DecodedCars2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe Vl/Vlx, 2dr Coupe Z24, 4dr Sedan Vl/Vlx, 4dr Sedan Z24
- Engines
- 2.2L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,619–2,749 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car offered with a 2.2L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,619 lb (2dr Coupe Vl/Vlx).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 12% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe Vl/Vlx | 182.7 in | 68.5 in | 52.8 in | 103.9 in | 57.5 / 56.7 in | 2,619 lb | 63/37 |
| 2dr Coupe Z24 | 182.7 in | 68.5 in | 52.8 in | 103.9 in | 57.5 / 56.7 in | 2,749 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan Vl/Vlx | 182.7 in | 67.7 in | 54.7 in | 103.9 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,676 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan Z24 | 182.7 in | 67.7 in | 54.7 in | 103.9 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,729 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier | 2.2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Cavalier | 2.2L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +7% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →