What was the earliest Chevy Cavalier?
The earliest Chevrolet Cavalier was the 1982 model year version—the first generation launched to replace the Vega and to anchor GM’s front-drive J-body subcompact lineup.
Origins and launch
Chevrolet introduced the Cavalier as a forward-looking replacement for the aging Vega. Debuting for the 1982 model year, it was built on GM’s new J-body platform, a shared architecture that also underpinned related models from other GM divisions. The Cavalier’s early years marked GM’s shift toward compact, front-wheel-drive styling and efficiency in the American market.
Key facts about the earliest Cavalier include:
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration on the GM J-body platform
- Two main body styles in the initial years: a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan
- Inline-four powerplants (commonly 1.8L and 2.0L variants) paired with manual or automatic transmissions
- Designed to offer improved packaging, efficiency, and contemporary styling versus Vega-era cars
In summary, the 1982 Cavalier established the basic formula for Chevrolet’s subcompact lineup through the rest of the first generation, aligning GM’s smaller cars under a shared platform and modern design language.
First-generation footprint
The 1982 Cavalier kicked off a generation that would span most of the 1980s and into the mid-1990s. It helped Chevrolet rebuild its small-car image and laid the groundwork for the Cavalier’s long-running presence in the U.S. market, alongside other J-body siblings from Pontiac and other GM brands.
What the earliest Cavalier signaled for GM
The introduction of the Cavalier signaled GM’s renewed commitment to front-wheel-drive subcompacts, offering practical space, improved fuel economy, and updated styling to compete with other emerging compact cars of the era. The model's enduring presence through the first generation demonstrated the viability of the J-body approach in multiple North American markets.
Legacy and market presence
As the first Cavalier, the 1982 model year established a template that would be refined over time. The Cavalier name persisted through a second and third generation, continuing to serve as Chevrolet’s mainstay compact hatch in the United States for many years and influencing GM’s small-car strategy into the 1990s and beyond.
Global and regional notes
Beyond the United States, the Cavalier family appeared in various markets under GM’s umbrella, sometimes in slightly different trim lines or with local tuning. The core concept—a practical, affordable, front-wheel-drive compact—remained consistent across generations and regions.
Summary
The earliest Chevy Cavalier debuted in 1982 as Chevrolet’s answer to the Vega's shortcomings, marking a new era for GM’s subcompact strategy. Built on the J-body platform and offered in coupe and sedan form, the initial Cavalier established a durable foundation for a generation-spanning model line that emphasized efficiency, modern styling, and practical packaging. Its legacy includes a successful transition from Vega-era designs to a more contemporary GM compact-car family that endured for over a decade in North American markets.
How much is a 1995 Chevy Cavalier worth?
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan 4D | $12,030 | $1,585 |
| LS Sedan 4D | $12,950 | $1,549 |
| Z24 Coupe 2D | $14,295 | $2,179 |
| LS Convertible 2D | $17,695 | $2,297 |
What year was the last Cavalier?
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.
What was the first year Chevy made the Cavalier?
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.
How much is a 1990 Chevy Cavalier worth?
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Value - $592-$4,763 | Edmunds.
