When did GM stop making the Cavalier?
The Chevrolet Cavalier’s production ended after the 2005 model year, with the final cars built in mid-2005 at GM’s Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio.
The Cavalier was GM’s long-running compact car, spanning three generations from its introduction in the early 1980s to its discontinuation in the mid-2000s. It was ultimately replaced in GM’s lineup by the Chevrolet Cobalt as part of the company’s shift toward newer, unified platforms.
Timeline of Cavalier Production
Key milestones in the Cavalier’s production history are summarized below.
- Gen 1 (1982–1987): Introduced as Chevrolet’s compact to replace the Chevette; established the Cavalier’s initial market presence.
- Gen 2 (1988–1994): A redesigned second generation with updated styling, chassis refinements, and feature upgrades.
- Gen 3 (1995–2005): Final generation, with interior and safety updates; remained in production through the 2005 model year.
- End of production and replacement: GM introduced the Chevrolet Cobalt as the Cavalier’s successor in the mid-2000s, aligning with a broader platform strategy.
- Last Cavalier manufactured: June 2005 at Lordstown Assembly, in Ohio, marking the end of Cavalier production in North America.
In summary, GM ceased Cavalier production after the 2005 model year; the last Cavalier rolled off the line in mid-2005 at the Lordstown plant, and the Chevrolet Cobalt would carry the brand forward in GM’s compact-car lineup.
What This Meant for GM and Buyers
The end of Cavalier production reflected GM’s broader shift away from aging compact sedans toward newer, more technologically integrated platforms. For buyers, it signaled the arrival of a new generation of GM compact cars, with the Cobalt positioned as the direct successor in Chevrolet’s lineup.
Industry context
During the 2000s, GM reorganized its smaller-car offerings, emphasizing improved fuel efficiency, updated safety features, and shared platforms across brands. The Cavalier’s discontinuation fit within this wider strategy.
Summary
In short, General Motors stopped making the Chevrolet Cavalier after the 2005 model year, with production ending in June 2005 at the Lordstown, Ohio plant. The three-generation run concluded as GM shifted toward newer compact models, most notably the Chevrolet Cobalt.
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.
What car replaced the Chevy Cavalier?
The Chevy Cavalier was replaced by the Chevrolet Cobalt in North America for the 2005 model year. In other regions, like Mexico, the Cavalier was later revived and then discontinued again, with the Cruze serving as a successor at one point before it too was discontinued.
- North America: The Chevrolet Cobalt, introduced for the 2005 model year, replaced the Cavalier as Chevy's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe and a sedan.
- Other Markets: While the Cavalier was discontinued in North America in 2005, it continued to be sold in other parts of the world. After the US discontinuation, the Cavalier was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze in the Mexican market around 2017.
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).
How much is a 2003 Cavalier worth?
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Depreciation
A 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has depreciated $142 or 8% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,493 and trade-in value of $626. Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data. Compare up to 3 vehicles by logging in.
