2002 Chevrolet Cavalier: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier ▼
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- MSRP: $13,960 -$16,685
- Invoice: $13,053 -$15,600
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Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 3.7 |
Cavalier has subpar acceleration with base 2.2 liter, particularly with automatic transmission. New dohc 2.2 is adequate for most any situation and is marginally smoother and quieter than the 2.4 it replaces--a fair trade-off for the slight decrease in power. Crude-feeling manual transmission shift action suffers by comparison to that of most competitors'. Automatic transmission is smooth and prompt enough.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Not great for a subcompact. Base-engine automatic-transmission sedans averaged 20.8-23.8 mpg in our tests; manual-transmission models were slightly higher. Also with automatic transmission, new twincam 2.2 averaged 19.7 mpg in a Sunfire sedan and, in a Cavalier LS Sport coupe, 21.2.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
Models with the base suspension and 14- or 15-inch tires ride more comfortably than the subcompact-class average, though most bumps and ruts are accompanied by a loud thump. Cavalier LS Sports ride more stiffly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Not as spry-feeling as newer, lighter designs, such as the Ford Focus or Mazda Protege, but base and LS Cavaliers change direction with adequate control and moderate body lean. Sport suspension and 16-inch tires help LS Sports corner with better grip than most subcompacts, though most-recent test coupe had poor straight-line stability. Kudos to GM for making ABS standard, and for including traction control with automatic transmission.
QUIETNESS
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Both engines are noisy when worked hard and don't settle down that much even at cruising speeds. Wind and road noise evident on highway, but no more than in most subcompacts.
CONTROLS
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Gauges unobstructed, but low-mounted climate controls are difficult to see and reach. Upgraded CD audio system standard on LS Sport and optional on other models has too many small, confusingly labeled buttons. Low-grade, penny-pinching materials dominate interior.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Roomy and accommodating as most any competitor. Low-to-the-floor bucket seats make for sufficient head room, still allow shorter drivers to see over dashboard. Spongy seat foam doesn't hold shape well as the years pass.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 3.2 |
Adequate for two adults or three children. Seat backrest is hard, cushion uncomfortably soft and short.
CARGO ROOM
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Trunk opening too small to easily load large objects, but space is good. Rear seatback folds for extra versatility, though it can't be locked to separate trunk from interior. Cabin storage includes large glovebox, four cupholders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 4.7 |
It falls far short of the refinement of most import-brand subcompacts and this design feels ancient compared to the Focus, but Cavalier includes plenty of useful standard features and is available with discounts.
Total Score
| Base cpe, man. | LS sdn, auto. | LS Sport cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 37 | 37 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 36
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