The Cavalier was part of the Chevrolet lineup from 1982 through 2005, first going on sale in May of 1981 as a 1982 model. It came powered by a choice of two carbureted versions of the GM 122 series four-cylinder pushrod engines, sending the power to the front wheels. Body styles included a 2- and 4-door sedan, station wagon, and hatchback. A convertible body style joined the lineup in 1983, although it proved very unpopular with fewer than 1,000 examples sold that year. In 1983, throttle body fuel injection was the big news for the Cavalier, and a V6 engine became available the following year. That year, they received a mild facelift that included quad headlights. In 1985, the Z24 package was introduced for the 1986 model year coupe and hatchback configurations. The Second Generation of the Cavalier was introduced in 1987 for the 1988 model year. These cars were given a new grille and composite headlamps. In the back were a new decklid, bumper, and taillamps. Body styles included a coupe, sedan, or station wagon - the three-doo hatchback was dropped. An option RS coupe and sedan was available, along with a Z24 coupe and convertible coupe. The base engine was a 2-liter four-cylinder unit with throttle-body fuel injection that offered 90 horsepower while the Z24 versions had a 2.8-liter V6. A five-speed manual was standard with a three-speed automatic available for an additional cost.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
The 2.8-liter V6 with multi-port fuel injection delivered 125 horsepower at 4,500 RPM and 160 lbs.-ft of torque. The 2.8-liter version found standard in the Z24 had 135 horsepower.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
Related Reading : Chevrolet Cavalier History
With a mission that has always held strong to the desire of being GMs value leader in the mainstream of the American car market, Chevrolet has continued to live up to this despite foreign brands that threaten to intrude upon this goal.One of the most popular vehicles in the U.S. and Canada during 1981 and 82, the Chevrolet Cavalier has successfully continued in production all the way through....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Chevrolet
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1988
Chevrolet Monthly Sales Volume
March 2023
398,141
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$10,135
$10,999 - $18,015
$12,330 - $14,330
$29,480 - $34,820
Cavalier Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
322,939
101.20 in.
4 cyl., 121.00 CID., 90.00hp
6 cyl., 173.00 CID., 125.00hp
6 cyl., 173.00 CID., 125.00hp
$8,120 - $15,990
376,626
101.20 in.
4 cyl., 121.00 CID., 90.00hp
6 cyl., 173.00 CID., 130.00hp
6 cyl., 173.00 CID., 130.00hp
$7,400 - $16,700
310,501
101.20 in.
4 cyl., 133.00 CID., 95.00hp
6 cyl., 191.00 CID., 135.00hp
6 cyl., 191.00 CID., 135.00hp
$8,600 - $11,500
251,590
101.30 in.
4 cyl., 133.00 CID., 110.00hp
6 cyl., 191.00 CID., 140.00hp
6 cyl., 191.00 CID., 140.00hp
$8,600 - $18,300
Related Automotive News
Celebrating 20 years of world-record history with the Volkswagen W12 Nardò
Herndon, VA — On the 20th anniversary of the date the Volkswagen W12 broke seven world speed records on the famed Nardò circuit in Italy, we take a look back at the infamous supercar.
Few are aware the first supercar to feature a functioning...
Five decades of the Jetta GLI
Herndon, VA — For five decades, multiple generations of the Jetta GLI have provided enthusiasts with a sporty, affordable and stylish vehicle. Incredibly popular with the North American audience, the Jetta GLI offers the power and performance...
VOLKSWAGEN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF THE GOLF AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
The most successful European car of all time turns 40
More than 30 million Golf models have been sold worldwide
Car went on sale in Europe in May 1974, was sold in the U.S. from December that year as the Rabbit
Seventh-generation Golf GTI goes on...
FIAT BRAND WINS 'BEST SMALL CONVERTIBLE' AT SAMA CONVERTIBLE AWARDS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
June 7, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio was recognized as the Best Small Convertible during the third annual Topless in Miami Convertible Awards on Thursday, June 6, by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA)....
Lcp 2000 - Yesterday's Future Turns 30
Lightweight materials, alternative fuels, extremely low fuel consumption - key words for the car of today. Yet, these were the very properties that formed the basis for the LCP 2000, Light Component Project. This was a concept car study aimed at the...