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1982-1984 Chevrolet Cavalier Wagon
Chevrolet Cavalier (First Generation)
1982-1984 (Pre-facelift first generation based on quad-headlight grille design) · Station Wagon
Rarity Score
7/10 - Rare. While once ubiquitous, most first-gen Cavaliers suffered from rust and mechanical fatigue, making surviving wagons exceptionally hard to find today.
Spot Difficulty
9/10. Extremely difficult to see on the road; they are almost exclusively found in salvage yards, rural properties, or specialized 'rad-wood' era car shows in the modern era.
Engine & Performance
Engine: Likely 1.8L or 2.0L Inline-4 OHV Engine; Approx. 85-88 horsepower and 100-110 lb-ft of torque
Transmission & Drivetrain: 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual; Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Performance: 0-60 mph in approx. 13-16 seconds; Top speed approx. 100 mph; Original fuel economy ~25-30 MPG; Curb weight ~2,400 lbs.
Exterior
Two-tone silver/grey paint with significant surface rust on roof and hood. Features quad rectangular headlights, egg-crate grille with Chevy bowtie, factory steel wheels (missing some trim), and 4-door wagon body style.
Interior Features
Expected vinyl or cloth bench/bucket seats, plastic dashboard, AM/FM radio, manual windows, and a large cargo area. Appears weathered with debris visible through windows.
Condition Assessment
Poor/Project. The vehicle is sitting in a field (junkyard/farm setting), showing significant environmental damage, rust, and potentially non-functional mechanicals.
Condition Issues: Heavy surface rust on horizontal panels, sun-faded paint, potentially seized engine from long-term exposure, flat/deteriorated tires, and likely oxidized interior plastics.
Estimated Mileage: 120,000 - 180,000 miles (likely stopped running decades ago)
Historical Significance
The Cavalier was part of GM's 'J-Car' platform, a global car project meant to compete with fuel-efficient Japanese imports during the early 1980s. It became one of Chevrolet's best-selling nameplates for decades.
Notable Features
Pre-facelift quad-headlight styling, utility-focused wagon body style which is now much rarer than the coupes or sedans.
Production Numbers
Total Cavalier production for 1982 alone was nearly 200,000 units, but surviving early wagons are estimated to be in the low thousands due to their status as disposable economy cars.
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: $300 - $800 (Scrap or parts value in current state)
Auction Estimate: $200 - $1,000 (Highly dependent on local scrap metal prices or a niche J-Body enthusiast)
Maintenance Recommendations
Complete fluid flush, fuel system rebuild, new tires, battery, brake overhaul, and rust remediation if restoration is attempted. Watch for 'J-car' head gasket failures.
Fun Facts
The Cavalier was GM's response to the 1979 oil crisis. It was sold globally under different names including the Opel Ascona, Vauxhall Cavalier, and even the Toyota Cavalier in Japan. The first-gen wagon featured a liftgate that was quite advanced for an entry-level compact of its time.
Identified on: 6/24/2026
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