Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, owners seeking to understand and maintain their vehicle
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Neon
Ease Of Use:
Digital format allows for quick searching and printing of relevant sections.
Official Licensing:
Officially licensed, ensuring accuracy and completeness
Engine:
2.2L 4-Cylinder (VIN F), 3.1L V6 (VIN T)
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (TBI, MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (EST)
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Thermostat, Coolant
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4T40-E), 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension Front:
MacPherson Struts, Control Arms
Suspension Rear:
Torsion Beam Axle, Shock Absorbers
Steering:
Power Steering, Rack and Pinion
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Wiring Diagrams
Lighting:
Headlamps, Taillamps, Interior Lights
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C)
Body And Frame:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Chassis
Safety Systems:
Seat Belts, Airbags (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections/Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts for Common Issues, Symptom-Based Diagnostics
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I), Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Specifications:
Torque Values, Fluid Capacities, Gap Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and complete mechanical and electrical system repairs, including detailed diagrams and component removal/installation procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.2 Liters (134 cu in)
Engine 1 Type:
L4, SOHC, 8-Valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
120 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.54 in (89.0 mm x 90.0 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.1 Liters (189 cu in)
Engine 2 Type:
V6, OHV, 12-Valve
Engine 2 Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.27 in (89.0 mm x 83.0 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine 1 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 9.5-10.5 seconds (varies with transmission and body style)
Engine 2 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 8.0-9.0 seconds (varies with transmission and body style)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.2L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on early 3.1L V6 or MPI on later 3.1L V6 models.
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Regular 87 Octane
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (4T40-E)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, Overdrive
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual for both engine options.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (Automatic), GL-4 Gear Oil (Manual)
Length:
Approx. 170.4-177.4 inches (4328-4506 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.7-53.2 inches (1313-1351 mm) depending on body style
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 57.8 inches (1468 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2900 lbs (1179-1315 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3700 lbs
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12-15 cu ft depending on body style
Radio:
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD player
Speakers:
Standard 4-speaker system, optional premium system
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on select models
Auxiliary Input:
Not available in original configuration
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (conventional vs. platinum/iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) for automatic transmissions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (most common, check owner's manual for exact viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.3 quarts (4.1 L) for 2.2L, 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 3.1L V6 (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible if specified, or standard green silicate-based)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7-8 quarts (6.6-7.6 L)
Common Wear Items:
Struts, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, exhaust components, intake manifold gaskets (especially on V6).
Engine Specific Issues:
Head gasket leaks on V6 engines, oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan gaskets, intake manifold gasket failures.
Transmission Specific Issues:
3-2 downshift issues on automatic transmissions, potential solenoid failures.
Electrical Issues:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, heater control module problems.
Parent Company:
General Motors (GM)
Generation Start Year:
1981
Generation End Year:
2005
1994 Update:
Facelifted model, updated styling including new front and rear fascias, new interior design elements.
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA; Janesville, Wisconsin, USA
Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year Nominee:
Cavalier models have historically been recognized for value and practicality, often considered strong contenders in their segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable; 1994 models generally rated average to below average for reliability compared to some Japanese competitors of the era.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets 1994 Federal Emissions Standards