Chevrolet Cavalier: Difference between revisions

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Model years	1988–1994
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible; 2-door coupe; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon
Related	Buick Skyhawk; Cadillac Cimarron; Oldsmobile Firenza; Pontiac Sunbird; Vauxhall Cavalier
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 122 I4; 2.2 L 122 I4; 2.8 L 60-degree V6; 3.1 L 60-degree V6
Transmission	5-speed manual; 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1988-89: Template:Auto in; 1990-94: Template:Auto in
Length	1988-89: Template:Auto in; 1988-89 Wagon: Template:Auto in; 1990-94: Template:Auto in; 1990-94 Wagon: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in; 1988-89 Sedan/Coupe/Wagon: Template:Auto in
Height	1988-1991 Coupe & 1990-91 Convertible: Template:Auto in; 1988-1991 Sedan: Template:Auto in; 1988-89 & 1992-94 Convertible: Template:Auto in; 1988-89 Wagon: Template:Auto in; 1990-91 Wagon: Template:Auto in; 1992-94 Wagon: Template:Auto in; 1992-94 Coupe: Template:Auto in; 1992-94 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Curb weight	2,359 lb (1,070 kg) (coupe) ; 2,363 lb (1,072 kg) (sedan) ; 2,271 lb (1,030 kg) (RS coupe) ; 2,414 lb (1,095 kg) (RS sedan) ; 2,558 lb (1,160 kg) (Z24 coupe) ; 2,665 lb (1,209 kg) (Z24 convertible)

First generation
First generation
Overview
Model years	1982–1987
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; Janesville, Wisconsin; Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico; South Gate, California (1982 only); Kansas City, Missouri
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible; 2-door sedan; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon
Related	Buick Skyhawk; Cadillac Cimarron; Oldsmobile Firenza; Pontiac Sunbird; Vauxhall Cavalier
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L 122 I4; 2.0 L 122 I4; 2.8 L 60-degree V6
Transmission	4-speed manual; 5-speed manual; 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Sedan: Template:Auto in; Coupe: Template:Auto in; Wagon: Template:Auto in
Width	Sedan & Coupe: Template:Auto in; Wagon: Template:Auto in
Height	Sedan & Coupe: Template:Auto in; Wagon: Template:Auto in

Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Cavalier
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1982–2005
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	J-body
Chronology
Predecessor	Chevrolet Monza
Successor	Chevrolet Cobalt (For United States and Canada); Chevrolet Optra (For Mexico)

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Revision as of 23:01, 1 April 2010

The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact automobile produced from 1982 to 2005 by General Motors. Built on the company's J platform, the Cavalier was one of the best-selling cars in the United States throughout its life.[1]

Predecessors

The Cavalier replaced the Monza, which was available as a 2-door coupe, a 3-door hatchback and a 3-door wagon (using the same body as the discontinued Vega wagon, the model it replaced). The inexpensive Chevette was retained even as sales declined, and was formally replaced by even smaller captive imports. Both previous platforms had rear-drive layouts while the new design followed the front wheel drive trend, as in the Dodge Omni and Honda Civic. Ford and Chrysler also introduced new front drive compacts. The largely successful mission of capturing the bulk of domestic compact sales would fall on the Cavalier's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 4-door station wagon, the relatively short-lived 3-door hatchback (which replaced the Monza 2+2 Sport 4-door hatchback) and, in later years, a 2-door convertible. The small Cavalier even helped fill in lagging sales of the compact Citation (a Nova replacement).

First generation

The Cavalier first went on sale in early 1981 as a 1982 model with front-wheel-drive, a choice of two four-cylinder pushrod engines, and 2 and 4-door sedan, hatchback, and station wagon body styles.

1983 Cavaliers offered electronic fuel injection, and a V6 engine became available in 1985, uncommon for a compact car. 1984 brought modest changes to the front fascia.

The Cavalier was largely identical to the Pontiac Sunbird. Before the Pontiac brand was officially introduced in Mexico in 1992, Cavaliers sold there featured Sunbird body panels, as opposed to US-spec Cavalier panels. From 1993 on, the sibling marques were both offered, as in the United States.

