General Motors' Chevrolet Division is bringing its best-selling car in modern history up to speed for the 1990s. Total sales of the front-wheel-drive, Chevrolet Cavalier passed the three million mark in 1994; no small feat in the intensely competitive small-car segment. Although Cavalier received an aerodynamic face lift in 1988, the 1995 model year marks the first major redesign of Chevrolet's highly successful compact model since its 1982 introduction. Cavalier has gone from a conservative, rather boxy compact in its early years to a surprisingly sporty-looking, entry-level vehicle. Cavalier's relatively inexpensive price tag, low maintenance costs and overall good looks appeal to many first-time car shoppers. Women purchase more than 70 percent of Cavalier coupes. Median age of coupe buyers is 30 years. Cavalier is marketed in several different trim levels, including a two-door coupe; four-door sedan and two-door convertible. Chevrolet dropped the station wagon after the 1994 model year. All Cavaliers now come standard with dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and five mile-per-hour front and rear bumpers. After a slower-than-anticipated production launch, the next generation Cavaliers began arriving in steady numbers to dealerships earlier this summer. We test drove the muscle car of the Cavalier corral, the very sporty-looking Z24 coupe. Base price started at $13,810. With options including electric rear window defogger, upgraded stereo, cruise control, power windows and doors and intermittent wipers, the bottom line was $15, 572. This included a $485 destination charge. Base two-door sedans start at about $10,200. Besides being intensely stylish outside, Z24 has a lot to offer under its hood. General Motors' advanced, 2.3-liter, 150 horsepower, Quad 4 engine is standard in all Z24s as is a smooth-shifting, five-speed manual transmission. Because the Quad 4 powertrain offers performance features similar to larger engines, Chevrolet dropped Cavalier's V-6 engine, which it first offered in 1985. All Cavalier engines utilize platinum-tipped spark plugs that GM says require no service for 100,000 miles under normal driving. Z24 models also feature 16-inch, steel-belted performance tires on aluminum wheels. The wider design improves cornering and handling characteristics. All tires have built-in tread wear indicators, signaling when replacements are needed. A sporty rear spoiler also distinguishes Z24 from other two-door hardtop Cavalier coupes. Even though Cavalier's overall length is two inches shorter than previous incarnations, its wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) increased by three inches. This greatly improves the vehicle's maneuverability. Cavalier's interior has a new look and feel. Shoulder, hip and legroom have been improved. Temperature dials and stereo controls are within easy reach, and a single cup holder is located ahead of the transmission. The dome light has a delay feature, which keeps the interior illuminated several seconds after doors are opened or closed, so drivers can locate their keys and get oriented. With a steeper windshield design, drivers have a decent view of their surroundings, except for a noticeable blind spot over the left shoulder. Gas mileage is estimated at 22 miles per gallon city and 32 mpg highway. Our test drive car, with 9,200 miles, registered 26.2 mpg combined driving. Another added nuance is a gas cap holder inside the fuel door. The gas tank holds 15.2 gallons of unleaded fuel. Cavalier now features the 'loader friendly' low liftover trunk, making it easier to load and unload cargo. The back seat also folds down , increasing cargo carrying capacity. Back seat travelers will enjoy rear air ducts, which pumps cool air in summertime, and heat in the winter. Two passengers fit comfortably in the back; three is a crowd. A single key now operates all doors, trunk, glove compartment and ignition. In the past a separate key was needed for unlocking the vehicle. One note. The safety button releasing the key from the ignition after the engine is turned off is in a rather awkward position. It takes a while to master the right key-removal technique. Cavalier's competition in the small-car segment includes the Ford Escort, Plymouth/Dodge Neon, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Chevrolet has done a marvelous job updating Cavalier with many modern conveniences, while keeping prices within reach of the average consumer. The quiet, Quad 4 engine coupled with a spunky manual transmission, better tires and a sleek spoiler turns an entry-level Cavalier into an impressive and affordable sports machine. General Motors assembles Cavalier and its corporate cousin, the Pontiac Sunfire, in Lordstown, Ohio. |
