CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Chevrolet Cavalier

Chevrolet Cavalier — 1982–20052016–2021 (China)2019–2025 (Mexico), 2-door convertible2-door coupe3-door hatchback4-door sedan4-door wagon, 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Chevrolet Cavalier
Engine112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6
Transmission4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic
DrivetrainFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

About the Chevrolet Cavalier

Chevrolet Cavalier is a 2-door convertible2-door coupe3-door hatchback4-door sedan4-door wagon in the compact car class, with source data covering 1982–20052016–2021 (China)2019–2025 (Mexico). The available vehicle data lists 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic and a Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Chevrolet Cavalier guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6 and 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Chevrolet Cavalier specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Chevrolet
Model Cavalier
Model years 1982–20052016–2021 (China)2019–2025 (Mexico)
Body style 2-door convertible2-door coupe3-door hatchback4-door sedan4-door wagon
Vehicle class Compact car
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors)
Production 1981–20052016–2021 (China)
Market / country CA, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Chevrolet Cavalier includes 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6.. Transmission information includes 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

Engine 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6
Transmission 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic
Drivetrain / layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 101.2 in (2,570 mm)
Length Sedan: 174.5 in (4,432 mm)Coupe: 173.5 in (4,407 mm)Wagon: 177.9 in (4,519 mm)1990–91 Wagon: 54.1 in (1,374 mm)1992–94 Wagon: 53.8 in (1,367 mm) 1988–89: 178.6 in (4,536 mm) 1990–94: 182.3 in (4,630 mm) 1988–89 Wagon: 178.8 in (4,542 mm) 1990–94 Wagon: 181.1 in (4,600 mm)
Width Sedan & Coupe: 66.0 in (1,676 mm)Wagon: 66.3 in (1,684 mm)
Height Sedan & Coupe: 52.0 in (1,321 mm)Wagon: 54.2 in (1,377 mm)
Kerb / curb weight 2359 lb (1,070 kg) (coupe) 2363 lb (1,072 kg) (sedan) 2271 lb (1,030 kg) (RS coupe) 2414 lb (1,095 kg) (RS sedan) 2558 lb (1,160 kg) (Z24 coupe) 2665 lb (1,209 kg) (Z24 convertible)

Chevrolet Cavalier other specifications

Image 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe, front right, 06-07-2024.jpg
Name Chevrolet Cavalier
Caption 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe
Aka Toyota Cavalier (Japan)

Chevrolet Cavalier generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Chevrolet Cavalier 1982–20052016–2021 (China)2019–2025 (Mexico) Not specified Not specified Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
First generation 1982–1987 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic Not specified
Second generation 1988–1994 1991 cc ''LL8'' I42189 cc ''LM3'' I42189 cc ''LN2'' I42837 cc ''LB6'' V63135 cc ''LH0'' V6 5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic Not specified
Third generation 1995–2005 2189 cc ''LN2'' OHV I4; 2198 cc ''L61/L42'' DOHC I4; 2260 cc ''LD2'' DOHC I4; 2392 cc ''LD9'' DOHC I4 3-speed 3T40 automatic4-speed 4T40-E automatic5-speed Getrag F23 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual5-speed Isuzu manual Not specified
Fourth generation 2016–2021 1.5 L ''S-TEC III'' I4 5-speed manual6-speed automatic Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Chevrolet Cavalier features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓Aside from being configured in right hand drive, the Toyota Cavalier also featured a leather-wrapped shift knob, steering wheel and park brake lever, wider front fenders, taillights with amber turn signals for Japanese regulations, power folding side mirrors, side turn signal repeaters on the front fenders, and carpeting on the inside of the trunk lid
✓Vehicles produced from February to December 1998 were available with a leather interior equipped with an automatic transmission only
✓The Cavalier was not the only GM product sold in Japan
✓the Saturn S-series, also with right-hand-drive, was sold at Saturn dealerships (as well as some former Isuzu dealerships) from 1996 to 2003, and some Toyota Vista Stores also retailed Saturns
✓When the Toyota Cavalier was cancelled, Yanase continued to sell Chevrolet and other GM products
✓Despite Toyota making considerable efforts to sell the Cavalier on the domestic market, the Japanese public perceived the quality of workmanship to not be up to the standard typically expected of locally built cars
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Chevrolet Cavalier

