Changes: Chevrolet Cavalier

Revision as of 19:22, 28 March 2020

During Geo's years in the market from 1989 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2003, the Cavalier was Chevrolet's entry-level car.

Year-to-year changes

1991

During its second generation, the Chevrolet Cavalier consisted of a 2-door convertible (RS only), 2-door coupe (RS, VL and Z24 V6), 4-door sedan (RS and VL), and a 4-door station wagon (RS and VL).

1992

A new 6-cylinder Z24 convertible was added to the Cavalier's lineup in 1992.

1994

The 3.1-liter V6 engine and the station wagon models were no longer available after this model year. The last of these models went on sale through early 1995.

1995

Like its Pontiac Sunfire sibling, the Cavalier was all-new for 1995. The latest edition in this million-selling low-priced car line featured a wider track and a longer wheelbase, improvements that were intended to give it a comfort and handling advantage over such competing models as the Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra/200SX, Dodge/Plymouth Neon and Toyota Corolla.

After it was unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show on March 30, 1994, the all-new Cavalier was launched in stages. The base Cavalier coupes and sedans, formerly the VL, plus the midlevel LS (formerly RS) sedans were priced in July 1994, with sales beginning in September 1994. They were powered by a slightly revised version of the 1994 models' 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. Unveiled on February 10, 1995, the performance-oriented 4-cylinder Z24 coupes and convertibles (both formerly RS) featured 2.3-liter Quad 4 powerplants.

A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all Cavalier models except for the sedans (including the LS) and the convertible, which had a 3-speed automatic as standard. A 4-speed automatic was optional on all models, particularly Quad 4 models.

Standard features on all models included 4-wheel antilock brake system (ABS), dual airbags, twin sport mirrors, cloth upholstery with Scotchgard, variable-speed wipers and power steering. LS models included air conditioning, 15-in. wheels and tires, tachometer and special body molding.

With the RS discontinued, performance enthusiasts were soon able to order the hotter Z24 with its standard 16-in. wheels and tires, upgraded suspension settings for sportier handling, 150-horsepower Quad 4 engine (10 hp more than last year's V6) and sporty looks.

1996

The 1996 models went on sale in September 1995 with no changes to the trim levels.

1999

The convertible continued sales through the 2000 model year.

Retail prices

2DR Coupe

Model year	Trim level	List price	Destination charge	Effective date
1991	VL	$7,995		February 10, 1991
1991	RS	$9,065		February 10, 1991
1991	Z24 V6	$12,050		February 10, 1991
1992	VL	$8,899		October 13, 1991
1992	RS	$9,999		October 13, 1991
1992	Z24 V6	$12,995		October 13, 1991
1994	VL	$8,970	$475	December 17, 1993
1994	RS	$10,840	$475	December 17, 1993
1994	Z24 V6	$13,995	$475	December 17, 1993
1995	Base	$10,060	$485	July 4, 1994
1995	Z24	$13,810	$485	January 3, 1995
1996	Base	$10,500	$495	September 4, 1995
1996	Z24	$14,200	$495	September 4, 1995
1997	Base	$10,980	$500	July 27, 1997
1997	RS	$12,225	$500	July 27, 1997
1997	Z24	$14,465	$500	July 27, 1997

4DR Sedan

Model year	Trim level	List price	Destination charge	Effective date
1991	VL	$8,270		February 10, 1991
1991	RS	$9,265		February 10, 1991
1992	VL	$8,999		October 13, 1991
1992	RS	$10,199		October 13, 1991
1994	VL	$9,120	$475	December 17, 1993
1994	RS	$11,440	$475	December 17, 1993
1995	Base	$10,265	$485	July 4, 1994
1995	LS	$12,465	$485	July 4, 1994
1996	Base	$10,700	$495	September 4, 1995
1996	LS	$12,900	$495	September 4, 1995
1997	Base	$11,180	$500	July 27, 1997
1997	LS	$13,380	$500	July 27, 1997

4DR Wagon

Model year	Trim level	List price	Destination charge	Effective date
1991	VL	$9,225		February 10, 1991
1991	RS	$10,270		February 10, 1991
1992	VL	$10,099		October 13, 1991
1992	RS	$11,199		October 13, 1991
1994	RS	$11,590	$475	December 17, 1993

2DR Convertible

Model year	Trim level	List price	Destination charge	Effective date
1992	RS	$15,395		October 13, 1991
1992	Z24 V6	$18,305		October 13, 1991
1994	RS	$16,995	$475	December 17, 1993
1994	Z24 V6	$19,995	$475	December 17, 1993
1995	LS	$17,210	$485	April 28, 1995
1996	LS	$17,500	$495	September 4, 1995
1997	LS	$17,935	$500	July 27, 1997

All 1994 models still remained in the North American market until at least 1996, especially as late as in May.