How many quarts of oil does a Chevy Cavalier take?
Most Cavalier four-cylinders require about 4.5 quarts of oil with a filter, while the 2.4L engine typically needs around 5 quarts. The exact capacity depends on the engine and model year, so check your owner's manual or the engine code for precision.
The Chevy Cavalier was produced from 1982 to 2005 and offered several four-cylinder engines across its generations. Oil capacity varies by engine type and whether a filter is included during the change.
Oil capacity by engine type
Before diving into the numbers, note that the following figures reflect typical capacities for common Cavalier engines and include the oil filter. Always confirm with your specific model year and engine code.
- 2.2L four-cylinder: about 4.5 quarts (roughly 4.3–4.5 qt) with filter.
- 2.0L four-cylinder: about 4.0–4.5 quarts with filter.
- 2.4L four-cylinder: about 5 quarts (roughly 4.7–5.0 qt) with filter.
These figures assume a complete oil drain and a new filter. If you perform a partial drain or omit the filter, midpoints will shift by roughly a quart. Always top up to the full mark on the dipstick after filling.
Practical maintenance notes
To ensure accuracy, consult the specific engine code and year in the owner's manual. Use the recommended viscosity for your climate, and keep a small reserve of oil on hand for top-offs between changes.
Summary
In short, a Chevy Cavalier generally takes about 4.5 quarts of oil for most 2.0L/2.2L engines and about 5 quarts for the 2.4L engine. Exact capacity depends on the engine variant and whether a filter is included; always verify with the manual or engine code and finish with a dipstick check.
