1995 CHEVROLET Cavalier Convertible 2.2L 5MT FWD (116 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet tried to get more market share and introduced an affordable open-top version for the third generation of the small-sized Cavalier.

The American carmaker introduced the Cavalier nameplate on the U.S. market in 1981 for a vehicle based on the European Opel Ascona/Vauxhall Cavalier. It was a simple, affordable solution for Chevrolet to offer a compact-sized lineup that could get more attention from the younger customers. While the first generation was focused on practicality, its successor changed its focus toward sporty driving and open-top experiences. Chevrolet introduced the third generation in 1995 as a sedan, a coupe, and a convertible. It fought against Honda Civic, which didn’t have a rag-top version.

Its rounded lines and swept-back headlights looked fresh on the market. The cabriolet was based on the coupe version and shared a few body panels with that. While its design was not very aggressive or bold, it wasn’t bald either.

Inside, the carmaker installed a curved shape for the instrument cluster that went on to the center stack. Its four-dials instrument panel featured a center-mounted speedometer with the tachometer on the right. Even though the car sported four seats, the rear ones were more suitable for a pet or a small child in a child seat.

Under the hood, Chevrolet installed a 2.2-liter gasoline engine provided by Opel and detuned for the U.S. market to comply with the emission tests. It was paired to a standard 5-speed manual while a 4-speed automatic was on the options list.