How much horsepower does a 2000 cavalier have?
In the 2000 Cavalier lineup, horsepower ranged from about 120 horsepower in the base 2.2-liter engines to about 150 horsepower in the 2.4-liter Z24 version.
To understand the question in more detail, the 2000 Cavalier offered two four-cylinder engine choices. The base model used a 2.2-liter engine, while a higher-performance version used a 2.4-liter engine (often associated with the Z24 designation). Horsepower varies by engine option and trim, so the exact figure depends on which Cavalier you’re looking at and how it was equipped at the factory.
Engine options and horsepower
Before listing the engine choices, note that the Cavalier's two primary powerplants defined its horsepower output. Here are the typical factory ratings for each engine in the 2000 model year:
- 2.2-liter OHV four-cylinder — approximately 120 horsepower
- 2.4-liter four-cylinder (Z24) — approximately 150 horsepower
In short, the horsepower of a 2000 Cavalier depends on the engine under the hood: the base 2.2-liter around 120 hp, and the sport-oriented 2.4-liter Z24 around 150 hp.
Performance context and variations
For drivers and buyers, a few caveats matter. Horsepower figures are factory ratings and can vary slightly by market, emissions equipment, or transmission (manual vs. automatic). The 2.2L engine was more common in base trims, offering reliable everyday performance, while the 2.4L Z24 powered higher trims with quicker acceleration and more spirited driving dynamics.
Additionally, performance perceptions can be influenced by other factors such as weight, gearing, and engine torque. The Cavalier with the 2.4L engine generally delivers stronger initial acceleration than the base 2.2L, even if both share the same chassis and overall vehicle footprint.
Summary
The 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier offered two engine choices that dictated horsepower: about 120 hp for the base 2.2-liter engine and about 150 hp for the 2.4-liter Z24 version. Your exact number depends on the specific trim and configuration of the vehicle in question.
