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, 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.
Retail prices
2DR Coupe
Model year | Trim level | List price | 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 |
4DR Sedan
Model year | Trim level | List price | 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 |
4DR Wagon
Model year | Trim level | List price | 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 |
2DR Convertible
Model year | Trim level | List price | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|
1992 | RS | $15,395 | October 13, 1991 |
1992 | Z24 V6 | $18,305 | October 13, 1991 |
As of December 17, 1993:
- $8,970 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier VL 2DR Coupe)
- $9,120 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier VL 4DR Sedan)
- $10,840 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2DR Coupe)
- $11,440 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 4DR Sedan)
- $11,590 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier 4DR Wagon)
- $13,995 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 V6 2DR Coupe)
- $16,995 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2DR Convertible)
- $19,995 (1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 V6 2DR Convertible)
All 1994 models still remained in the North American market until at least 1996, especially as late as in May.
As of July 4, 1994:
- $10,060 (1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 2DR Coupe)
- $10,265 (1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4DR Sedan)
- $12,465 (1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4DR Sedan)
As of January 3, 1995:
- $13,810 (1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2DR Coupe)
As of April 28, 1995:
- $17,210 (1995 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2DR Convertible)
As of September 4, 1995:
- $10,500 (1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2DR Coupe)
- $10,700 (1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4DR Sedan)
- $12,900 (1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4DR Sedan)
- $14,200 (1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2DR Coupe)
- $17,500 (1996 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2DR Convertible)
Shipping prices
- $475 (1992-1994 models)
- $485 (1995 models)
- $495 (1996 models)
- $500 (1997-1998 models)