1983 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible Base
All photo credits
- Photo: 1984 Chevrolet Cavalier Type 10 convertible, front left, 03-15-2026 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1st Chevrolet Cavalier wagon front by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 coupé rear by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1st Chevrolet Cavalier wagon rear by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible Base is an 86-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 convertible with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,360 MSRP.
It makes 86 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque.
The Cavalier Convertible measures 172.4 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,458 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $11,360 ($37,068 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L Inline-4 (LQ5) |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Horsepower | 86 hp |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Bore and Stroke | 89 x 80 mm (3.50 x 3.15 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3 |
| Injection Type | Throttle-Body Fuel Injection (TBI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs, front stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Solid beam axle, trailing arms, variable-rate coil springs |
| Turning Diameter | 34.7 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Vented Discs, 9.72 in |
| Rear Brake Disc | Drums, 7.87 in |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Tires Front | 175/80 R13 |
| Tires Rear | 175/80 R13 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 172.4 in |
| Width | 66.02 in |
| Height | 52.72 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.22 in |
| Front Track | 55.35 in |
| Rear Track | 55.16 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.53 in |
| Cargo Volume | 10.4 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,458 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAVALIER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
NHTSA campaign 06E043000
Oct 26, 1987 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
INTERNAL CORROSION OF PULSAIR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY COULD PERMIT EXHAUST GAS TO MELT THE PLASTIC SHUT OFF VALVE AND DRAW VALVE PIECES INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND THROTTLE BODY.
Consequence: IF VALVE PIECES LODGE AGAINST THROTTLE PLATE, ENGINE MAYNOT RETURN TO IDLE RESULTING IN LOSS ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE PULSAIR CHECK VALVE AND SHUT OFF VALVE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED VALVES.
NHTSA campaign 87V165000
May 7, 1987 · SEATS
THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
Consequence: DRIVERS SEAT COULD TIP REARWARD UNEXPECTEDLY; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR AT THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT.
NHTSA campaign 87V079000
Oct 13, 1983 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
NHTSA campaign 83V105000
Apr 19, 1983 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WHICH SUPPORTS THE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE AND STEERING ASSEMBLY, MAY COME LOOSE AT ITS MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS IS DUE TO POSSIBLE INADEQUATE WELDING OF THE BRACKET.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLY AT NO COST.
NHTSA campaign 83V042000
Oct 7, 1982 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
Remedy: THE FUEL FEED LINE FITTING BOLT AND TWO WASHERS WILL BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST TO OWNER.
NHTSA campaign 82V096000
3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAVALIER
Owner Complaints
3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAVALIER (1 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1983 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.