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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  2005 review of Cavalier Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Reginald - January 25 - 6:10 pm

  Good for your money. Quite engine. More room than a coupe if you want the extra space. Nice ride. Will have cruise control installed on vehicle for long distance driving. Overall, a good price car for those who want to save on gas/economy.

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  Thought Chevys Were Best? - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Macee - January 6 - 1:49 am

  My car was a good car up until the past three months. It ran very well and the feul economy was pretty good. But then a squeaking sound started in the front end that the dealership could not figure out what was wrong. Turns out, it was the shocks. Then, I started to hear a grinding sound: rotors are grinding. And now the transmission is slipping at second gear. Now, my dad is a mechanic so it was well maintained. I love my car...it was my first new car. It was my graduation gift from my parents. And until now it was great...but now its falling apart!

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  never again - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By THEBRAT - October 28 - 2:00 am

  hard to handel on the highway when alot of wind or behind 18 wheelers.

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  Getting fed up!! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jessica Cardona - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Had A/C problems since I took it off the lot!! Had to be brought back every summer since date of purchase for the A/C. Freon is coming through my vents!! Crack occured after 30,000 miles on the dashboard. Check engine light always comes on, but they cannot find anything wrong with it. (so they say)..Shutters on the highway after reaching 70mph. Sometimes it hesitates on startup. Hesitates a lot when not in motion. Pain in the butt to change headlight bulbs.

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  I made a mistake!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kelli - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something dependable. So I thought that if I bought a new car it would have to be right? Wrong. I am afraid to touch anything because it usually falls apart. I have had it for 3 months and I already regret buying it. My ac works good but I cant use it because it makes my whole car shake. This car feels like it is about ready to fall apart. It is comfortable once you get in and keep your hands of flimsy things. But the truth is its cheap because its built cheap. I wish I had bought a Honda. I am going to loose about $2000 for this stupid mistake! Oh and I have 2 friends with the same model and both of their engines blow up!

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  Glad I Got Rid Of It!!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By eri-bear - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I totally loved this car when I bought it new 4 years ago, soon after I began having more and more problems: the CD player broke, the dash creaked(had it replaced 2x, the last time it cracked in half), battery leaked acid all over engine(most of the repairs not covered under warranty), air conditioner makes terrible sounds when idling(dealer mech. said this car was cheap and bottom of line), horrible sounds coming from tires(dealer mech. couldnt hear it???), had to be towed to the dealership twice because it wouldnt start, the accessory fuse shorted after the first use(had the short fixed but it happened again), had fuel pump replaced...only has 22K miles.

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  Dont buy one! - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ali00 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I had the strut mounts replaced twice within 20,000 miles and now, at 35,000 they are squeaking again. Very soon after I purchased the car, the rattles and sqeaks started. The engine runs very loud (again, more rattles). I had to have part of the dash replaced, because that cracked fter approx 15k miles. The A/C fan makes a loud clicking noise for about the first 10 min. its on. I know, I did not purchase a Mercedes, but after 35k miles, I expected a ittle more. I will never purchase a Chevy car ever again.

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  CAVALIER - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By COCO PUFFS - June 12 - 2:00 am

  MY CAR I BOUGHT BRAN SPANKIN NEW IN 96 ITS STILL RUNS BESIDES 2 RUN-INS WITH DEER ALL I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERWISE IS THE CLUCH AND THE IDLER ARM OTHERWISE IT IS A VERY GOOD AND RELIABLE CAR RIGHT NOW IT HAS 185,000 MILES ON

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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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  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.