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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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 Hate My Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Todd Hong - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a Cavalier that gets only 22 mpg highway even with the overspeed transmission. The dealership & Chevrolet will not work to determine what the problem is, their answer is "tough cookies". There are several pickup trucks that get better mileage! Car also doesnt hold value. My recommendation: BUY A TOYOTA COROLLA or SATURN. For the same money you get a much better riding car in the Corolla that holds a high resale value!

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  Cheap in more ways than 1 - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By replica48 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  For the $9k I paid for the car, I wasnt expecting anything fantastic. For the most part, I was right. Ive taken it back to have the horn fixed, along with the trunk lock. A tail light went out after 3 months. On occasion, the RPMs will drop to below 500 and come back up, and sometimes stalls, so I now have a new reason to take it in to the dealership again. When you put down the sun visors, they usually hit the rear view mirror. Installing an aftermarket stereo is VERY time consuming, as the whole dash must be removed. Its a good thing theyre dropping the line in 2005. GM needs a new design.

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  ITS REALLY AN O.K. CAR - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By MICHELLE HAPPY - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE GOTTEN USE TO V-6,AUTOMATIC ENGINES,BUT FOR A 4 CYL.-IT REALLY RUNS SMOOTH. ONCE YOU START MOVING, ITS VERY QUIET AND EXTREMELY FUEL EFFECIENT AND I ONLY PAID $1500 FOR IT.

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  Good first car! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Katie - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have never had any serious problems with my Cavalier. It was my first car, and a good one at that. The only it was ever in the shop for was brakes and normal and routine maintainance. It did start making some funny noises towards the end, but never broke down on me!

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  AWESOME CAR. - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By keithe - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR IT HAS EVERTHING THAT I WANT. AWESOME ON FUEL. REALIABLE. I WILL NOT STOP BUY CHEVY PRODUCTS. IVE HAD SEVERAL CHEVYS AND I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM AT ALL.I GOT A GREAT DEAL ON IT TOO.ESPECAIALLY WITH THE AWESOME REBATES THEY HAVE NOW.

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  Cheap Fun - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kitty - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is affordable and fun to drive! It is exactly what I was looking for. It is really cute too! The new Ecotec four-cylinder is fast- for a four cylinder. (16 sec in 1/4 mile.)

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  I hate this pieace of crap car.. - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dymondeyz23 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  i have had to replace basically everything on this car.. and it only now has 60,000 miles... i also ended up having to replace the engine.. i dont recomend this car... i have never had so many problems w/ a car until i bought this one.. car has been in the shop since the 1month i bought it... replaced... major electrical cords, fuel pump, belts, computer sensors, dents easy, head gasket, overheats, motor barrings... etc...

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  Ms. Fed Up - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Honda Luver 4 life - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I do not have a happy report about this model. back to the dealer a total of fifteen (15) times, Ive had my driver door serviced for loud noises, ignition switch & lock replaced,AC serviced twice, battery replaced for leaking acid, check ingine light stayed on for days,my theft deterent system had to be reprogrammed, the coil had to be replaced, going 70mph on the highway the car just shut off on me (and this happened twice), fuel pump had to be replaced, cd had to be replaced. I never know when Im gonna stall on the highway driving this vehicle.

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  Great Buy! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Montymax - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, with about 35,000 miles on it. I now have about 73,500 mils on it (all done in a little over 18 months). I have had no major mechanical problems and I drive the daylights out of it. (Only fixes are a front wheel bearing, front rotors and fuel pump - onyl rotors werent on extended warranty). I would recommend this car to anybody wanting a cheap, fun-to-drive, reliable sports coupe. Very good for a first car, or for a college student...

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  I hate my 2003 Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Allana - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Well where do I start! I have owned this car for 10 months now and I have had nothing but problems. 9 warrenty issues including a knocking noise in my front passenger side tire area which has been unsuccessfully fixed with 4 attempts now. The interior squeaks all the time, the breaks arent that good, the car rides like its falling apart. The only good thing about it is the a/c and Im sure that will go soon enough! Being a student, its all I could afford but if I had my time back I would have listened to everyone who told me that GM cars are no good and went without food to lease a better car! No more north american made cars for me ever!