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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  my first new car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By paraplocephalus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car. It has great gas mileage and plenty of cargo space for when I go to college or to drill. It also has the torque that all chevys have to blow away those imports.

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  Not a bad small car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavowner - May 1 - 2:00 am

  bought this car about 5 years ago. it had 60,000 miles on it. When I traded it in for a larger vehicle it had a whopping 122000 miles. the only things I had to fix on the car were maintenance items such as tires, brakes, alignment, and muffler. I really have nothing BAD to say about the vehicle. I had to trade up to a larger vehicle and had to say goodbye to the cav.

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  great car for a 4cyl - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sxyladyluv - May 1 - 2:00 am

  i think its a great little car for a 4 cyl..alot of get up and go...the cup holders could be in another space... a very smooth ride..BUT the engine sounds kinda loud..but i love the car..but im happy with it

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  consumer - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By patrico cobalt - May 1 - 2:00 am

  this car has a quick and responsive engine and it very quiet and smooth. i am very impressed with my stereo system which is a cd player. the cars a/c unit cools off very quickly. this car is a great buy and this one that i now have is my 5th one i love them. they are a beautiful car.

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  9 great years and 127k miles - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By EddieG - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Original Owner, this car has taken me all over the country and back. Has only needed routine brake and tire maintenance - ZERO mechanical problems. Fuel economy isnt what it was 9 years ago, but still better than most cars on the road. And one of the sportiest cars for its price range!

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  Love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RockStarAME - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing this car I test drove a number of other cars: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Dodge Neon, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Echo, and Toyota Corrolla. I liked each of these cars, but as soon as I drove the Chevy Cavalier I knew it was my favorite. I love the sunroof, and the exterior, in my own words, is very cute. I havent driven it long enough to be able to review its reliability, but in comparison with the other cars I think it has the best look and interior comfort. It also has good visibility, which I was having a hard time finding as I was updating from a 1993 car that has great visibility.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ShandaW - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and Ive had no problems with it at all. It gets up to speed real quick and it handles real good. I bought it almost new so the tires were still good and the interior is beautiful. The only thing Ive done is put better speakers in the back.

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  Very Dependable Wagon - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By loyalcavyowner - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The car was in the family since 94 and has been reliable for us the entire time. The 3.1 V6 is a powerful engine for this class of car. It has 140K and the only major problems were an alterator and a power steering unit replacement. The only trouble im having with it now is a transmission fluid leak but it still shifts flawlessly. The interior has a few broken pieces as well. Also ther is some surface rust showing up. I definitely recommend this car for those who like a dependable car with lots of people/cargo room. Also, try to find one with a V6.

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  The Best - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By poohni1539 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my car its great, it suits me in every need. The car is the perfest size, it has a nice sound system and the interior build is unique and cozy. The Cavalier is a wonderful car and i would recommend it to any individual who has a small family and is looking for a vehicle with low maintenance cost.

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  HATE IT!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kerryd0320 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I HATE THIS CAR...MY DASH HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES, MY RIMS WONT STAY BOLTED GOOD, AND I JUST ALL AROUND HATE THE SMALLLL INTERIOR, OH YEA AND MY PAINT IS ALREADY PEELING