Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Neon
Vehicle Focus:
Affordability, Fuel Efficiency, Reliable Commuter Car
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, official repair procedures for DIY or professional service.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.2L Ecotec, 2.4L Twin Cam), Transmission (4T40-E Automatic, Getrag 5-Speed Manual), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Torsion Beam), Steering (Power Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Lighting System, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Upholstery, Trim Panels, Glass, Wiper System, Convertible Top (if applicable)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-Off, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams Analysis
Repair Procedures:
Engine Tune-up, Engine Component Replacement (e.g., alternator, starter), Transmission Service, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics, Engine Data
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.2 L (134 cu in)
Engine 1 Type:
GM Ecotec L61 Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
115-125 hp (varies by specific configuration)
Engine 1 Torque:
125-130 lb-ft (varies by specific configuration)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4 L (146 cu in)
Engine 2 Type:
GM LD9 Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Twin Cam (2.4L Twin Cam)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
155 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (or equivalent Dex-Cool OAT)
Standard Transmission:
Getrag F23 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
GM 4T40-E 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically Controlled, Torque Converter Lock-up
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent, GM P/N 12378105)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (GM P/N 12346103)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
175.4 inches (4455 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
53.7 inches (1364 mm) (Coupe) / 55.1 inches (1400 mm) (Sedan)
Trunk Volume:
12.9 cu ft (Coupe) / 15.0 cu ft (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
2700 - 2900 lbs (approximate, depending on trim and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
3700 - 3900 lbs (approximate)
Standard Tire Size:
P195/60R15
Optional Tire Size:
P205/50R16 (GT trim)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm (5 x 3.94 inches)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1999-2000 models, varies by configuration)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1999-2000 models, varies by configuration)
IIHS Offset Frontal Crash Test:
Acceptable (1999-2000 models)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional (Standard on GT Trim)
Traction Control:
Optional (on some models with ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-Point Front and Rear Seatbelts, Pretensioners (Driver/Passenger Front)
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) Rear Seat
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with CD Player or Cassette Player, Optional premium audio system with amplifier.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Temperature), Warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Phone Integration:
N/A (No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity in 2000 model).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended), or 3,000 miles if using conventional oil and severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Ecotec: Every 100,000 miles (iridium plugs). 2.4L Twin Cam: Every 60,000 miles (platinum plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (or as per severe service schedule). Manual: Inspect every 60,000 miles, change if fluid appears contaminated.
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool OAT coolant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (2.2L Ecotec) / 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (2.4L Twin Cam)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for Ecotec, synthetic)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12378201)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 1050017 (or equivalent Dexron ATF)
Engine Issues:
Ecotec: Ignition coil failures, PCV system issues, intake manifold leaks. 2.4L Twin Cam: Piston ring wear, oil consumption, timing chain tensioner wear.
Transmission Issues:
4T40-E: Torque converter shudder, solenoid failures, fluid leaks. Manual: Clutch wear, input shaft seal leaks.
Suspension Issues:
Front strut mount bearing failure, rear axle bushings wear.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, blower motor resistor failures, dashboard illumination issues.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is one of America's oldest and largest automotive brands, known for accessible and practical vehicles.
Cavalier Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 as a fuel-efficient compact car, replacing the Chevette. The J-body platform was shared with other GM brands (Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick).
2000 Model Year Context:
Part of the third generation (1995-2005), which saw significant styling and engineering updates compared to earlier generations. The 2000 model year featured minor refinements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in the United States (e.g., Lordstown, Ohio) and Mexico.
Sales Performance:
The Cavalier was a consistently strong seller for Chevrolet, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s, due to its affordability and fuel economy.