Second generation

The Cavalier got redesigned for 1988; however, the redesign was merely cosmetic, as it used the same platform as the previous generation. The two door hatchback was dropped, while the coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible carried over. The sedan and wagon were mostly carried over from the B-pillar back, while the coupe's exterior was completely redesigned. This resulted in different trunk designs for the coupe and sedan. Three trim levels were available in 1988: VL, RS, and Z24. The VL and RS came standard with the 2.2 L OHV L4 engine, while the 2.8 L V6 was optional on the RS and standard on the Z24.

In 1989, the steering column was redesigned to be collapsible, as well as the addition of 3-point seat belts and outboard seats in the rear. In 1990, the optional V6 engine was upgraded to 3.1 liters and 140 horsepower. The convertible was also dropped to prevent internal competition with a planned Beretta convertible. However, the Beretta convertible was shelved at the eleventh hour, before a 1990 Cavalier convertible could be prepared.

The Cavalier got a cosmetic update in 1991 that involved a new hood, bumpers, headlights, taillights, wheel covers and a redesigned interior. Most notably, the cooling system was redesigned to draw air from the bumper, giving it a Ford Taurus-style bumper and grille design. The new bumpers were unpainted, with the option to have them colored grey, black or white; the latter only available on white-colored models. The Z24 eschewed this for a color keyed body kit. Z24 models also gained the options for a height adjustable driver's seat and a CD player. The platform and trim lines were carried over, while the convertible was reintroduced, and was offered in both RS and Z24 trim.

In 1992, the 2.2 L OHV L4 was upgraded to produce 110 horsepower. Antilock brakes were added as a standard feature, as Delco Moraine had managed to develop a low-cost system. Power locks were also standard, and were designed to automatically lock when the car is shifted out of park, or if the car is traveling at least 8 miles per hour in manual transmission equipped models. 1994 models were also carryovers, as a new model of Cavalier was in development. The VL trim was dropped on the wagon, while the 2.2 L OHV L4 adopted sequential fuel injection, increasing its output to 120 horsepower. Additional changes included a slightly redesigned climate control interface and the power locking system being again redesigned, so that the doors lock automatically when put into gear, and unlock automatically when the ignition is switched off.

Third generation

Third generation

Overview
Also called	Toyota Cavalier (Japan)
Model years	1995–2005
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio Lansing, Michigan Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Related	Pontiac Sunfire
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L 122 (2200) I4 2.2 L Ecotec I4 2.3 L Twin Cam (LD2) I4 2.4 L Twin Cam (LD9) I4
Transmission	5-speed Getrag F23 manual 5-speed Getrag 282 manual 5-speed Isuzu manual 4-speed automatic (GM 4T40) 3-speed automatic (GM 3T40)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	1995-97: Template:Auto in 1998-2002: Template:Auto in 2003-05: Template:Auto in
Width	2-Door: Template:Auto in 4-Door: Template:Auto in
Height	1995-97 Coupe: Template:Auto in 1995-97 Sedan: Template:Auto in 1995-97 Convertible: Template:Auto in 1998-2005 Coupe: Template:Auto in 1998-99 Convertible: Template:Auto in 1998-2005 Sedan: Template:Auto in 2000-02 Convertible: Template:Auto in
Curb weight	2,562 lb (1,162 kg) - 2,784 lb (1,263 kg) Z24 2,749 lb (1,247 kg)

The Cavalier was redesigned for 1995 with expanded dimensions and styling that was a departure from the two boxier previous generations. The wagon was discontinued, but the coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles returned. This Chevrolet Cavalier generation lost the V6 engine entirely. It is the only Chevrolet Cavalier generation with only a four-cylinder engine.

The Cavalier Z24 received a new engine in 1996, the LD9 2.4 liter engine. This engine cranked out 150HP and 155ft/lb of torque and was used until 2002. The Z24 only came in 2-door coupe models up until 2000 and featured a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch tires and alloys and improved interior electronics. Aesthetically inside and out little changed from the other models. In 2000 a 4-door Z24 Sedan debuted, featuring the same mechanics but having a less sportier body. In 2003 the Cavalier Z24 line was dropped and replaced by the LS Sport line, which featured the new Ecotec L61 motors (140HP and 150ft/lb torque). These engines improved fuel economy, featuring a smaller engine, while maintaining the power of the now-outdated LD9 motors. These motors remained in the Cavaliers up until 2005 when the Chevrolete Cavalier was replaced by the Chevrolet Cobalt.

The Cavalier was facelifted in 2000 and in 2003. The convertible was discontinued after 2000.

