What are the different generations?
Officially, JBO recognizes the following generations:
1st Generation: 1982-1987
2nd Generation: 1988-1994
3rd Generation: 1995-2005
Another J-body historian offers a different view:
The actual J-body itself is divided into 2 generations: 1982-94 and 1995-present, but the coupe and convertible underwent massive streamlining in the rear quarter and all models underwent major front-end revision for the 1988 model year, setting 1988-94 apart in the two-door models as a sort of generation of its own. The 3-door hatchback was dropped with this revision, and the sedan and wagon remained virtually unchanged from the radiator back, until the mass redesign for 1995, where the wagon was dropped and the coupe, convertible, and sedan received major changes in the front end frame, suspension, body shape, and performance options. The floorpan and basic frame, save for the front end and suspension systems, are virtually the same.
Note that these are for Cavalier models. Sunbird, Firenza, and other J-car models have the same Generation breakdowns.
82-83 = 1st Gen phase 1
84-87 = 1st Gen phase 2
88-90 = 2nd Gen phase 1
There was a "freshening" of the second generation J-body in 1991, so some enthusiasts call the period from 1991-1994 "Generation 2.5" because the changes to the car were fairly significant:
- The front and rear fascias were changed to their 1992 appearance.
- The interior was also changed to 1992 configuration.
- The two-tone paint scheme was dropped in 1991 in favor of a single color for both the ground effects and body.
- The luggage rack was still available on the Z24.
- In 1992 the deck lid luggage rack was dropped in favor of the wing seen on 1992-1994 models.
- ABS first appeared as a standard feature.
91-94 = 2nd Gen phase 2
Third Generation
This generation started in 1995 with the introduction of an all-new Cavalier and Sunfire.
The third generation J-Body (95 to 05) had undergone two "revisions" of its own - once for the 2000 model year, and again for the 2003 model year. The changes included:
- New front and rear bumpers
- Slightly-restyled interiors
- New color options
- New body control module (BCM) and class 2 wiring protocols
- Side impact airbags (2003 models)
- XM Radio and OnStar options (2003 models)
95-99 = 3rd Gen phase 1
00-02 = 3rd Gen phase 2
03-05 = 3rd Gen phase 3
Thanks to Spiderman for the compilation :)
