A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3.8
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Vauxhall Cavalier was a popular family saloon that served British drivers for over two decades before being discontinued. This mid size car offered practical everyday motoring with decent space for families and a range of reliable engines. The Cavalier competed in the competitive family car segment against rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. Known for its straightforward engineering and affordable running costs, the Cavalier provided good value for money during its production run. While no longer available new, used examples can still make sense for budget conscious buyers seeking dependable family transport. The car’s simple mechanics and widespread availability of parts help keep maintenance costs reasonable. Whether you needed a family car for daily commuting or longer journeys, the Cavalier delivered the reliability and practicality that made it a common sight on British roads. Its legacy continues to appeal to those seeking honest, no nonsense motoring without premium price tags.
What's the Vauxhall Cavalier Like to Drive?
The Vauxhall Cavalier was designed for everyday practicality rather than outright performance. The range of petrol and diesel engines available were all tuned for reliability and economy. The 1.6-litre petrol with around 90 horsepower is perfectly adequate for family duties and daily commuting. It feels responsive enough around town and has sufficient power for safe overtaking on A-roads. The 2.0-litre versions offer more punch, making motorway cruising more relaxed and effortless.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L - 2.5L Petrol / 1.7L - 2.0L Diesel
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Power Output
75 - 170 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.5 - 12.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 480 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★☆☆ (Period Standard)
Inside the Vauxhall Cavalier: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Cavalier and you’re greeted with a sensible, well-organized cabin that prioritizes function over form. The dashboard layout is straightforward and logical, with clearly marked controls that are easy to find and use. The materials used feel robust and hard-wearing, though they lack the sophistication of more premium rivals. You’ll find durable plastics throughout, designed to withstand family use rather than impress with luxury touches.
A stalwart of British roads, the Cavalier offered dependable practicality and a surprisingly comfortable ride. It wasn’t thrilling, but its honest, no-nonsense character earned it lasting appeal.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall Cavalier?
As a mainstream family car, the Vauxhall Cavalier offers excellent running costs that make it attractive to budget-conscious buyers. The efficient engines deliver impressive real-world fuel economy, with diesel versions easily achieving 45-55 MPG in mixed driving. Even the petrol models return respectable figures, typically managing 35-45 MPG depending on engine size and driving style. Insurance groups are very reasonable, making it affordable for younger or less experienced drivers.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Vauxhall Cavalier
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Ford Mondeo
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Nissan Primera
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £2,500 | £3,000 | £2,800 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.6L 90hp | 1.6L 90hp | 1.6L 99hp |
| Power | 90 bhp | 90 bhp | 99 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 40 mpg | 44 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 480 litres | 500 litres | 440 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Reliable, Affordable parts, Good MPG | Strong brand, Larger boot, Better handling | Smooth engines, Good reliability, Competitive pricing |
Vauxhall Cavalier Practicality & Boot Space
For family use, the Vauxhall Cavalier delivers impressive practicality that makes daily life easier. The 480-litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating a weekly supermarket shop, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold down on most models, expanding cargo space for larger items like furniture or gardening supplies. The wide boot opening and low loading lip make it easy to load heavy or bulky items.
Bought my Cavalier five years ago as cheap family transport and it’s never let me down. The boot is massive, it’s comfortable on long trips, and the running costs are incredibly low. Not glamorous but absolutely dependable.
The Vauxhall Cavalier stands out in the affordable used car market by offering genuine family practicality without the high costs of modern equivalents. It combines spacious accommodation, reliable mechanical components, and excellent fuel economy into a package that makes perfect sense for budget-conscious buyers. While it may lack the latest technology or premium materials, it excels in the fundamentals that matter most for everyday motoring.
