1990-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Chevrolet Cavalier VL 2-door Rating (See All Ratings)

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 Score:	44

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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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 >

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