Chevrolet Cavalier Xtreme
The Chevrolet Cavalier received an overhaul in 1995, offering more spacious body dimensions and modern, aerodynamic styling derived from its big brother, the 4th Generation Camaro. Many of the original design cues were kept however, such as the charcoal-colored bumpers on the Base models, and the integrated bumper grille. You had the option for a coupe, sedan, and convertible, while the wagon model was substituted out in exchange for an LS Sedan. The car now had 15 and 16 inch wheels as options. By 1997, the Cavalier had become the top selling car in the entire GM lineup.
All vehicles offered a four-cylinder engine; dropping the optional V6 available in previous generations. The Base and RS models had the 122 pushrod four-cylinder engine (2.2 L OHV) while the Z24 and LS convertible had the 2.3 L LD2 Quad-4 engine in 1995. This was later replaced in 1996 by the more powerful 2.4 liter DOHC LD9, which produced 150 hp (112 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque. This engine was used until 2002.
In 2000, the Cavalier got a cosmetic reshaping with bigger headlights, an improved grille, and a new “CAVALIER” badge at the trunklid. The 2.4-liter engine was mated to a standard Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission on the Z24 models, or optional 4-speed automatic on both the Z24 and the LS models. The Z24 coupe also had a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch tires, and alloy wheels. In 2001, the 4-speed automatic became the primary offering across the entire lineup, with the 5-speed still available in the two-door cars, replacing the previous 3-speed automatic in the base models. Additionally, RSs were substituted out for LS Sports, which came with the new Ecotec L61 motors (140 hp (104 kW) and 150 lb·ft (200 N·m) torque). The same year, a 4-door Z24 sedan was introduced that had the same mechanics, but was less sporty in its body design.
Further upgrades to the Z24 included a wider front sway bar and FE2 sports suspension for better handling, and a gentler ABS braking system. A GM Eaton M45 Supercharger kit was also offered for the Z24 trim that increased performance to around 190 hp (142 kW) and 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) when activated.
The third generation Cavalier had two facelifts, the minor one in 2000 and a major one in 2003. 2003's refresh included a fresh front end and redesigned rear lift gate.
The safety ratings of the Cavalier were mostly low overall, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. IIHS kins data ranked the Cavalier among the "Highest Rates of Driver Deaths," with 150 (4-door) to 171 (2-door) per million registered vehicle years - higher than the average for the class (small) which was 103 (4-door) and 134 (2-door). Additionally, the IIHS gave the 1995-2005 Cavalier a "Poor" overall score in their frontal offset collision test.
Chevrolet Cavaliers have mostly been produced at Lordstown Assembly, with rare models coming from South Gate Assembly (1982 model year only), Lansing Car Assembly (1996-1998 coupes), Lansing Craft Centre (1996-2000 convertibles), Janesville Assembly, Ramos Arizpe, and Leeds Assembly. Production ended on October 6, 2005.
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