Chevrolet Cavalier
25.5 MPG The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is EPA-rated at 25.5 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 588 gallons, $1882 a year in fuel, or $0.125 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2005 run it averages 23.4 MPG, improving by 0.8 MPG over 22 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.098 | $980 | $1471 | $1961 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.118 | $1176 | $1765 | $2353 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.125 | $1255 | $1882 | $2510 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.137 | $1373 | $2059 | $2745 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.157 | $1569 | $2353 | $3137 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.196 | $1961 | $2941 | $3922 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25.5 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
| 2004 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2400 | 342 | 2 |
| 2003 | 25 MPG | 21.5 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2002 | 23.5 MPG | 20.3 | 29.2 | $2658 | 379 | 6 |
| 2001 | 23 MPG | 19.6 | 28.2 | $2710 | 387 | 5 |
| 2000 | 23.2 MPG | 20 | 28.8 | $2690 | 383 | 5 |
| 1999 | 23.4 MPG | 20 | 28.6 | $2670 | 381 | 5 |
| 1998 | 23.6 MPG | 20.2 | 29.2 | $2640 | 377 | 5 |
| 1997 | 24.2 MPG | 20.7 | 30.5 | $2583 | 368 | 6 |
| 1996 | 24.2 MPG | 20.8 | 30.4 | $2580 | 368 | 5 |
| 1995 | 23.7 MPG | 20 | 30.3 | $2650 | 377 | 3 |
| 1994 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 28.8 | $2825 | 404 | 4 |
| 1993 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 28.3 | $2788 | 399 | 4 |
| 1992 | 22.8 MPG | 19.5 | 28.5 | $2763 | 395 | 4 |
| 1991 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 28 | $2825 | 404 | 4 |
| 1990 | 22.8 MPG | 19.8 | 28.5 | $2775 | 396 | 4 |
| 1989 | 22.8 MPG | 19.8 | 28.3 | $2775 | 396 | 4 |
| 1988 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2738 | 391 | 4 |
| 1987 | 22.8 MPG | 20 | 27.8 | $2760 | 394 | 5 |
| 1986 | 21.8 MPG | 19.6 | 26.2 | $2910 | 413 | 5 |
| 1985 | 21.8 MPG | 19.2 | 26.1 | $2920 | 416 | 10 |
| 1984 | 24.7 MPG | 21.3 | 29.9 | $2536 | 361 | 7 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Chevrolet Cavalier ranks 85 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 3 (25.8), Oldsmobile Firenza (25.8), BMW 328i xDrive (26), Ford Escort (26), BMW 328i (26.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 349 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Cavalier get?
The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated at 25.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 32 highway. Across all 22 model years in the database it averages 23.4 MPG, ranging from 18 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Cavalier cost in fuel per year?
At 25.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 588 gallons — roughly $1882 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.125 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $2450.
Has the Chevrolet Cavalier become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24.7 MPG in 1984 to 25.5 in 2005 — an improvement of 0.8 MPG, or 3% across 22 model years.
Is the Chevrolet Cavalier efficient for its class?
It ranks 85 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 1.1 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.