2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24

Hurry, hurry! Get your Z24 Cavalier today, before supplies run out. Carnival barkers might not be the best sources for new automobiles, but these words of warning do apply in the case of the sportiest version of Chevrolet's compact series. Not only has a new Z24 sedan joined the existing coupe, but both are available at dealerships for a limited period, early in the 2002 model year.


As it happens, the long-familiar Cavalier is getting rather elderly, last redesigned for 1995. Therefore, a completely different replacement will be easing into the small-car market soon. A sporty Z24 coupe has been part of the Cavalier lineup ever since 1986, typically attracting younger and racier-minded buyers. Adding the Z24 designation to a four-door sedan is something new at Chevrolet.

The Z24's name comes from its 2.4-liter twin-cammer, which puts out 10 more horsepower than the base Cavalier's 2.2-liter engine.

Back in the 1990s, Z24s were equipped with V-6 engines rather than the usual four-cylinders. For 2002, though, the Z24 coupe and sedan get Chevrolet's carryover 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 150 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque. Engine size is the main difference between the Z24 and a pair of new Cavalier models: the LS Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe. Those two are powered by a new 140-horsepower, Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine—10 fewer horses than the Z24 driver enjoys.


A Getrag five-speed manual transmission is standard in the Z24 (and the LS), with a four-speed automatic transmission available as an option. The Z24 appearance option package features a stainless-steel exhaust system with polished chrome exhaust outlet, as well as a set of lower ground-effects body components to give the coupe or sedan's exterior a sleeker look. They include an extended front fascia with fog lamps, a rear fascia extension and rocker moldings along the lower body sides. New chrome aluminum 16-inch wheels will be available for the Z24s later in the 2002 model year.

Z24 appearance items include ground effects, a rear spoiler, a polished exhaust tip and 16-inch chromed American Racing wheels.

Both Z24 models include a premium stereo system with CD and cassette players. Like the LS Sport duo, the twin Z24s benefit from an FE2 sport suspension, combined with performance tires, that promises tighter handling and improved road feel than is customary on a conventional Cavalier. On the road, truth be told, a Z24 sedan does not produce the sort of excitement that some past Z24s have elicited. In addition, the Z24 badge doesn't seem quite right on a Cavalier with four doors instead of two—but perhaps that's mainly because it's not been done before.