| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1988 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
The Chevrolet Cavalier II, produced between 1988 and 1994, represents the second generation of Chevrolet’s popular compact sedan lineup. Designed to appeal to drivers seeking reliability and practical urban transportation, this generation retained the compact dimensions which made the Cavalier a favorite among budget-conscious buyers. As a sedan, the Chevrolet Cavalier II was characterized by its balanced size and utilitarian design, making it ideal for daily commuting and small family use.
Although specific dimensions vary slightly with model year and trim, the Chevrolet Cavalier II generally measured around 4,540 millimeters (178.7 inches) in length, making it a compact vehicle by North American standards. Its width typically hovered near 1,720 millimeters (67.7 inches), providing adequate cabin space while ensuring easy maneuverability through urban traffic. The height ranged around 1,345 millimeters (52.9 inches), lending it a low-profile stance that enhanced both aerodynamics and styling.
The Cavalier II's weight was approximately 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (2,425 to 2,645 pounds), depending on trim level and optional equipment. This relatively light weight contributed to the car’s agile handling and fuel efficiency, factors that were highly valued during its production years. The sedan body style offered a practical layout with comfortable seating for up to five passengers and a spacious trunk for cargo.
Powertrain options varied throughout this generation, typically featuring economical four-cylinder engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions. This combination afforded drivers a good balance between performance and fuel economy, catering to the needs of a broad customer base. The Chevrolet Cavalier II stood out in the compact car segment during the late 1980s and early 1990s thanks to its dependable construction and affordable pricing.
In summary, the Chevrolet Cavalier II sedan from 1988 to 1994 is a compact vehicle known for its practical size, modest weight, and everyday usability. It remains a popular reference point for those studying compact car dimensions and vehicle comparisons from that era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier II a leader in its class
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The 1988-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier II sedan has an overall length of approximately 4,569 mm (179.8 inches), a width of about 1,732 mm (68.2 inches), and a height of roughly 1,354 mm (53.3 inches). These dimensions place it squarely in the compact car category, making it suitable for urban driving and easy maneuverability. The length and width reflect a balance between interior space and manageable exterior size, while the height supports comfortable headroom for passengers. The sizing remained fairly consistent through its production period, which was typical for compact sedans of this era.
The curb weight of the Chevrolet Cavalier II ranges from approximately 1,143 kg to 1,280 kg (2,520 to 2,822 lbs), depending on the specific configuration and trim. This relatively lightweight design contributes to decent fuel efficiency and agile handling characteristics. The lighter weight also allows the car's smaller engines to deliver reasonable acceleration and responsiveness suitable for city and highway driving. The balance between weight and power made the Cavalier a practical and economical vehicle choice during its production years.
The Chevrolet Cavalier II sedan has a wheelbase of about 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles, plays a crucial role in ride comfort and stability. A 2,640 mm wheelbase offers a good compromise between maneuverability and cabin space, providing a stable ride without making the car overly large or difficult to park. This dimension helped the Cavalier II deliver comfortable seating for passengers and a smoother ride compared to shorter-wheelbase competitors in the compact segment.
The 1988-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier II sedan offers competitive interior dimensions for a compact car of its time. Front headroom is approximately 1,020 mm (40.2 inches), while rear headroom is around 977 mm (38.4 inches). Front legroom measures close to 1,071 mm (42.2 inches), with rear legroom about 899 mm (35.4 inches). These figures provide a comfortable environment for front passengers and decent accommodation in the rear seats for adults on shorter trips. The interior layout was designed to maximize space efficiency, making the Cavalier a practical sedan for everyday commuting.
The trunk cargo capacity of the Chevrolet Cavalier II sedan is approximately 369 liters (13 cubic feet). This size is standard for compact sedans of that era and provides ample space for groceries, luggage, or other daily cargo. The rear seats generally fold down in later models to allow for extended cargo length, enhancing the vehicle's practicality. While it is not as spacious as larger sedans, the cargo capacity is sufficient for typical small family or single-owner needs.
Yes, the Chevrolet Cavalier II fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With an overall length of approximately 4,569 mm (179.8 inches) and width of 1,732 mm (68.2 inches), it is compact enough for typical residential garages, which generally range from about 5,500 mm (18 feet) wide and 6,000 mm (20 feet) deep. The car’s dimensions make parking and indoor storage convenient, leaving additional space around the vehicle for opening doors and storage.
Compared to the first-generation Chevrolet Cavalier (1982-1987), the Cavalier II (1988-1994) became slightly larger and more refined. The second generation grew in overall length by about 50 mm (2 inches) and became wider by approximately 25 mm (1 inch), offering improved interior space and comfort. The increased wheelbase contributed to better ride quality and stability. While retaining the compact footprint, the Cavalier II’s dimensional enhancements reflected Chevrolet’s aim to meet evolving customer expectations for roominess and road presence.
When compared to its contemporaries in the compact sedan market, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla of the same era, the Chevrolet Cavalier II's dimensions are fairly typical. The Cavalier tends to be slightly longer and wider than some competitors, offering more passenger and cargo space, but it may be a little heavier. Width dimensions of about 1,732 mm (68.2 inches) are comparable, while overall length of about 4,569 mm (179.8 inches) makes it a competitive option for buyers seeking a roomy yet economical compact car during that period.
The Chevrolet Cavalier II was available with several engine options through its production run, including a base 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing around 85-110 horsepower, and optional 2.8-liter V6 engines delivering up to approximately 160 horsepower in later years. The base engines focused on fuel efficiency and were well-suited for everyday city and highway driving. Performance levels were adequate but leaned towards economy rather than sportiness. The vehicle offered manual and automatic transmission options, enhancing driving versatility.
The Chevrolet Cavalier II came primarily in three body styles: sedan, coupe, and wagon. The sedan version, which you asked about, measures approximately 4,569 mm (179.8 inches) in length, while the coupe variant is shorter, usually around 4,383 mm (172.5 inches), and is designed with a sportier profile featuring two doors instead of four. The wagon offered increased cargo capacity and overall length slightly longer than the sedan due to the extended rear cargo area. Width and height remain largely consistent across variants, with differences mostly in length and interior configuration to suit different owner preferences.
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