Chevrolet Cavalier (1995-2005): How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model Code

The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car produced from 1982 to 2005. This review focuses on the third generation (1995–2005), which was the longest-running in the model's history. The body code was the J-series (J-200 for the sedan, J-225 for the coupe, and J-245 for the convertible). In 2003, the model underwent a facelift but remained technically unchanged.

 

Names and Modifications

In different countries, the Cavalier was sold under other names:

  • Pontiac Sunfire (USA, Canada) – An almost identical counterpart with minor design differences.
  • Toyota Cavalier (Japan, 1995–2000) – A rare version produced for the Japanese market under an agreement between GM and Toyota.

Main Body Styles:

  • 4-door sedan – The most popular variant.
  • 2-door coupe – Sportier design but the same mechanical components.
  • Convertible – Produced in limited numbers, featuring a soft top.

Note: Depending on the production year, the mounting points may vary slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Remove six plastic clips and detach the upper trim panel under the hood.
  3. Unscrew two bolts securing the top part of the front bumper (remove three clips).
  4. Remove eight screws along the lower edge (fastened from bottom to top).
  5. Turn the wheels left or right, depending on which side you are starting with.
  6. In the wheel arches, unscrew four bolts holding the fender liners.
  7. Move the fender liners aside and remove one bolt on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
  8. With an assistant, release the bumper corners from the fender clips (pull toward yourself).
  9. Slide the bumper forward to remove it.
  10. Disconnect the fog light wiring harness (if equipped).

Chevrolet Cavalier Front Bumper Mounting Locations (1995-2005)

Chevrolet Cavalier Front Bumper Mounting Diagram (1995-2005)

Chevrolet Cavalier Front Bumper Mounting Diagram (1995-2005)

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Remove the side trunk trim panels.
  3. Inside the wheel wells, unscrew two bolts on each side (fastened from top to bottom).
  4. Remove two nuts located below the taillights.
  5. From underneath, remove four plastic clips securing the lower part.
  6. In the wheel arches, unscrew four bolts holding the bumper sides.
  7. With an assistant, release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself) and slide the bumper off the guides backward.
  8. Disconnect the license plate light wiring.

Chevrolet Cavalier Rear Bumper Mounting Locations (1995-2005)

Chevrolet Cavalier Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram (1995-2005)

Model Overview

Design and Construction

The third-generation Cavalier retained front-wheel drive and the GM J-body platform. The design became more rounded compared to the angular models of the 1980s. In 2003, the car received an updated grille, headlights, and bumpers, but no major changes were made.

Engines and Transmissions

  • Base engine – 2.2L Ecotec (L61) with 140 HP (from 2003). Earlier models had a 2.2L (120–130 HP) or a 2.3L Quad 4 (150 HP).
  • Top version – 2.4L (150 HP) in the Z24 trim.
  • Transmissions – 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (3-speed on early models).

 

Chassis

The suspension featured a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the rear. Steering was rack-and-pinion with power assistance. Brakes included front discs and rear drums (on base versions).

Interior and Features

The Cavalier’s interior was simple and cheap, with hard plastics. Higher trims offered:

  • Power package (windows, mirrors).
  • Air conditioning.
  • Leather upholstery (rare).
  • CD player.
    Build quality was often criticized—squeaks and looseness appeared after just a few years of use.

Safety

By modern standards, the Cavalier was unsafe:

  • No ESP or side airbags.
  • Poor crash test results (e.g., in the 1999 NHTSA test, the sedan received 3 stars for frontal impact).

Sport Versions

  • Z24 – The most powerful variant with a 2.4L (150 HP), sport suspension, and aerodynamic body kit.
  • Super Sport (SS) – A version with upgraded trim but no major technical changes.

Discontinuation

In 2005, the Cavalier was replaced by the Chevrolet Cobalt. Reasons included:

  • Outdated platform.
  • Poor build quality.
  • Competition from Japanese models (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla).

 

Interesting Facts

  • Japanese Cavalier – Due to a GM-Toyota agreement, the Cavalier was sold in Japan (1995–2000) as the Toyota Cavalier with right-hand drive—a rare case of an American car sold under a Japanese brand.
  • Police Cars – Some U.S. departments used Cavaliers as patrol cars due to their low cost.
  • Racing Career – The Cavalier competed in NASCAR in the late 1990s but without major success.
  • ASC Convertible – The soft-top version was not built by GM but by American Sunroof Company (ASC).
  • Longevity – The third generation lasted 10 years without major changes, which was unusual for the American auto industry.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Cavalier (1995–2005) was a typical budget car of its time—simple, affordable, but with mediocre quality. It never became iconic like the Honda Civic but remained popular due to its low price and parts availability. Today, these cars are rare, as most have been scrapped due to rust and wear.