1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

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