Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Cavalier or the Chevrolet Cavalier?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet Cavalier is cheaper to maintain — about $80 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 2.0L OHV I4 (LQ5, TBI) and the 2.3L I4?

Across 25 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet Cavalier or Chevrolet Cavalier?

The Chevrolet Cavalier has 7 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet Cavalier has 1 open recall. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1983–1994 Chevrolet Cavalier vs 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

Specifications

Year

1983–1994

2005

Engine

2.0L OHV I4 (LQ5, TBI)

2.3L I4

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

—

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$7,038

0.12 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$7,118

0.12 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet Cavalier — Saves you $80 over 5 years (1% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

Ignition coil

— hrs

0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

7 open

★ WINNER

Open NHTSA Recalls

1 open

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet Cavalier — 6 fewer open recalls from the NHTSA

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet Cavalier

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant9.50 qt · Conventional green antifreeze

engine_oil4.00 qt · API SG or SH

power_steering1.00 qt · GM 1050017 or 9985010

transmission_auto8.00 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

transmission_manual4.00 qt · API SG/SH or GM 12345349

washer1.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

Chevrolet Cavalier

ac_refrigerant · R-134a

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant13.20 qt · GM 6277M

engine_oil4.50 qt · API SJ or higher

power_steering1.00 qt · GM Part 89021184

transmission_auto14.80 qt · GM 4T40-E

transmission_manual4.00 qt · GM Synchromesh Fluid or equivalent

washer2.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

2.3L I4

Chevrolet Cavalier has 6 fewer open NHTSA recalls

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.

Chevrolet Cavalier

2.0L OHV I4 (LQ5, TBI)