Toyota Cavalier

As part of a wider effort to avoid additional restrictions on exports to the US, the third generation model was briefly sold in Japan by Toyota under an agreement with GM, badged as the Toyota Cavalier as in return for the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm. Aside from the fact that it was right hand drive, the Toyota Cavalier also featured a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, wider front fenders, amber turn signals for Japanese regulations, power folding side mirrors, side turn signal repeater lights on the front fenders, and carpeting on the inside of the trunk lid. Interior seats were often flecked with color, and the rear seat had a fold-down armrest. The Toyota Cavalier was entirely produced by GM in the USA and sold from 1995–2000. 1996-2000 Toyota Cavaliers came equipped with the 2.4 L LD9 engine, while the 1995 used the 2.3 L Quad 4.

While all Chevrolet-badged Cavaliers received a facelift for 2000, the Toyota did as well with the updated center console, head-lights/hood/front bumper, tail-lights, and colors available.

A fair number of these vehicles are re-exported as Japanese used cars, most notably to New Zealand. Production of the Toyota Cavalier ceased in June 2000.

TRD made a body kit and rear wing for the Cavalier, available exclusively in Japan.

Safety

The third-generation Cavalier earned several low scores in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also, IIHS fatality risks statistics rated the Cavalier among the "Highest rates of driver deaths," with 150 (4 door) to 171 (2 door) driver deaths per million registered vehicle years. Average for the Cavalier class (small) was 103 (4 door) to 134 (2 door) driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.^[1]

The IIHS gave the 1995-2005 Cavalier a "Poor" overall score in their frontal offset collision test.^[2]

2005 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (coupe):^[3]

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver: *safety concern*
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

2002 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (sedan):^[4]

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver: *safety concern*
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

Production

Most Cavaliers were built at Lordstown Assembly, although they have also been produced in South Gate, California (1982 model year only), Lansing Car Assembly (1996-1998 coupes), Lansing Craft Centre (1996-2000 convertibles), Janesville Assembly, Ramos Arizpe, and Leeds Assembly.

United States sales figures

58,904 - 1982
268,587 - 1983
462,611 - 1984
383,752 - 1985
432,101 - 1986
346,254 - 1987
322,939 - 1988
376,626 - 1989
310,501 - 1990
326,847 - 1991
225,633 - 1992
251,590 - 1993
254,426 - 1994
151,669 - 1995
261,686 - 1996
315,136 - 1997
238,861 - 1998

Sources: Edmunds.com (1992-98), Autoworld.com (1999 estimate)[2]

Engines used

1982 — 1.8 L OHV 2-barrel inline-4, 88 horsepower
mid 1982–1984 — 2.0 L OHV 2-barrel inline-4, 90 horsepower
1983–1989 — 2.0 L OHV TBI inline-4, 86 horsepower (1983–1984), 88 horsepower (1985–1986), 90 horsepower (1987–89)
1985–1989 — 2.8 L OHV MPFI V6, 130 horsepower
1990–1994 — 2.8 L OHV MPFI V6, 130 horsepower (Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela only)
1990–1991 — 2.2 L OHV TBI inline-4, 95 horsepower
1990–1994 — 3.1 L OHV MPFI V6, 140 horsepower
1992–2002 — 2.2 L OHV MPFI L4, 110 horsepower (1992-93), 120 horsepower (1994–97, 1994 upgrade to SFI), 115 horsepower (1998–2002)
1995 — 2.3 L DOHC MPFI Quad 4, 150 horsepower
1996–2001 — 2.4 L DOHC SFI L4, 150 horsepower
2002–2005 — 2.2 L DOHC Ecotec SFI L4, 140 horsepower

References

External links

[1] Driver´s deaths by make&model: Fatality risk in one vehicle versus another

[2] ttp://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=45

[3] ttp://www.safercar.gov/portal/search?model=3230

[4] ttp://www.safercar.gov/portal/search?model=3231

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

@@ Line 194: / Line 194: @@
 * [http://www.jbody.org J-Body.com]
 * [http://www.j-body.com JCO - J-body Club of Ontario]
+* [http://www.theultimatecarsite.com/searchcars.jsp?section=chevrolet_cavalier Chevrolet Cavalier - The Ultimate Car Site]
 * [http://sites.google.com/site/rucavalier/ Russian Toyota/Cavalier fans]