Chevrolet Cavalier III (J) 2.2 i (117 Hp)


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Chevrolet Cavalier:

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of compact cars produced by Chevrolet. Serving as the replacement of the Chevrolet Monza, the Cavalier was the second Chevrolet model line to adopt front-wheel drive. Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.
The Cavalier was among the inaugural vehicles of the GM J platform. One of the first "world cars" of General Motors, the J platform was developed for use by each North American GM division , alongside international models for Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden. Though sharing chassis underpinnings, J-body cars from Europe and Australia used slightly different body designs and different powertrains; in Europe, the Vauxhall Cavalier and Opel Ascona were marketed as mid-size cars. Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III (J) Overview:

Chevrolet Cavalier (III (J)). With 183 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1215 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.2 i (117 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 7 stars

Performance Verdict

A basic engine providing adequate power for city driving, but can feel underpowered on highways or with a full load.

Fuel Economy

Expected to be the most fuel-efficient option, ideal for drivers prioritizing economy over performance.

Best Use Case: City / Budget

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable purchase price
  • • Generally reliable engines
  • • Simple and easy to maintain
  • • Good fuel economy on some trims
  • • Practical daily driver

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design
  • • Basic safety features for modern standards
  • • Uninspired driving dynamics
  • • Road noise can be high
  • • Limited rear passenger space

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible III (J): 1995 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Chevrolet
Model:Cavalier
Generation:III (J)
Modification (Engine):2.2 i (117 Hp)
Start of production:1996
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:117 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:53.4 Hp/l
Torque:183 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L61 [Same engine] More details about the engine L61
Engine displacement:2190
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.8 l
Coolant:9.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.4 kg/Hp, 96.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 150.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1215
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:385 l
Fuel tank capacity:57 l
Size:
Length:4590 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1730 mm mm [20mm less]
Height:1390 mm mm [20mm more]
Wheelbase:2640 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1440 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Cavalier. How does it handle on the road?