1996 Chevy Cavalier Review

Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
What’s new
The 2.3-liter Quad 4 is replaced after just one year by a 2.4-liter twin-cam engine. Four-speed automatic transmission includes traction control. Daytime running lights debut, remote keyless entry is optional on LS and Z24 and base models get new interior fabrics and an Appearance Package.
Vehicle overview
For more than a decade, the Cavalier has been a staple sales leader for Chevy dealers. Understandably so, because the Cavalier offered reasonable value and was priced low enough to compete with many smaller, but more modern, automobiles. The undeniable fact of the matter, however, was that the Cavalier had been around for 14 years with only minor styling changes and few modifications.
Last year, an all-new Cavalier debuted, and we are duly impressed. The only shortcomings with the new car are the sluggish and loud base engine, the low seating positions, and the odd distortions evident in the lower corners of the windshield.
GM's venerable 2.2-liter four cylinder, whose droning exhaust note you are no doubt familiar with, is standard in the Cavalier. Equipped with this powerplant, the Cavalier lags behind its primary competition, the Dodge Neon, in power and acceleration. Optional in sedans and convertibles is a new 2.4-liter twin cam hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission that features traction control. The Cavalier is a much more livable car with this engine, and we wish that Chevrolet offered this powertrain in the base coupe as well.
The sporty Z24 coupe is available with the twin-cam engine, and in this application can be equipped with either automatic or manual transmission. Five-speed models are as quick as the Neon Sport Coupe from rest to 60 mph.
At just one year of age, Chevrolet is already taking steps to improve the Cavalier. The twin-cam engine replaces last year's 2.3-liter Quad 4, and the four-speed automatic's traction control system is new. Cavalier also receives new fabrics in base models, a PASSLock security system, optional remote keyless entry and new radios. Daytime running lights have been added, and base sedans can be gussied up with an Appearance Package consisting of body-color fascias and moldings, touring tires and bolt-on wheel covers. Two new paint colors are new for 1996, and long-life 100,000-mile coolant has been installed in all engines.
Overall, we think Chevy has a winner here. The styling is attractive and contemporary. The interior is comfortable and well laid-out. Antilock brakes are standard equipment. And, best of all, the price is dead on; low enough to make the four-door Geo Metro an exercise in redundancy. We think the Cavalier will be a big hit for Chevrolet, and recommend that you check it out if a compact car fits your needs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Overview
The Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is offered in the following submodels: Cavalier Sedan, Cavalier Coupe, Cavalier Convertible. Available styles include 2dr Coupe, 4dr Sedan, Z24 2dr Coupe, LS 2dr Convertible, and LS 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Chevrolet Cavalier models are available with a 2.2 L-liter gas engine or a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 150 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1996 Chevrolet Cavaliers are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Can't find a used 1996 Chevrolet Cavaliers you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Chevrolet Cavalier for sale.
Find a used Chevrolet for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet Cavalier for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials
Check out Chevrolet Cavalier lease specials
Related Used 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercury Milan 2010
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2011
- Used Toyota FJ Cruiser 2013
- Used Chevrolet Malibu 2003
- Used Acura RLX 2018
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2001
- Used Toyota GR86 2013
- Used Ford Shelby GT500 2010
- Used Buick Lucerne 1998
- Used Subaru Legacy 2008
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Audi RS 3
- McLaren 720S Spider 2022
- 2021 Lexus RX 450HL
- Lexus LC 500H 2021
- 2023 Ford Bronco News
- 2022 Ford Bronco
- Toyota Tacoma 2022
- 2022 Model 3
- 2022 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler News
Other models to consider
- 2022 BMW X5
- 2022 BMW M3
- BMW 7 Series 2022
- 2022 BMW 3 Series
- BMW 5 Series 2022
- 2022 BMW X6
- 2022 M4
- 2022 M5
- 2022 BMW i4
- 2022 X5 M
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Ford Bronco
- 2022 RAV4
- 2022 Telluride
- Honda CR-V 2022
- 2022 Lexus RX 350
- 2021 Grand Cherokee
- Cadillac Escalade 2022
- 2022 Nissan Rogue
- 2022 Model Y
- 2022 Corolla Cross
Recommended
- Used Nissan Cube Sonora Ca
- Used Ford Taurus 1990 Review
- Volvo V90 Cross Country 2022 Deals
- GMC Sierra 3500HD 2018 Crew Cab Review
- Honda Civic 2013 Sedan Review
Other models
- Used Cadillac Escalade-Ext in Porter Ranch, CA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class in Ocean Springs, MS
- Used Hyundai Sonata in Gulf Breeze, FL
- Used Land-Rover Range-Rover-Evoque in Beverly, MA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sls-Amg in Azusa, CA
- Used Audi RS-5 in Englewood, FL
- Used Volkswagen E-Golf in West Warwick, RI
- Used Hyundai Sonata-Plug-In-Hybrid in Englewood, NJ
- Used Lexus RX-450H in Ladera Ranch, CA
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-Hybrid in Westwood, NJ
- Used Nissan Titan in Pacific Palisades, CA
- Used Pontiac Vibe in Buffalo Grove, IL
- Used Subaru Ascent in Somerset, NJ
- Used BMW 6-Series in Lakewood, OH
- Used Acura RLX in Hopkinton, MA
- Used Chevrolet Volt in Geneva, IL
- Used Honda Clarity in Wylie, TX
- Used Hyundai Santa-Fe-Xl in Orange Park, FL
- Used Mercury Grand-Marquis in Placentia, CA
- Used Chevrolet Express in Morristown, NJ
- Used Ferrari California in Williamstown, NJ
- Used Lexus Ux-200 in Medford, NJ
- Used Chrysler Pacifica in Bedford, TX
- Used Audi RS-7 in Harrison, NJ
- Used GMC Sierra-1500-Limited in Roxboro, NC
- Used Buick Regal-Sportback in Nanuet, NY
- Used BMW M6 in Calumet City, IL
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gle-Class-Coupe in Wetumpka, AL
- Used Lincoln MKC in Nash, TX
- Used Audi RS-5 in San Tan Valley, AZ