2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

The 2005 model year was the last for the workhorse Chevrolet Cavalier. The midsize compact was more than showing its age: The bad juju of its outdated platform and iffy safety record was redeemed only by the '05 Cavalier's very affordable price.

No significant changes were made to the 2005 Chevy Cavalier. Three trims were available: the base model, LS, and LS Sport. All three trims were offered in both coupe and sedan bodystyles.

GM offered some modern conveniences for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. OnStar and XM satellite radio were available, and a surprisingly high-end stereo system, with CD player and MP3 capability, came standard. Still, the interior of the 2005 Cavalier was nothing special - comfortable enough, but definitely economy class.

Economy was also the watchword when it came to fuel efficiency for the '05 Chevrolet Cavalier.  Its EPA highway mileage of 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway is definitely part of the car's appeal.  And its fuel economy doesn't come at the expense of power: Under the hood, the 2005 Cavalier has a 2.2-liter, dual overhead cam inline-4 engine clocked at 140 horsepower, plenty of oomph for the Cav's less than 3,000 pounds of curb weight.

Alas, the Chevy Cavalier never quite succeeded in competing with other compacts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But if you're looking for a used-car bargain, the Cav might be just the ticket!