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- Small cars
- MY2000–2005
Chevrolet Cavalier MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
6 model years · 2000–2005
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Chevrolet Cavalier fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Chevrolet Cavalier for 6 model years, 2000 to 2005. Across those years its combined rating runs 21–27 MPG. The latest model year, 2005, has 2 configurations rated 25–26 MPG combined and costing $2,510–$2,610 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2004 Cavalier 2.2L 4-cyl FWD, at 27 MPG. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 27 MPG in 1984.
Chevrolet Cavalier MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Natural gas (MPGe) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2005 (3rd gen) Generation page | |||
| 2005 | 25–26 | — | $2,510–$2,610 |
| 2004 | 25–27 | 24 | $2,420–$2,610 |
| 2003 | 25 | 24 | $2,610 |
| 2002 | 21–25 | 23 | $2,610–$3,110 |
| 2001 | 21–24 | 23 | $2,720–$3,110 |
| 2000 | 22–24 | 22 | $2,720–$2,970 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Chevrolet Cavalier generations
1 generations between 2000 and 2005. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2005 powertrain options
Chevrolet Cavalier MPG history, 1984–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 22–25 |
| 1998 | 23–25 |
| 1997 | 23–26 |
| 1996 | 23–26 |
| 1995 | 22–26 |
| 1994 | 20–26 |
| 1993 | 20–26 |
| 1992 | 20–26 |
Show 8 more years
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 20–25 |
| 1990 | 20–26 |
| 1989 | 20–26 |
| 1988 | 20–26 |
| 1987 | 20–25 |
| 1986 | 18–25 |
| 1985 | 18–26 |
| 1984 | 21–27 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chevrolet Cavalier's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Chevrolet Cavalier run 21–27 MPG across model years 2000 to 2005. The latest year, 2005, is rated 25–26 MPG.
Which Chevrolet Cavalier model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Cavalier 2.2L 4-cyl FWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 27 MPG.
How much does a Chevrolet Cavalier cost to fuel per year?
For MY2005, EPA-rated configurations cost $2,510–$2,610 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $2,510.
Has the Chevrolet Cavalier's fuel economy improved over time?
Yes. The most efficient configuration moved from 24 MPG in 2000 to 26 MPG in 2005, 2 MPG more. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 27 MPG.