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 34 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 36 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Chevrolet Cavalier

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Chevrolet Cavalier have?
The available source data lists the Chevrolet Cavalier engine as 112 cuin ''L46'' I4; 122 cuin ''LQ5'' I4; 122 cuin ''LL8'' I4; 173 cuin ''LB6'' V6. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Chevrolet Cavalier?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Chevrolet Cavalier?
There is no single best engine oil for every Chevrolet Cavalier configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The Chevrolet Cavalier is classified as a 2-door convertible2-door coupe3-door hatchback4-door sedan4-door wagon.
What years was the Chevrolet Cavalier produced?
The available vehicle record places the Chevrolet Cavalier in the 1982–20052016–2021 (China)2019–2025 (Mexico) period. Exact availability can vary by market.
What are the dimensions of the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The available source data lists length Sedan: 174.5 in (4,432 mm)Coupe: 173.5 in (4,407 mm)Wagon: 177.9 in (4,519 mm)1990–91 Wagon: 54.1 in (1,374 mm)1992–94 Wagon: 53.8 in (1,367 mm) 1988–89: 178.6 in (4,536 mm) 1990–94: 182.3 in (4,630 mm) 1988–89 Wagon: 178.8 in (4,542 mm) 1990–94 Wagon: 181.1 in (4,600 mm), width Sedan & Coupe: 66.0 in (1,676 mm)Wagon: 66.3 in (1,684 mm), height Sedan & Coupe: 52.0 in (1,321 mm)Wagon: 54.2 in (1,377 mm), and wheelbase 101.2 in (2,570 mm).
What transmission does the Chevrolet Cavalier have?
The available source data lists 4-speed Muncie M17 manual5-speed Isuzu MT2 manual5-speed Getrag 282 manual3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic transmission options for the Chevrolet Cavalier.
Is the Chevrolet Cavalier FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Chevrolet Cavalier is Front-engine, front-wheel-drive.
Who makes the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The manufacturer listed for the Chevrolet Cavalier is Chevrolet (General Motors).
When was the Chevrolet Cavalier produced?
The available source data describes production as 1981–20052016–2021 (China).
How much does the Chevrolet Cavalier weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 2359 lb (1,070 kg) (coupe) 2363 lb (1,072 kg) (sedan) 2271 lb (1,030 kg) (RS coupe) 2414 lb (1,095 kg) (RS sedan) 2558 lb (1,160 kg) (Z24 coupe) 2665 lb (1,209 kg) (Z24 convertible). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Chevrolet Cavalier built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United States: Lordstown, Ohio (Lordstown Assembly: 1982–1987)Janesville, Wisconsin (Janesville Assembly: 1983–1987)South Gate, California (South Gate Assembly: 1982 only) Kansas City, Missouri (Leeds Assembly: 1984–1987).
What class of car is the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The Chevrolet Cavalier is listed in the Compact car class.
What platform does the Chevrolet Cavalier use?
The available source data lists the platform/chassis as J-body (1981–2005).
Which markets or countries sold the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Chevrolet Cavalier with CA, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The available vehicle data lists Chevrolet Cobalt (United States and Canada)Chevrolet Optra (Mexico) and Chevrolet Aveo as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The available vehicle data lists Chevrolet Cobalt (United States and Canada)Chevrolet Optra (Mexico) and Chevrolet Aveo as the successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The available source data identifies related models as Buick SkyhawkCadillac CimarronOldsmobile FirenzaPontiac SunbirdOpel AsconaVauxhall CavalierIsuzu AskaHolden Camira. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Chevrolet Cavalier?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Chevrolet Cavalier?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Chevrolet Cavalier images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

Chevrolet Cavalier photo
Chevrolet Cavalier photo