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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  I love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jenny Mariner - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it for 1 month, but weve already put 2000 miles on it. Its really not bad on gas considering all the running we do. I got a 5 speed, and its really easy to drive. Im very happy with it so far.

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  Not bad at all - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kyleA - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was a great bargin. The 2.2 Ecotech engine is peppy, and has a lot of torque. The steering is tight, and front bucket seats sculpt to your body. The only negotive is that the insulation underneath the car could be better. I can hear the gas in my tank sloshing around when I turn corners. I have never heard that in other vehicles. That being said, for the price I paid, this car is wonderful. This is my first GM product, and probably wont be the last.

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  I love my Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ALE - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I actually volunteer to drive on roadtrips wiht this car. Its fun to drive and with the rising gas prices, it is very efficient.

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  I ENJOY MY NEW CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By suger - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY LIKE THE CAR. ALTHOUGH IT HAS LOW RATINGS, YES I AGREE THE BODY COULD BE ASSEMBLED BETTER. (LIKE THE VIBRATING DRIVER MIRROR). I NOTICE UNEVEN PARTS AND THE ENTERIOR IS OK BUT NOTHING EXSTRAVAGENT. GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT AND ALL AROUNG I LOVE DRIVING IT AND I GET LOTS OF COMMENTS ABOUT HOW OTHERS LIKE IT.AND THE NEW ORANGE COLOR IS VERY EYE CATCHING.THE 5 SPEED MAKES IT FEEL LIKE ZOOMZOOM.

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  Cavalier is Junk!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By marks - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2002 Cavalier coupe. Car stalled at 60mph on second day with 75 mile on car and would not start. Called Dealer from cell phone on side of road. Dealer was rude. Car at Dealer for 1 week, fixed car and now the same problem. Bought car 3 weeks ago and drove it 3 days... Need to see a lawyer and get my money back...

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  One of the worst ever - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By savageice - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Engine broke($1200), timing chain broke (800), hit a little toothpick tree in the snow and did over $2000 worth of body damage. Add that to a couple of other problems under the hood....I pay more fixing it then I did when I bought the stupid thing

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RandRJohnson - April 13 - 2:00 am

  We own a 98 Honda Civic, but we drive this car most of the time. It is a great traveling car, and is quiet and smooth. Overall this car is a great buy!

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  i like it - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Luke McKaskle - April 13 - 2:00 am

  currently i own a 2001 caviler i enjoy driving it. Its been a really good car very dependable. But there is not enough performance parts avalible for the 2001 model. So i was thinking of getting a new 2004 model with the new ecotec engine theres a lot more avalible for them like turbos and after market intake manifolds , exaust systems , header and so forth. But i am looking forward to driving a new one to see what this new engine is a about. From what Ive read so far im imprest . They made a 750hp engine out of a 4 cylinder without sliping the juice to it and only useing 24psi Luke McKaskle

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  Reliable but lacks comfor - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Scott3125 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have to give it to Chevrolet, this Cavalier has not one mechanical problem since I have owned this vehicle. It is the most reliable vehichle I have owned. Comfort scale is low though. Interior could fit the driver better. Dependablity has put this car in a class by itselt. Thanks Chevy

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  good car now i have spent money - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fandfcavalier - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dicent lil car. not something to brag about but none the less its a car. i have upgraded the brakes, exhaust system, and intake system and after that i am impressed with the lil car. i have the 3 speed auto and i ran a 17.33 in the quarter and 9 sec 0-60 the other day. the only thing is that the 2.2 liter motors timing chain tenser is crap. i need it changed and the cheapest place to change it so far is 500 bucks. Another thing i hate is gms crappy alternators and water pumps. i am on the second water pump and the 3rd alternator. but other than all of that is been a good car.