Cars - Chevrolet Cavalier

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	Cars - Chevrolet Cavalier

The Chevrolet Cavalier was Chevrolet's version of the compact GM J platform.

The Cavalier was one of the most popular cars in America from its introduction in early 1981 as a 1982 model. It was affordable, reliable, and got respectable gas mileage. The Cavalier replaced the Chevrolet Monza, and competed with other compact cars that debuted in 1981 — (e.g the Ford Escort and Dodge Aries). For several years in the late 1980s, the Cavalier was the best-selling model in the US, and it was a perennial top seller in Canada also. Perhaps the Cavalier's greatest downfall was its poor crash test ratings, most notably the high risk of pelvic injury in the third generation model (according to the NHTSA).

Although the Cavalier had major restylings in 1988 and 1995, the car was widely panned and criticized in automotive publications for its aging platform and interior design and quality. The Cavalier had been Chevrolet's entry-level car from 1989 to 1997 (1992 in Canada), and from 2001 to 2002, when the Prizm (a clone of the Toyota Corolla) was smaller and more expensive than the Cavalier.

Production

Most Cavaliers were built at GM's assembly line in Lordstown, Ohio, although they have also been produced in Lansing, Michigan, Janesville, Wisconsin, and Coahuila, Mexico.

Production of the Cavalier ended September 1, 2004, with the 2005 model year run. The Cavalier was replaced by the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt and in Mexico, the Chevrolet Astra.

Generations

1st generation (1982-1987)
2nd generation (1988-1994)
3rd generation (1995-2005)

Engines used

1.8L inline-4 OHV
1.8L inline-4 SOHC (Not used in Cavalier)
1.8L inline-4 SOHC Turbo (1984-1987) (Not used in Cavalier)
2.0L inline-4 OHV (Cavalier-specific)
2.0L inline-4 SOHC (Not used in Cavalier)
2.0L inline-4 SOHC Turbo (1987-1990 Pontiac Sunbird/Buick Skyhawk Turbo only)
2.8L V6 MPFI (available in Mexican models until 1994)
2.2L inline-4 OHV
2.2L inline-4 OHV "2200 SFI"

1991-1994 3.1 3.1 L MPFI (191 in³) V6
1992-1994 2.2 L (134 in³) I4
1995 Quad-4 2.3 L (138 in³) I4
1996-2002 LD9 2.4 L (146 in³) I4
2002-2005 Ecotec 2.2 L (134 in³) I4

Models and trim levels

Cavalier Cadet available as coupe, sedan or wagon
Cavalier Base available as coupe, sedan, hatchback or wagon
Cavalier VL (Value Leader) as coupe, sedan or wagon
Cavalier Type-10 available as coupe, convertible and hatchback
Cavalier RS (Rally Sport) available as coupe, sedan, convertible, hatchback and wagon
Cavalier Z24 available as coupe, convertible and later on sedan
Cavalier LS available as sedan and convertible, later on available as sedan
Cavalier LS Sport available as coupe or sedan

Trouble spots

Earlier generation Cavaliers had consistent problems with rust, specifically on the lower fenders and in the floorpan. Cavaliers are also known to have many electrical problems. Engines and transmission problems though, have been minimal.

Concepts

General Motors has produced a handful of concept cars based on the J platform which were first seen at the 2001 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) auto show. These include the Cavalier 220 Sport Turbo Coupe, the Cavalier 263 Super Sport, the Cavalier Z24R, the Cavalier Maui 155, the Cavalier 425 A/FX drag car, and the Pontiac Sunfire HO (High Output) 2.4. These concept cars were produced by GM to show off the flexibility and performance of the J-Body platform and to show that Cavaliers and Sunfires have greater potential than just hauling groceries. The concept cars at the 2001 SEMA show boasted supercharged engines, customized interiors, aggressive exterior styling, and high end audio/video systems.

Toyota Cavalier

The third generation model was briefly sold in Japan by Toyota, under a company agreement with GM, badged as the Toyota Cavalier, with some notable differences. Besides the fact that it was right hand drive, the Toyota Cavalier also featured a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, different taillights (with amber turn signals, per Japanese regulation), power folding rear mirrors, side marker lights on the front fenders, and carpeting on the inside of the trunk lid. These parts are hard to obtain in America (as they were made by GM but owned by Toyota) but remain highly desirable among hardcore Cavalier fans. The Toyota Cavalier was first sold in 1995 and were sold up until 2000.

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