Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Cavalier beats their 24.5 mpg average by 1.5 mpg, about $90 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1989), does 25.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1985–1989), 20: $432 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Cavalier engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 22.7 / 31.8 | 1984–1989 | $1,488 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 31.9 | 1990–2005 | $1,506 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 18 / 25.6 | 1990–1994 | $1,882 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 24.4 | 1985–1989 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 26.3 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28.3 mpg and the Acura TSX 23 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2005 Cavalier.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,639 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier gives up 10 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 23 in the city, $506 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (43%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Cavalier changed over the years
The Cavalier peaked in 2004 at 27 mpg (23 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1986 at 22 — 5 mpg apart, or $323 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 26. The biggest single-year change came in 1995: 23 to 26 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2003 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2002 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2001 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1997 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1996 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1995 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1994 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1992 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1991 | 19.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1990 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1989 | 20.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1988 | 20 / 30 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1987 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1986 | 20 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 20.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1984 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 32 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Cavalier — 4 engines across 1984–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,639. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Cavalier has averaged 23.9 mpg.
Is the 2005 Cavalier more efficient than the 2004?
No: 26 against 27 mpg combined, about $55 a year more to run.
Which Cavalier year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway).
Does the Cavalier get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
About the same: 26 mpg for the 2005 Cavalier against 26.3 for the 2006 Ford Focus.
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