutely adored this car, took great care of it. Without warning it crapped out and voila, it needs a new engine. Needless to say I am not paying for that repair the money will be better-spent towards something new (and probably foreign). I had no problems up until then except for a warranty-covered sunroof replacement.

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  Great car - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John Bierman - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Great little car, bought for my father when he was commuting 600-700 miles a week for less than $1000 from local GM dealer. Only work needed was a new battery and a new starter (althouth replacing just the solenoid probably would have fixed it as well). Love the styling on it, comfortable seats, good gas mileage (25 mpg or so in town, 30+ on the highway). Always as dependable as any car Ive had (although my old Datsun 210 wagon was pretty good too), with terrific ground clearance (a big help for getting through the snow where I live). Solid machine Id recommend to anyone needing good, cheap transportation!

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  second cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Suzy64 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving my new cavalier 3 days but already I can feel the reliability that I had with my first one. My first cav was a 1997 LS sedan which ran and ran and ran. It broke my heart to trade it in but after 7 years, I felt she had served me well. Never had to fix anything on her except the battery and I had her serviced every 3 months, so what does that tell you.

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  Love my Cavy - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By PDizzle - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has been cheap and reliable for me since I bought it with 12,000 miles. I had to put wider tires on it and tweak the engine for more power, but other than that it has been quick, comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Few problems with proper matenance - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pacofish - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I am a Mechanic. I have had this car since it was new I have to do almost notinig to keep this car running. This car gets a fast pass from the emissions test.

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  Great Car - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dannyboy166 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I am an 18 year old male driver! I have run this car into the ground and it still runs like new... I have put about 50,000 miles on this car in about 5 months and I have never had any problems with it.. Works great, never breaks down, good gas mileage, etc. Perfect all-around car

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  the white lemon - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By adam210 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  i hope for chevys sake that i just got a lemon, but this thing is a hunk of junk. not long after the warranty was up it started to fall apart. wind noise is VERY loud, as are the creeking and squeeking sound that seem to come from every sq in of the car. at 55000 miles i have a rod knocking. my mechanic said that he noticed this happening alot in the ld9 "2.4l dohc" engine and a friend of his at the dealership said that gm knows about the problem, but it seems to happen after the warranty is up, so they do nothing.

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  Davids cavalire - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By David Schendel - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We went to the dealership to buy an Impala, and drove the cavaoier and loved it. We also own a 1997 cavalier. Great car, great car, and Don Ringler is a great Dealership to do bussiness with.

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  Good Bang for the Buck! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Matt Parsons - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Im a big guy, live in a remote part of Canada and needed an inexpensive car to buy and operate winter or summer, and if I had problems it needed a great dealer network. I found it all in the Cavalier. There were other cars near this range but when all else was equal the Cavalier also looked the best. My opinion. Sunfire was nice too but over my price range.

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  cavalier rocks - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By six flags - May 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems so far!!!