Across its production run, a Cavalier with a 2.2-liter engine delivers roughly 90 to 140 horsepower, depending on the exact engine variant and year. For a precise figure, you need the model year, trim, and whether it uses the older iron- Duke setup or a newer 2.2-liter Family II design.
To put the question in context, the Cavalier used two main 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines during its life: an earlier iron Duke 2.2L and a later 2.2L Family II variant. Output varied with fuel system, cam configuration (SOHC vs DOHC), and market. The following sections summarize typical ranges by era and engine type, so you can estimate the horsepower for a specific car.
By Era and Engine Type
The following ranges reflect typical factory ratings; actual numbers can vary by market, trim, and year.
- Iron Duke 2.2L (older Cavaliers, commonly through the 1980s into the early 1990s): roughly 90 to 110 horsepower.
- 2.2L Family II / Ecotec variants (mid-1990s to mid-2000s Cavaliers): roughly 110 to 140 horsepower, with higher-end DOHC versions closer to 140 hp.
Keep in mind that some markets and model years used slightly different ratings, and performance-oriented trims or models may show modest variations up or down from these ranges.
How to determine the exact horsepower for your Cavalier
To get a precise figure for a specific car, check the original window sticker or owner's manual, or decode the VIN using GM's documentation or reputable databases. The horsepower rating is usually listed as SAE net horsepower for the engine at a given rpm.
What to verify on your vehicle
If you're diagnosing or comparing engines, verify:
- Engine code on the engine block or vehicle documents (for example, the relevant codes for iron Duke or Family II variants).
- Year and market (North American Cavalier vs. other regions).
- Engine configuration: SOHC vs DOHC, fuel injection type, and any performance variants.
With those details, you can pinpoint the exact horsepower as specified for your particular Cavalier.
Summary
In short, a 2.2-liter Cavalier's horsepower ranges from about 90 to 140 hp, depending on whether the engine is the older iron Duke or the later 2.2L Family II variant and on the specific year and trim. For an exact figure, provide the year, market, and engine code—or consult the original documentation for your vehicle.
Conclusion: Engine output is not uniform across all Cavaliers labeled “2.2.” The safest path to an exact horsepower figure is identifying the engine family and model year, then cross-checking against official GM specifications.
Final note
If you can share the exact year and trim of your Cavalier, I can give you a precise horsepower figure for your specific 2.2-liter engine.
Summary
Overall, the 2.2 Cavalier covers a horsepower spread from roughly 90 hp (early iron Duke era) up to about 140 hp (later 2.2L Family II variants). Precise numbers depend on year, market, and engine configuration, so consult the VIN or original documentation for an exact rating.