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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  exceptional - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By MommaOf2 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  perfect car for the first time driver! Highly recommended, would not buy anything else for any of my children

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  Good Car Nothing Fancy - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By uneinc - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Were really happy with this car for basic transportation. The new engine for 2002 models runs great. The interior features have been upgraded too although the comfort level is still below average. Im not sure why the Cavilier has such poor resale value. Its the second one weve owned with no major problems. It just runs.

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  Sastisfied 1st New Car Driver - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By QueBertguy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Nervous about dropping all my savings into a more expensive car, the Chevy Cavilier was an excellent choice for a first new car for myself fresh out of highschool. It performs quite well, and has needed only minor maintaince... a "chrip" in the front wheels and a creaky dash have been the only problems to date. Sleek enough looking, with a good amount of room, and a nice stereo system... not bad on gas either. Two long distance trips per year, no problems at all. To get through college this is an excellent car. Not perfect or amazing to the point youd wanna show it off... but good and solid enough to get the job done, and look alright while doing it.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By GSTOCK8044 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Got my cavalier in Oct 03. I handles wonderfully. My only complaint is it gets a little sluggish after 2nd gear.

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  Not so great - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mellyc - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 cav brand new and ive had nothing but problems with it. Its definately a piece of junk. I will come to a stop and my car stalls.. Ive taken it in to be fixed many times and nobody can find the problem. Its definately a lemon, i would not suggest buying a cavailer.... Definately not worth the money..

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  2003 LS Sport Coupe - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Vanessa N - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I Love this Car!!! I traded in my 1997 cavalier, I was hard but this car made my transition easy. Some think spending $30,000 for a car make it better, not true. This car is so under rated it makes me very mad!

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  Smart choice - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lee K. - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Just looking for a cheap transportation, I am suprised what I can get for the money.

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  commuter car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By philnjean - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Poor brakes. Ive only got 19K on this thing and the front rotors have already been replaced. When the antilock engages it makes a terrible noise and it feels like its just rolling with no brakes. Dealer says its normal. I cant believe brakes that sound like that are normal. Average fuel economy. Interior looks cheap, but car was cheap. Awful resale. Only one year old and its lost half its value

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  A good car for the money - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KMadhouse - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my cavalier with 110k miles on it in 2001, I have 140k on it now and have been pretty happy with it. The water pump seems to go on these between 105k and 115k, so watch out for that. Backseats kinda small, hard to get things in and out of. I replaced the transmission at about 130k, which was a pain. Still has some pickup despite the mileage, but the 4-speed automatics are a bit punchier. The paint job on it has held up really well, it still looks fairly new. Overall, its a nice little flashy, pretty dependable car. Id get another newer one.

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  I love this car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By banshee2700 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I had a 93 cavalier (base model) i loved it so after 2 years of driving it i felt i had enough experience and i wanted a new car.I pulled up on the lot and this was the first car i saw. The next thing i knew i was driving it on the highway loving every minute of it. After that it was sitting in my driveway 5 days later..