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Chevrolet Cavalier Generations

Each Chevrolet Cavalier generation, representing the timeframe between each Cavalier redesign, is listed below. Use this list to see which is the most reliable and safest Cavalier generation based on iSeeCars' data-driven ratings.

Our methodology

In the market for a slightly used Chevrolet Cavalier, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Chevrolet Cavalier's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Chevrolet Cavalier and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a sedan last redesigned in 1995. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. The latest generation is powered by a 2.2L engine that makes 140 hp and delivers up to 31 mpg. A new Chevrolet Cavalier has a starting MSRP of $15,175, and used prices for this generation of Chevrolet Cavalier range from $800 to $7,852.

The previous Chevrolet Cavalier generation is a sedan produced from 1988 to 1994. It is also available as a wagon and a coupe. This generation is powered by a 2.2L engine that makes 120 hp and delivers up to 30 mpg.

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Chevrolet Cavalier Generations

In the market for a slightly used Chevrolet Cavalier, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Chevrolet Cavalier's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Chevrolet Cavalier and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a sedan last redesigned in 1995. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. The latest generation is powered by a 2.2L engine that makes 140 hp and delivers up to 31 mpg. A new Chevrolet Cavalier has a starting MSRP of $15,175, and used prices for this generation of Chevrolet Cavalier range from $800 to $7,852.

The previous Chevrolet Cavalier generation is a sedan produced from 1988 to 1994. It is also available as a wagon and a coupe. This generation is powered by a 2.2L engine that makes 120 hp and delivers up to 30 mpg.

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1995–2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,510–$7,852 $15,175–$18,275 25 mpg–26 mpg
2004 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,768–$5,862 $15,000–$18,175 25 mpg–27 mpg
2003 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,397–$6,996 $14,795–$17,595 23 mpg–25 mpg
2002 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $1,145–$6,924 $14,675–$17,250 21 mpg–25 mpg
2001 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $1,595–$5,980 $13,900–$15,495 21 mpg–24 mpg
2000 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $800–$7,248 $13,770–$15,315 22 mpg–24 mpg
1999 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $12,481–$14,921 22 mpg–25 mpg
1998 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $1,500–$4,989 $12,310–$14,750 23 mpg–25 mpg
1997 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $11,680–$13,880 23 mpg–25 mpg
1996 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $11,195–$13,395 23 mpg–26 mpg
1995 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs. FWD – $10,750–$12,950 26 mpg

1995–2005 Chevrolet Cavalier (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,058–$7,547 $10,890–$18,075 25 mpg–26 mpg
2004 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,743–$6,996 $10,700–$17,975 25 mpg–27 mpg
2003 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD $1,995–$9,465 $14,595–$17,395 25 mpg
2002 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.2L I4 140hp, 150ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $1,305–$7,328 $14,525–$17,120 21 mpg–25 mpg
2001 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $990–$7,161 $13,800–$17,005 21 mpg–24 mpg
2000 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD $1,825–$5,359 $13,670–$16,875 22 mpg–24 mpg
1999 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $12,381–$16,481 22 mpg–25 mpg
1998 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $12,110–$16,210 23 mpg–25 mpg
1997 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $11,680–$14,965 23 mpg–25 mpg
1996 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 150ft. lbs. FWD – $10,995–$14,695 23 mpg–26 mpg
1995 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.3L I4 150hp, 145ft. lbs. FWD – $10,545–$14,295 22 mpg–26 mpg

1995–2000 Chevrolet Cavalier (convertible)

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2000 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $20,340–$20,340 23 mpg–24 mpg
1999 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $20,081–$20,081 23 mpg–24 mpg
1998 2.2L I4 115hp, 135ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $19,910–$19,910 23 mpg–25 mpg
1997 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $18,265–$18,265 23 mpg–25 mpg
1996 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.4L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $17,995–$17,995 23 mpg–26 mpg
1995 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 2.3L I4 FWD – $17,695–$17,695 22 mpg–26 mpg

1988–1994 Chevrolet Cavalier

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1994 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,470–$11,790 20 mpg–26 mpg
1993 2.2L I4 110hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,095–$10,095 20 mpg–26 mpg
1992 2.2L I4 110hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,474–$10,674 20 mpg–26 mpg
1991 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $10,252–$10,915 20 mpg–25 mpg
1990 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $8,202–$9,245 20 mpg–26 mpg
1989 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs. FWD – $8,995–$8,995 25 mpg–26 mpg
1988 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs. FWD – $8,565–$9,755 25 mpg–26 mpg

1988–1994 Chevrolet Cavalier (wagon)

