2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24

Even with the extra dress-up body components, though, the four-door Z24 conveys an impression closer to that of an economy car than a machine devoted to performance and handling. Although the current Getrag five-speed manual transmission shifts easily and smoothly, it cannot quite transform a Cavalier into a barrel o' fun on the highway. Performance with the stick shift is more than adequate, for certain, though automatic will be a little less lively. Compared to a regular 115-horsepower Cavalier, acceleration might even be called eager. Chevrolet's new LS Sport, on the other hand, comes close to the Z24 in power output and has nearly all of its appearance and suspension modifications, thereby draining away some of the Z24's uniqueness.


Handling in a Z24 is competent enough, yet reaches only a little beyond the talents of the typical domestically built small car—from Chevrolet or elsewhere. You also get a satisfying ride, with little penalty to be paid for the extra tautness of the FE2 suspension. Seats are sufficiently comfortable in a reasonably spacious interior, visibility is no problem and Chevrolet's standard antilock braking is a bonus—though side-impact airbags are not available.

Interior trim comes in either carbon fiber or brushed aluminum. Speed Glo gauges are white by day and can be toggled between green or blue for night driving.

Whether the badge says Z24, LS Sport, or nothing at all for the base model, the Cavalier remains primarily a small, family-oriented coupe or sedan. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Taken as a whole, the subcompact Cavalier is a pleasant and capable automobile that feels tighter and more competent than some of its predecessors. Definitely easy to drive and with a familiar "feel" all around, the Z24 still hopes to be a car with an assertive personality. In reality, it's far more of a tamed pussycat than a wild beast of the American road.


As for the Cavalier itself, even though it's been a strong seller and a big moneymaker for Chevrolet since 1982, this model is showing its age rather transparently. Considering that so many of its competitors—including the Ford Focus and Honda Civic—come across as markedly more modern, perhaps it's high time for a replacement to arrive on the scene. (www.chevrolet.com)