What is the best Cavalier ever made?

Just want to get everyones views on which cavalier generation or year they like best and why? 1st generation (82-87) 2nd Generation (88-94) 3rd Generation (95+)

The Ecos.

2nd. they had a flat top 3.1 and was pushing about 175hp. more stable on the highway and better crash stats. The z-24 was great.

2nd. they had a flat top 3.1 and was pushing about 175hp. more stable on the highway and better crash stats. The z-24 was great.
Actually it had 140HP, less than a 3rd Gen Z24, it did, however, put down 180 lb/ft tq in 90-92 and 185 lb/ft tq in 93-94.

I would second the motion for that being my favorite, although I don't think you'll find an objective "best."

Cant be, that 3.1 was also in the grand prix's and the chevt lumana and beretta. its more like 170-185 or so. I did a dyno on mine and it was 176 on my 93 grand prix. How is this possable.

The Ecos.
:iagree:

Cant be, that 3.1 was also in the grand prix's and the chevt lumana and beretta. its more like 170-185 or so. I did a dyno on mine and it was 176 on my 93 grand prix. How is this possable.
Then you were probably reading the torque curve, not the horsepower curve. The motors were rated at 140HP and 180 or 185 lb/ft torque. This isn't actually open to debate, do your research and you'd know that. The only answer I can give you for your numbers is if you had a turbo 3.1, but that was only a package offered in very limited numbers for 1989 and 1990 Grand Prix's, which means that's not you.

Here's a good indicator. Go grab your dyno sheet and give it a look. You'll notice that line which indicates 176 probably reaches that peak at 3200 RPM's, which is peak torque. Peak Horsepower is reached at 4200 RPM's.

I also fully understand what cars that motor found its way in to, but that doesn't change the fact that it never came from the factory making any more than 140HP and 185 lb/ft of torque at the crank.

Sorry, bud, but you're just plain wrong.

Now as far as the debate on the best motor, I'd have a hard time saying that the eco's are the "best" variation on the J-Body, if for no other reason than the fact that you guys calling it the "eco" implies the motor is what makes it better in some respect. I've driven an ecotec motor, a Twin Cam, and a 3.1 and I never had as much fun driving around the town in the 4 cylinders as I did in that V6. I mean, I think anyone who's driven them will tell you that the deep and throaty roar of that factory tuned exhaust in the 2nd Gen 3.1 was beastly. And as I sometimes say...I miss torque...

yea my fav motor is the 2.2 in 95-97 cavaliers
there verydependable not fast but u can beat it forever and it lasts quad junks and 2.4 suck they have a lot of problems but there super fast, and 3.1 are a good motor my fav year is first gen 87 z24 black conv with a 2.8 and then id swap to a 3.1 wich will be perfect that s a fast and sweet car

as far as body style i like the 2003+ (or actually my '02 LS sport still looks better, but i like the '03 bowtie)

Now that I have heard some of your responses just thought I would let you all know I like the first generation Z24's the best mostly becasue those are the ones I have owned the most of. However I have driven every generation of cavalier. Currently I own a 1987 Z24 Hatchback that has around 89,000 original miles and is great shape.

2nd genaration because i own one :grinno:

Second gen 3.1, with the right flowmaster exaust, it sounds just like a viper, IT DOES! I'm not kidding!

I've owned a 90 celebrity 3.1, and currently own a 94 Cav RS 3.1. One day a huge ice chunk knocked my exaust off my celeb, and the base that was comming outta the manifold was so loud, it drowned out my 300 watt kenwood subs! lol

Now I have some flowmaster, ripped off something in a scrap yard, that I picked up for 25 bucks :) and now it only makes noise when I decelerate. And since my RS has a 125 auto tranny, I can safely downshift, and the popcorn that come outta my pipe... priceless!

Peace.

As far as maintenance, 2nd Gen '94 w/ 2.2L. Bought it new, and only had to change fluids, and replace a cooling fan motor.

1st phase, 2nd gen is my fav.

My nod for best would probably go to the ecos

1st phase, 2nd gen is my fav.

My nod for best would probably go to the ecos
1st phase, 2nd gen = good...but specifically the 1990 Z24...you know what I'm talkin' bout, don't ya?

Im going to also say the eco generation.

I had a 1993 before my 2002 and the interior is nicer in the second gen. Much more comfortable seats. Also only repairs made in 150,000 miles on the 1993 were sway bar end links, water pump and an alternator. Other than that just brakes and other routine maint.