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1994 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $11,940–$11,940 20 mpg–24 mpg
1993 2.2L I4 110hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $10,210–$11,260 21 mpg–23 mpg
1992 2.2L I4 110hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $10,574–$11,674 21 mpg–24 mpg
1991 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $10,742–$11,455 20 mpg–24 mpg
1990 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $8,590–$9,620 20 mpg–26 mpg
1989 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 FWD – $9,375–$9,375 20 mpg–26 mpg
1988 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 FWD – $8,860–$8,860 20 mpg–26 mpg

1988–1994 Chevrolet Cavalier (coupe)

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1994 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,320–$14,470 20 mpg–26 mpg
1993 2.2L I4 110hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $8,995–$12,975 20 mpg–26 mpg
1992 2.2L I4 110hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,374–$13,470 20 mpg–26 mpg
1991 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $9,977–$13,700 20 mpg–25 mpg
1990 2.2L I4 95hp, 120ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $8,002–$11,930 20 mpg–26 mpg
1989 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 130hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $7,795–$11,725 20 mpg–26 mpg
1988 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 125hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $7,365–$11,095 20 mpg–26 mpg

1988–1994 Chevrolet Cavalier (convertible)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1994 2.2L I4 120hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $17,470–$20,470 20 mpg–23 mpg
1993 2.2L I4 110hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $15,870–$18,780 20 mpg–26 mpg
1992 2.2L I4 110hp, 130ft. lbs.; 3.1L V6 FWD – $15,870–$18,780 20 mpg–26 mpg
1991 3.1L V6 140hp, 185ft. lbs. FWD – $15,689–$15,689 20 mpg
1989 2.8L V6 130hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $12,015–$12,015 20 mpg
1988 2.8L V6 125hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $16,360–$16,360 20 mpg–21 mpg

1982–1987 Chevrolet Cavalier

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1987 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs. FWD – $8,189–$9,239 24 mpg–25 mpg
1986 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $7,628–$8,551 19 mpg–25 mpg
1985 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,584–$7,028 18 mpg–26 mpg
1984 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,584–$7,028 25 mpg–27 mpg
1983 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,362–$6,847
1982 1.8L I4 88hp, 100ft. lbs. FWD – $6,803–$8,499

1982–1987 Chevrolet Cavalier (wagon)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1987 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 FWD – $8,355–$9,417 20 mpg–25 mpg
1986 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $7,787–$8,719 19 mpg–25 mpg
1985 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,737–$7,183 18 mpg–26 mpg
1984 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,737–$7,183 25 mpg
1983 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,504–$6,996
1982 1.8L I4 88hp, 100ft. lbs. FWD – $7,074–$8,814

1982–1987 Chevrolet Cavalier (hatchback)

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iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1987 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 125hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $8,718–$10,855 20 mpg–25 mpg
1986 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 120hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $8,113–$9,808 19 mpg–25 mpg
1985 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,839–$6,839 18 mpg–26 mpg
1984 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $7,016–$7,016 25 mpg–27 mpg
1983 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,912–$6,912
1982 1.8L I4 88hp, 100ft. lbs. FWD – $7,561–$8,643

1982–1987 Chevrolet Cavalier (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1987 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 125hp, 160ft. lbs. FWD – $7,995–$10,653 20 mpg–25 mpg
1986 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 120hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $7,446–$9,618 19 mpg–25 mpg
1985 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,839–$6,839 18 mpg–26 mpg
1984 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,839–$6,839 25 mpg–27 mpg
1983 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $6,251–$6,726
1982 1.8L I4 88hp, 100ft. lbs. FWD – $6,648–$8,306

1983–1987 Chevrolet Cavalier (convertible)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1987 2.0L I4 90hp, 108ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 FWD – $14,186–$14,186 20 mpg–25 mpg
1986 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 120hp, 155ft. lbs. FWD – $13,270–$13,270 18 mpg–25 mpg
1985 2.0L I4 85hp, 110ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 FWD – $11,661–$11,661 18 mpg–26 mpg
1984 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $11,661–$11,661 21 mpg–25 mpg
1983 2.0L I4 88hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $11,360–$11,360

Other Model Generations

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Chevrolet Trax Generations

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Our methodology

iSeeCars Generations Rating is calculated based on the latest research from our data science team.

The iSeeCars Generations Rating is an analysis of two factors: reliability and safety. It is calculated for each model generation based on the analysis of over 312 million cars using a proprietary mathematical model that estimated the probability that each vehicle would survive to various mileage thresholds. This survival model was used to calculate the average lifespan of each vehicle generation, which forms the basis of the reliability score. The safety score is based on NHTSA safety ratings.

Vehicles are scored in two categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).