1987 Chevrolet Cavalier
US · Subcompact Cars
The 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS) Lock-up), 2.8L 6-cylinder (N (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS) Lock-up), 2.8L 6-cylinder (N (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 2.0 L to 2.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
15 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
- 2.0L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- 2.0L · FWD · 4-speed manual
- 2.0L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- 2.8L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- Cavalier Convertible · 2.0L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- Cavalier Convertible · 2.0L · FWD · 4-speed manual
- Cavalier Convertible · 2.0L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- Cavalier Convertible · 2.8L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- Cavalier Convertible · 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- Cavalier Wagon · 2.0L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- Cavalier Wagon · 2.0L · FWD · 4-speed manual
- Cavalier Wagon · 2.0L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- Cavalier Wagon · 2.8L · FWD · 3-speed automatic
- Cavalier Wagon · 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.
06E043000: 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…
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).
Reported May 19, 2006. View on NHTSA
87V011000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY CONTAIN WATER WHICH COULD FREEZE WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING TRAVEL OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE TO BECOME RESTRICTED WHEN THROTTLE IS INITIALLY OPENED.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.
Reported February 9, 1987. View on NHTSA
86V128000: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL
PARKING BRAKE LEVER MECHANISMS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ROLL AWAY UNCONTROLLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
Reported September 15, 1986. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 22, 2026
Data verified: October 23, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((121) (FFS)) · FWD
26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS) Lock-up), 2.8L 6-cylinder (N (FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.