Do they still make Chevy cavaliers?
No — Chevrolet does not currently manufacture a Cavalier. The nameplate was retired after the 2005 model year in North America, and there has been no revival of the Cavalier in the Chevrolet lineup as of 2025.
Chevrolet's Cavalier history spans from its 1981 launch as a replacement for the Chevette to its 2005 discontinuation, after which GM redirected efforts toward newer compact cars and, more recently, SUVs. This article reviews the model's lifecycle and why the Cavalier remains absent from today's Chevrolet lineup.
Historical overview of the Cavalier
Here are the key milestones in the Cavalier's lifecycle, from its debut to its retirement.
- The Cavalier debuted in 1981 as Chevrolet's entry-level compact, replacing the Chevette and offered in sedan and hatchback/body styles to appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
- In the late 1980s, the model underwent a second generation with refreshed styling, improved aerodynamics, and updated engines and options.
- The mid-1990s brought a third generation with modernized interior and safety features, continuing the Cavalier's role as the affordable American compact until production ended in 2005.
- In 2005, Chevrolet replaced the Cavalier with the Cobalt as its mainstream compact, shifting the lineup toward newer platforms and powertrains.
- In the years since, GM has not revived the Cavalier name; today Chevrolet's small-car strategy emphasizes other models and crossovers rather than reviving older nameplates.
Conclusion: The Cavalier's three generations cover the 1981–2005 span, after which the nameplate was retired and not reintroduced.
Current status and market reality
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts today.
- Production status: There is no current Chevrolet Cavalier in production anywhere in the world as of 2025.
- Replacements: The Cavalier's role in Chevrolet's lineup was filled by the Cobalt and later by Cruze and other compact offerings, with GM subsequently focusing on newer compact models and SUVs in many markets.
- Finding a Cavalier today: If you want one, you would be seeking a used example from the 1980s–2005 era, or exploring classic-car markets; new-car purchases will not include a Cavalier.
Bottom line: The Cavalier remains a historical chapter in Chevrolet's lineup, not a present-day product.
Summary
The Chevrolet Cavalier is no longer in production. It ran from 1981 to 2005 in North America and was eventually replaced by the Cobalt, with GM subsequently focusing on newer compact models and SUVs. As of 2025, Chevrolet has not revived the Cavalier name, and buyers looking for new Chevrolet options will find other models instead.
Why was the Chevy Cavalier discontinued?
The Chevy Cavalier was discontinued in the U.S. primarily due to declining sedan sales and the introduction of a newer replacement model, the Chevrolet Cobalt. Declining sales made it less profitable, and the company wanted to move to newer, more modern designs and platforms.
- Declining sales: Despite being a bestseller in the 1980s, sales had dropped significantly by the mid-2000s. By 2005, sales had fallen to a level that made its continued production unsustainable.
- Replacement model: Chevrolet discontinued the Cavalier to make way for the Cobalt, which was introduced for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt was offered in similar coupe and sedan body styles but was designed to be a more modern competitor.
- Market trends: Overall, the market for small sedans was changing, with a shift in consumer preference towards other types of vehicles.
- Other factors: The Cavalier's safety ratings were also a concern, with some models having a high fatality rate according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
What replaced the Chevy Cavalier?
The Chevy Cavalier was replaced in the U.S. by the Cobalt for the 2005 model year, and later the Cruze replaced the Cobalt. While the Cavalier is no longer sold in the U.S., it has been re-introduced in some international markets, like China, where it has been replaced by other models such as the Monza and the Onix.
This video explains the features of the 2025 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24: 59sLuxury Cars 007YouTube · Jul 15, 2024
- In the U.S. and North America: The Cavalier was discontinued in the U.S. in 2005 and replaced by the Cobalt. The Cobalt was subsequently replaced by the Cruze.
- In other markets: The Cavalier was still sold in some other regions. For example, in China, the nameplate was later replaced by models like the Monza and Onix.
- International revival: The Cavalier nameplate has seen a revival in some international markets, such as China, where it was reintroduced as a compact midsize family sedan in 2016.
Are Chevy Cavaliers still made?
Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.
Where did all the Chevy cavaliers go?
Four years after General Motors announced the Chevy Monza as the Cavalier Turbo in Mexico, the Chinese compact sedan has been renamed again and is now the new Chevy Cruze.
