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 Cavaliers have suffered from build quality issues; subpar materials quality and outdated design were also problems, particularly with later models.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:
Showing 951 through 960 of 1,309.00-
99 Z24 - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Malteselegacy - September 16 - 2:00 amGreat car! All my friends make fun of the car,because they call it a commoner car. They paid over $30000 each for their crappy imports,while I paid less than 25 and my car is going strong. I bought it brand new and have had it for 4 years now and it has over 65000 miles and still going strong.
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#1 Ragtop Beater - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By rainman5355 - September 14 - 2:00 am1997 Convertible LS.Bought it new in 05/1998. Rarely in shop. Have spent maybe $1000 in non-warranteed work. A blast to drive. Every day driver. Holds five passengers. (name another american convertible that does that) Huge trunk for a car its size. Have vacationed in it with the wife and 3 kids comfortably.
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Love my girl - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Changita - September 13 - 2:00 amMy Cavalier is three years old this month and I still love her. Had a few problems with the converter at first but since replacement shes been running like a champ. Driven across the country 3 times and never had a single problem. Shes small, sporty, and reliable.
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A big mistake - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By TRFiona - September 9 - 2:00 amThis car was a big mistake. Its been back to the dealer 9 times & is in need of another svc call. The check engine light was the reason for the trips to the shop & there were a variety of problems - 1 part was replaced twice because the replacement was defective. Now theres a brake problem, the engine makes odd noises & my Dad said the film thats always on the inside of my windshield is due to a heater core problem. This cars a lemon & the dealership keeps stringing me along. I regret the day I bought it & if I can ever get rid of it, Ill never own another Chevy again! Dont make the mistake of buying this car!
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Best Car I Have ever owned - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Nathan Sweeney - September 7 - 2:00 amThis is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned. I have had a 93 Honda Civic and a 95 jeep Wrangler before the Z24. This thing gets 30 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving, goes 0 - 60 in like 8 seconds, and corners like a mofo. 100mph comes up easily in 5th gear and feels completely stable and in control. Insurance is the same as the 93 Civic for me, a 19 year old male. Had I owned this first, i would have never had the YJ or the Civic. Build quality is flawless in the Z24 except for the paint. Scratches easily. I just want to drive around as much as possible. Its a great car! Looking for a first car? get a Z24, you wont regret it!
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I Love My Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Beckie - September 6 - 2:00 amI enjoy driving my car. It handles the curves real well. I get awsome gas mileage both in town and on the highway. It is a spprty looking car, but is big enough to ride comfortably in it. This car as a lot of get up and go. Its great!
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Great car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Great Z-24 - September 5 - 2:00 amI have had this car for about 3 months now. Its been great the only thing I have had to do is get the water pump replaced. other than that this Z-24 has been great. Ive put cold air intake on and it has a really nice deep tone. Ive also put euro style lights on and i must say they look great. At 84K it runs very well. the five speen has alot of nuts for a 4 banger... all around great car
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be good to it and it will be good to you - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
By b76 - September 4 - 2:00 ambought this car used and has been great so far except for sunroof coming off track once. Easy fix if you have or know anyone with knowledge in that area.
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Perfect for a first car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
By mattdean - September 2 - 2:00 amGreat buy as a first car. Very simple efficient interior and great exterior looks. Aftermarket stereos are very easy to install as well, no need to keep the factory deck in the car. needs some more performance thats the omly complaint. very easy to work on the car.
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Loving my First car - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
By Wbcheerguy - August 31 - 2:00 amIm a high school student, this car (2dr std coupe) 5-speed manual, is a great first car and is ideal for a teen like me, the car uses very little gas, can be customized easily, and reliable, i wouldnt trade my car in for anything. the car is priced low enought for a working teen to afford and the car is easy to service for regular care.
