How old is the Chevy Cavalier?
As of 2025, the Chevrolet Cavalier first went on sale in 1982, making the model about 43 years old. The Cavalier remained in production in the United States until 2005, and the nameplate has not been used on a new passenger car since.
Context and timeline
The Cavalier was Chevrolet’s compact offering during the 1980s and 1990s, evolving through several generations before its replacement by the Chevrolet Cobalt in the mid-2000s. Understanding its age involves looking at its launch year, production span, and current status on the market.
First launch and early years
Below is a quick look at the Cavalier’s initial entry into the market and the early steps that shaped its lifespan.
- Introduced for the 1982 model year as a replacement for the Vega, positioned as Chevrolet’s affordable compact car.
- Built on the J-body platform with front‑wheel drive and offered in multiple body styles, including coupe and sedan.
- Received a mid‑cycle refresh around the 1987 model year to refresh styling and features.
This period established the Cavalier as a mainstream, budget-conscious alternative in the U.S. market and set the baseline for its age as of today.
Generations overview
To understand how old the Cavalier is, it helps to map out its three main generations and their timeframes.
- First generation (1982–1987): Original design with relatively boxy styling and early aerodynamic improvements over the Vega era.
- Second generation (1988–1994): Redesign featuring updated styling, improved interior space, and revised drivetrain options.
- Third generation (1995–2005): Larger, more rounded styling and newer engines, culminating in the model’s final U.S. run before the Cobalt replacement.
These generation spans trace the Cavalier’s lifecycle and help anchor its age in historical context for collectors and enthusiasts.
Current status and age calculation
Even though no new Cavalier models have been produced since 2005, the model’s age is still calculated from its introduction year. In 2025, that yields an approximate age of 43 years since the first Cavalier hit showrooms in 1982. The end of Cavalier production means today’s Cavaliers are all used, classic, or collector vehicles rather than current lineup options.
Related context and considerations
For buyers or enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that parts availability, market values, and maintenance considerations vary by year and generation. While the Cavalier name no longer appears on new Chevrolets, surviving examples from the 1980s and 1990s continue to be documented by enthusiasts and used-car markets, contributing to the vehicle’s ongoing cultural footprint.
Summary
The Chevy Cavalier debuted in 1982, making it about 43 years old in 2025. It remained in production until 2005 in the United States, after which the nameplate was retired in favor of newer compact models. Understanding its age involves recognizing the three generations that defined its run and the fact that current Cavaliers are part of the used-vehicle market rather than new cars.
How much is a 1990 Cavalier worth?
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Value - $598-$2,696 | Edmunds.
What was the last year of the Chevy Cavalier?
Chevrolet stopped making the Cavalier in the U.S. and Mexico after the 2005 model year, replacing it with the Cobalt in North America. The nameplate was later revived in 2016 for a new model sold in China and Mexico, but production in Mexico ended in mid-2025.
- United States and Mexico: Production of the original Cavalier ended in 2005.
- Successor: The Chevrolet Cobalt took its place as Chevrolet's compact car in North America.
- Revival and discontinuation: The name was used for a new model that started selling in China and Mexico in 2018, but this was discontinued in Mexico in July 2025.
What year did they make Chevy Cavaliers?
The Chevy Cavalier was first released for the 1982 model year. It was introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model and was produced by General Motors until 2005.
- Release date: The first model year was 1982, but it went on sale in the spring of 1981.
- Production years: The Cavalier was produced from 1982 until 2005.
- Successor: The Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the Cavalier in North America in 2005.
Why did Chevrolet discontinue the Cavalier?
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).
