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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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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  read this:) - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By squeakky131 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car in june and its been great since then. ive put 5k on it since then with no problems. engine is quiet but sounds healthy, and is surpringly powerful for a 4cyl. everyone seems to have gotten a good deal on their cavis, im paying 18k including interest.. i got shafted and the car is def not worth that much! i get good gas mileage. sometimes feel that the interior was very cheaply made- like the interior door paneling is going to fall off when someone shuts the door. the heat gets VERY hot but when you turn it off its too cold..

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  Why I ove my car.....not - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TiffHalv83 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems this month yet. When I first got it back in May there was bubbling in the paint and had to have the whole car repainted. The back lights in the car tend to go out every month or so. Something about the bulb melts to the socket. Im not lyeing....

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  Nice Car for Teens - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tomyb - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has tons of power for how small it is and you can lay down the rubber if you felt the erge. Its big compared to its competitors and is fun to drive sometimes

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  This car has lasted so long.... - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Coupons420 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I won this car for 5$ at an actution, and have drivin it cross country, did more neutral drops that u can imagine! plus it has 186,000 miles now!~ and i have yet to do any major repair. I have only chaged brakes normal wear, andthe dipstick broke bu thats it, plus the motor mounts went out after yrs of abuse .. hene. but othere than that i love this car and will tear it to all hell till the day it dies! this car made me love chevy once again. Plus I thought this car would die long ago, but aparnetly the reverse drops, water burnouts, and neutral drops have no effect on it!

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  what a surprise! - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By thewrightstuff - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I took this car over from my mother when i moved to the area in 1999. i drive it hard because i live 50 miles from work, plus regular driving from place to place. this car has been reliable and beautiful! it looks brand new when washed, 7 yrs later, what a nice finish! as an ARCHITECTURAL interior designer, i would make improvements to the interior, but as a vehicle its been great and efficient. my mother bought the car used and someone had switched radios. it works but is a pain to figure out and theres no documentation on it. the clock is always off.

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  ? my parents know - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Amanda Miles - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Well, I am 16 years old and my dad treaded his f350 dually in for me to get my car! I love my car it has lots of room and everything!

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  nice car for the price - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tammyg - November 26 - 2:00 am

  i like my cavalier. i have had it for almost 5 months and it has been a very good and dependable car. it handles well and the pick up on it is really good for a 4 cylinder. i think the gas mileage is pretty good on it as i do lots of traveling. but i do a lot of interstate traveling and seem to be having to fill up just as often as i would doing in town driving. the car is very uncomfortable to be in for traveling though.

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  Safety Downfall - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By laje - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I was in a low speed (approx. 15-25mph) side impact accident and the car fliped and it was a total loss.

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  Its dead - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Guano2 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  With 129,600 miles on the clock my little Cavy bit the dust. For 9 years it was reliable and never stranded me until the end. Valve spring broke in 3 places and bent and dropped the valve into the #2cyl.-wrecking the piston. The sound it made was about as horrific as my desciption. $2500 new engine on an $1100 car? Nope. I will miss it. If only I had a garage & a junk car engine, I would keep it.

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  Chev Cav 2000, aka, LEMON - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Pavel - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Chev Cavalier gave me problems right from the first 15,000 miles. In that time I had replaced all 4 Goodyear Tires..they all developed holes in the sidewall...my fault even though it had not happened to me in my 20 yrs of auto ownership. Goodyear would not prorate any tires. At 40K, the radio went out. Fortunately, I had an extended warranty, but I had to fight w/Robert Levis Chev in Slidell, La to get it fixed. While fixing the radio, they damaged the digital oddometer (they wouldnt admit it!). After this incident, Ive had to repair the fuel pump, battery and alternator, and other stuff Im forgetting. Im buying a new car, thank God.