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Getting 34 - 37 Miles a Gallon: Is the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Base Better than Last Year?

The restyled Cavalier Base is equipped with a General Motors 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 8 valves. The Vortec engine is paired with a Hydra-Matic 3-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Chevrolet.

The Cavalier uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The Cavalier is 180.30 inches long, 68.70 inches wide, and 53.20 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 104.10 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the Cavalier is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the coupe market.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $10,715 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of an industry-low price. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 2-door Coupe.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is handled for the Cavalier is a SFI design, running on gasoline fuel. The gasoline is managed by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 15.20-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

The 1996 Cavalier gets 34 - 37 miles/gallon on the highway and only 25 in the city. This is exceptional for a coupe car.

We Think…

There are several reasons why the Chevrolet Cavalier Base sold well in 1996. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Chevrolet, specifically a Cavalier.