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Chevrolet Cavalier Fun Facts
The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car offered by General Motors from 1982 through 2005. Introduced in 1981 with similar models from Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, and even Cadillac, the J-body Cavalier outlasted them all.
But let's take a look at some background information before we explore the Cavalier's history.
The Cavalier and its brethren arrived on the scene two years after GM introduced its X body platform, a family of slightly larger compact cars which included the Chevrolet Citation. Front wheel drive compact cars were something new for GM, at least in the North American market, with both body styles released in response to higher gas prices and shifting consumer trends.
Body Styles
The initial Cavalier was offered in four body styles: coupe, hatchback, sedan, and wagon while a convertible showed up a few years later. The Cavalier replaced the unpopular Monza, but was slotted just above the subcompact Chevette. With the Chevette, Cavalier, and Citation now in Chevy's line up, the three models worked to offset the penetration that Japan's Big Three automakers—Toyota, Honda, Nissan (Datsun)--had been making in the small car market for the previous ten years.
The first model year Cavaliers offered a pair of four cylinder engines displacing at 1.8L and 2.0L respectively. A 4-speed manual was standard with a 3-speed automatic transmission optional. Later, a 5-speed manual became the standard for the Cavalier.
By 1985, GM made a 2.8L V6 optional, the same engine that sometimes found its way underneath the hood of the Chevy Camaro of that era. The original 1.8L I4 was offered for only one year, while the 2.0L was eventually replaced by larger four cylinder engines with displacements ranging from 2.2 to 2.4L. Eventually, the first V6 was replaced by a 3.1L engine, before being discontinued in later years.
Strong Sales
Despite competition from other GM brands, the Cavalier remained a strong seller throughout its history. In fact, the Chevrolet Cavalier ranks as one of the best selling cars ever produced by GM, attesting to its 24-year three generation lifespan. From 1984 through 1991 more than 300,000 Cavaliers were sold annually with its ultra-low price one of the reasons for its success.
Despite strong sales, the Chevrolet Cavalier has never performed well in most safety tests and its quality level always trailed the market leaders which are the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Still, because used Cavaliers can be had so cheaply they compare favorably with older models produced by the Korean imports, namely most Hyundai and Kia cars.
Edmunds says its best when it comes to how people perceive the Cavalier, “...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.” Yes, the Cavalier is a great car to get you around town, but it won't excite you unless you have one equipped with a larger engine or convertible.
But let's take a look at some background information before we explore the Cavalier's history.
The Cavalier and its brethren arrived on the scene two years after GM introduced its X body platform, a family of slightly larger compact cars which included the Chevrolet Citation. Front wheel drive compact cars were something new for GM, at least in the North American market, with both body styles released in response to higher gas prices and shifting consumer trends.
Body Styles
The initial Cavalier was offered in four body styles: coupe, hatchback, sedan, and wagon while a convertible showed up a few years later. The Cavalier replaced the unpopular Monza, but was slotted just above the subcompact Chevette. With the Chevette, Cavalier, and Citation now in Chevy's line up, the three models worked to offset the penetration that Japan's Big Three automakers—Toyota, Honda, Nissan (Datsun)--had been making in the small car market for the previous ten years.
The first model year Cavaliers offered a pair of four cylinder engines displacing at 1.8L and 2.0L respectively. A 4-speed manual was standard with a 3-speed automatic transmission optional. Later, a 5-speed manual became the standard for the Cavalier.
By 1985, GM made a 2.8L V6 optional, the same engine that sometimes found its way underneath the hood of the Chevy Camaro of that era. The original 1.8L I4 was offered for only one year, while the 2.0L was eventually replaced by larger four cylinder engines with displacements ranging from 2.2 to 2.4L. Eventually, the first V6 was replaced by a 3.1L engine, before being discontinued in later years.
Strong Sales
Despite competition from other GM brands, the Cavalier remained a strong seller throughout its history. In fact, the Chevrolet Cavalier ranks as one of the best selling cars ever produced by GM, attesting to its 24-year three generation lifespan. From 1984 through 1991 more than 300,000 Cavaliers were sold annually with its ultra-low price one of the reasons for its success.
Despite strong sales, the Chevrolet Cavalier has never performed well in most safety tests and its quality level always trailed the market leaders which are the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Still, because used Cavaliers can be had so cheaply they compare favorably with older models produced by the Korean imports, namely most Hyundai and Kia cars.
Edmunds says its best when it comes to how people perceive the Cavalier, “...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.” Yes, the Cavalier is a great car to get you around town, but it won't excite you unless you have one equipped with a larger engine or convertible.
