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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  cav review - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By wow!!!cav - February 22 - 2:00 am

  ITs is just awesome

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  MY chevy - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kimoea - February 21 - 2:00 am

  My car is very fun to drive. I think it should have had a different spoiler desing.Other than that it is a great car. I put my own sound system in it and it "ROCKS"

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  my black chevy cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By janet english - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This cavalier is a great on road handling and is a pretty fast car. It has a lot of power for a small car, and is great on mileage. The car also has a great sunroof, tinted windows, and sporty chrome rally wheels. It looks like a little black corvette, except it is not as expensive. It rides more quiet than a vet, and is certainly better on fuel. The smoothe road handling and body style is what really impressed me.

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  It made it for 10 years - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bett1e - February 14 - 2:00 am

  From 1993 to 1999, the main problems were the coolant was always missing due to a temperature gaurge problem, hose problem or some othe problem. In 1999, all heck started to break lose. The brakes failed totally in 1999 and I luckily made it home safely (back brakes only). From 1999 on, various things happened included all the injectors failed, the ignition module failed, the head gaskets failed, etc.. The most annoying thing that made the repairs not worth it: the car started to look bad. The paint started to fake, the brake light started to melt, and the inside of the door would scorch your arm because the metal would get too hot in the sun.

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  No luck with cars - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tanya_g83 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car less than a year and I put all 18K miles on it and I have a wiring problem with my car. My cruise shuts off when i put on my turning signal. My CD player had a defect and I got burned when I took my CDs out and my rear turning signals wires were eroded. My drivers door doesnt shut all the way unless you slam it. My heat vent fell out when I was driving down the road and the gears to change the heater settings are stripped.

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  That Car that grows up with you!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Now A Mom - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first cavalier in 97, and it lasted for 7 years with no major mechincal repair. So when it was time to grow up and turn in my two cute car for a bigger and more adult car. My first choice was the cavalier. It still has a grown up look, without screaming "Im a mom". I trust this make and model, and will continue to business with them if when my now 2 year old gets her license. (watch out world)

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  great car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chevygirl96 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been my favorite vehicle. I love chevys and I love this car. It handles very well and goes through the snow almost as well as my husbands 4 wheel drive blazer.

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  Not too Bad... - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Grayce - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new. I have put a LOT of miles on it(158 000). I like the way it looks, inside and out. We have changed the head gasket twice, replaced gas tank/lines and had many! brake jobs. Its also had a really bad problem with rust around the bottom of the doors and on the hood (rusted right through).It is near the end of its useful life now and I will replace it soon. Im not sure if I will buy another Cavalier though. Upkeep has been expensive, but it has always started (even in the coldest weather) and never left me stranded.

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  My Cav - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JAILER 6 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Less road nois would be a plus.

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  Excellent Car!! - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mar-tone - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my 1st new car purchase and the best $10,400 I ever spent! After 13+ years and 129,000 miles Ive gone through 2 exhaust systems, 2 starters, a head gasket, 3 brake jobs, and one water pump. But STILL a VERY dependable car year round. Still handles good, good mileage. Not the fastest or shiniest car on the block - but I own it. NO car payment, low taxes and STILL dependable transportation to work. "Trade in value"?...who needs it! Chevrolet made a winner here!!!