2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

Evergreen entry-level automotive mainstay

Introduced in 1981 as a 1982 model, the Chevrolet Cavalier has been an evergreen entry-level automotive mainstay. Dependability and style continue to attract buyers to this affordable Chevrolet, and sales for the last half of 2004 continued at a brisk annualized rate of more than 200,000 units in the U.S. With millions of Cavaliers produced over nearly a quarter-century, it's no surprise that the vehicle has numerous fans.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier rear

Enthusiast clubs and organizations have grown, and some are even international in scope. Chevy Cavalier's appearance on the National Hot Rod Association racing circuit has generated enormous interest in the vehicle, as fans enjoy the excitement of a 1,000-horsepower (746-kw) Cavalier rocketing down the quarter-mile at 180 mph.

Continual improvement has endowed the car with an impressive dollar/value relationship. With standard features and options that customers expect with luxury vehicles, the 2005 Chevy Cavalier continues to appeal to drivers who recognize all it has to offer. Standout features include the sophisticated Ecotec 2.2L engine and unexpected options such as OnStar and XM Satellite Ratio (continental U.S. only).

New for 2005

* Deletion of the Bi-Fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) system

Contemporary in every way

Cavalier's design sports Chevy’s recognizable gold bowtie in front and rear. Between the emblems is an aerodynamic body with ground effects, a smooth front fascia and a sculpted rear fascia. Plentiful wheel styles, color choices, and added "bling bling" such as chromed exhaust tips and fog lamps vary with trim level. Buyers can outfit their Chevrolet Cavalier just the way they want.

Audiophile options

The 2005 Chevy Cavalier offers three complete audio systems. Choices begin with the electronically tuned Delco AM/FM stereo system, and progress to the available CD/MP3 player that plays commercially produced CDs as well as many formats that can be created on personal computers. Cavalier drivers can even elect to receive XM Satellite Radio – a service that provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month – less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

Premium standard features

Standard features include air conditioning, front and rear center console with five cupholders, power trunk opener, electric rear window defogger, split folding rear seat and a sophisticated theft-deterrent system.

Premium safety features

In addition to government-mandated frontal-impact front air bags and three-point front seat belts, Cavalier provides standard three-point seat belts for all rear-seat occupants, plus optional front driver and passenger seat-mounted torso air bags with thorax protection (side impact air bags). OnStar continues as an option for the LS and LS Sport models.

OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the U.S. and Canada. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor (U.S. only) gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.

Cavalier also features GM’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, which can be combined with a top shelf tether to enable adults to securely install LATCH-compatible child seats without using a seatbelt. Rear child seat anchors are located in the floorpan with an attachment at the juncture of seat cushion and seat back, taking the worry and guesswork out of child safety seat installation.

Ecotec 2.2L power

The sporty and economical Ecotec 2.2L engine powers the Cavalier line. It is matched to a standard five-speed manual or the optional Hydra-Matic 4T40-E four-speed automatic transmission. The Ecotec engine features dualoverhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder for excellent response in city driving and confident passing and merging on the highway.

The Ecotec 2.2L was the first production version of GM’s Ecotec modular, all-aluminum four-cylinder engine architecture. It features:

* Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
* Twin counter-rotating balance shafts to cancel the second-order shaking forces that cause noticeable vibration in four-cylinder inline engines
* Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
* Zero-maintenance chain camshaft drive
* Extremely compact dimensions and low mass
* Direct mounting of all accessories to the engine structureto eliminate common sources of noise, vibration and harshness
* Full circle transmission attachment is more rigid than most four-cylinder powertrains for reduced noise and vibration.
* GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency
* No routine maintenance apart from oil/oil filter changes
* Catalyst located close tothe exhaust manifold to speed catalyst “light-off” and reduce hydrocarbon emissions
* Innovative cast-in oil filter housing eliminates crawling under the car to perform filter changes. The design also eliminates throwaway oil-filter “cans” that retain excess used oil that typically ends up in landfills

FE1 and FE2 suspension systems

The standard FE1 suspension delivers excellent ride quality for this class of vehicle. With Cavalier LS Sport models, the taut FE2 sport suspension system delivers excellent handling and road feel. The sport suspension provides flatter, more precise cornering, more driver feedback, and better communication between car and driver. Front and rear sway bars stiffen the ride. The suspension system is mated to performance tires for better control.

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