🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

2000

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier was positioned as a subcompact to compact car, offering an affordable and fuel-efficient option within General Motors' lineup. It competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Dodge Neon.

Competitive Analysis:

The Cavalier aimed for value and practicality, often undercutting competitors on price. While it may not have matched the refinement or performance of some rivals, it provided a reliable transportation solution for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features:

Fuel efficiency, affordability, available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, straightforward design and operation.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Features, Troubleshooting, Specifications for the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier

Page Count:

~150-200 (Estimated for a typical owner's manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Driver Information Center, Warning Lights, Instrument Panel, Controls and Displays, Climate Control System, Audio System, Seating and Restraints, Lighting, Power Windows and Locks, Mirrors, Doors and Locks, Trunk/Cargo Area, Fuel System, Engine Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires, Electrical System, Fuses and Relays, Battery, Starting System, Charging System, Exterior Features, Interior Features, Child Restraints, Driving and Operating Tips, Emergency Procedures, Maintenance Schedule, Fluid Capacities and Specifications, Tire Inflation and Replacement

Procedures Included:

Starting and Operating the Vehicle, Understanding Dashboard Indicators, Adjusting Seats and Mirrors, Operating Climate Control, Using the Audio System, Locking and Unlocking Doors, Opening the Trunk, Refueling, Checking and Adding Fluids (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid), Changing Tires, Replacing Fuses, Jump Starting the Battery, Using Child Restraints, Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Common Issues

Technical Depth:

Covers basic operation, routine maintenance checks, fluid level checks, fuse identification, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth mechanical repair procedures or diagnostic codes typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM quality for the era

Binding Type:

Staple or Perfect Bound

Paper Type:

Standard paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.2L Ecotec L61 I4 (Inline 4-cylinder)

Horsepower:

115 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Code:

L61

Displacement:

2198 cc (2.2 Liters)

Block Material:

Aluminum

Head Material:

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 94.6 mm

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Hydra-Matic 4T40-E)

Features:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.5 inches (Sedan/Coupe)

Width:

67.3 inches

Height:

53.5 inches (Coupe) / 55.0 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

101.6 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 13.2 cubic feet (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (depending on body style and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (Likely, based on similar vehicles of the era)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (Likely)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Often optional or standard on higher trims

Passive Features:

Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger), Three-point Seatbelts in all seating positions, Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) - often standard, Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player or optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations (e.g., 2 or 4 speakers).

Driver Assistance:

Limited to basic safety features like ABS (optional).

Connectivity:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. May have provisions for dealer-installed accessories.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

N/A (Not equipped on most models of this year)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (for Ecotec engines with platinum or iridium plugs)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (for automatic) / Manual Transmission Fluid GL-4 (for manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III/VI ATF

Known Issues:

Head gasket failures (particularly with the older 2.4L engine, though less common on the 2.2L Ecotec), coolant leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, intermittent electrical issues, A/C compressor problems, power window motor failures, door lock actuator issues, premature wear on suspension components.

Oil Filter Part Number:

AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent

Engine Air Filter Part Number:

AC Delco A1060C or equivalent

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long and storied history in the automotive industry, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Model Evolution:

The Cavalier was introduced in 1982 as a 'world car' and underwent several redesigns. The 2000 model represents the third generation of the Cavalier, which debuted for the 1995 model year with a significant styling and engineering update.

Production Years:

1982-2005

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily United States (e.g., Lordstown, Ohio), Mexico, and Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of major accolades, the Cavalier consistently ranked as a high-volume seller in the subcompact segment due to its affordability and availability.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction ratings were generally moderate, reflecting its budget-oriented nature. Reliability varied, with some common issues noted in maintenance sections.