1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet Cavalier. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet Cavalier.

1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Review

Introduced in 1982, the subcompact front-drive Cavalier was a top seller for Chevrolet through its early years. Pontiac's Sunbird was similar. New sheetmetal had been added in a 1988 restyle. Cavaliers came in three body styles for 1990: notchback coupe, sedan, and station wagon. No convertible was available this season, but it would be back soon. A sporty Z24 coupe with V6 power targeted the youth market. Engines grew in size for 1990. A 2.2-liter four became the base engine, while a 3.1-liter V6 replaced the prior 2.8-liter as an option in wagons. Cavaliers got new seats for 1990, as well as passive front seatbelts and a stainless-steel exhaust system.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier: Cavaliers earned a subtle facelift outside, plus reworking of the cabin. A convertible returned to the lineup in RS trim. Front and rear fascias were new; so were headlamps and taillamps. The Z24 added aero rocker panels and a decklid spoiler. Instrument panels gained temperature and oil-pressure gauges. Tires expanded from 13- to 14-inch, while the Z24 went from 14-inch to 15-inch rubber. Rotary knobs replaced buttons and levers for the headlamps and wiper/washer. Coupes added door map pockets and could get a removable sunroof.

1992 Chevrolet Cavalier: Antilock braking became standard for '92, and the 4-cylinder engine gained 15 horsepower, courtesy of a new fuel-injection system. The Z24 convertible returned after a 2-year absence, joining the RS ragtop.

1993 Chevrolet Cavalier: Convertibles switched from plastic to glass for their back windows, and could now have a rear defogger installed. Previously optional only in station wagons, the V6 engine could now go into any RS model.

1994 Chevrolet Cavalier: A stronger (120-horsepower) base engine went into 1994 models--ten more than before. Wagons now came in just one (unnamed) trim level. Cavaliers then earned a total redesign, as a 1995 model.

1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Fuel economy (4-cylinder)	Rear-seat comfort

Handling/roadholding (Z24)	Engine noise (4-cylinder)

Price

Antilock brakes

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Early 4-cylinder engines give only adequate performance, but decent mileage. However, the automatic transmission eats sharply into acceleration figures. Later fours, with extra horsepower, perform a bit better. The 3-speed automatic also trails 4-speed units, used by some Cavalier competitors, in fuel economy and quiet running. The Z24 with V6 power ranks as a minimuscle car, exhibiting brisk performance as well as styling flair. The 3.1-liter V6 also is a sensible choice for a station wagon. Gas mileage is great with the 4-cylinder, but those engines sound harsh and crude during hard acceleration. A 5-speed VL averaged 23.1 mpg in rush-hour commuting, hitting 33.8 mpg on the highway. Cavaliers ride reasonably comfortably. Capable handling/roadholding grows more athletic with an optional sport suspension. For truly spirited cornering, search for a Z24 coupe or convertible. Updating of the dashboard for 1991 made controls easier to see and reach, though the turn-signal lever is still too short. Lack of an airbag is a drawback, especially since many rivals had one sometime in this period. Coupes and sedans offer adequate space up front, but rear compartments are cramped. Convertibles offer decent rear space for two, as well as a convenient power top.

Value for the Money
Neither as roomy nor as technically sophisticated as Japanese subcompacts of the same period, Cavaliers have always offered good value. Convertibles add some flair, but also cost far more than their solid-topped mates.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet Cavalier VL 2-door	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)

Ignition switch: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1991-94)

Transaxle leak: The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$540

Alternator	$190

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$865

Brakes	$210

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$620

Constant Velocity Joints	$545

Exhaust System	$350

Radiator	$240

Shocks and/or Struts	$315

Timing Chain or Belt	$255

NHTSA Recall History

1991: Front door interlock striker may fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for shoulder-belt anchorage.

1991: Front door shoulder-belt guide loops may be cracked; occupant faces increased risk of injury in sudden stop or accident.

1992: Secondary hood-latch spring in some cars is improperly installed or missing.

1993: Rear brake hoses on some cars are improperly manufactured and can cause reduced brake effectiveness.

1994: On small number of cars, drive-axle spindle nuts may be overtorqued; can result in separation of steering knuckle tire-wheel assembly from axle.

1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Cavalier	$0	$0	$0
Cavalier Z24	$1,100-1,400	$700-900	$100-200

1991
Cavalier	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100
Cavalier Z24	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200
Convertible	$1,300-1,700	$800-1,100	$200

1992
Cavalier	$1,100-1,400	$700-900	$100-200
Cavalier Z24	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200
Convertible	$1,500-1,900	$1,000-1,200	$200
Z24 Convertible	$1,700-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$300

1993
Cavalier	$1,200-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
Cavalier Z24	$1,500-1,900	$1,000-1,200	$200
Convertible	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300
Z24 Convertible	$1,900-2,300	$1,300-1,600	$300-400

1994
Cavalier	$1,300-1,600	$800-1,000	$200
Cavalier Z24	$1,700-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$300
Convertible	$1,900-2,300	$1,300-1,600	$300-400
Z24 Convertible	$2,200-2,700	$1,600-1,900	$400-500

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	101.3	101.3	101.3	101.3

Overall Length, in.	182.3	182.3	182.3	181.1

Overall Width, in.	66.3	66.3	66.3	66.3

Overall Height, in.	52.0	52.0	53.6	52.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	2678	2509	2520	2623

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.7	13.2	13.0	64.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.2	15.2	15.2	15.2

Seating Capacity	4	5	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.8	37.8	39.1	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2	42.6	42.1	42.1

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3	36.1	37.4	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.0	31.2	32.0	32.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Most Cavaliers in 1990 contained a 2.2-liter base engine with throttle-body fuel injection, which made 95 horsepower. Standard in the Z24 and optional in the station wagon was a 3.1-liter V6 that whipped up 135 horses and 180 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. With the base engine, that gearbox was made by Isuzu; for the V6, it was a Muncie Getrag unit. A 3-speed automatic transmission was optional with either engine. Base engines gained 15 horsepower in 1992, with a new fuel-injection system; then 10 more horses in '94.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I4	2.2 / 133	95-120	120-130	5-speed manual: 25/36 3-speed automatic: 23/33	5-speed manual: 23.1 3-speed automatic: 25.3

ohv V6	3.1 / 191	135-140	180-185	5-speed manual: 19/28 3-speed automatic: 20/28	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1994 Cavalier	1994 Cavalier

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Review:

Chevrolet Cavalier

Chevrolet Cavalier Road Test

Chevrolet Cavalier Reliability

Chevrolet Cavalier Prices

Chevrolet Cavalier Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Cavalier Photos

Chevrolet Cavalier Full Review