2002 Chevrolet Cavalier: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cavalier offers 2-dr coupes and 4-dr sedans in three trim levels: base, LS, and LS Sport. The LS Sport replaced the Z24 model shortly after the start of the 2002 model year. All Cavaliers come with a 4-cyl engine: Base and LS have a 115-hp overhead-valve 2.2 liter. The LS Sport comes with a new 140-hp dual overhead-cam 2.2 that replaces the 150-hp dohc 2.4 used in the Z24. The new engine rates 1 mpg higher than the 2.4 in EPA fuel-economy estimates. All offer manual or automatic transmission; traction control is included with the automatic, but is not offered with manual. Standard on all models are ABS and air conditioning. New standard features for 2002 include tilt steering wheel, CD player, tachometer, and power trunk release. New chrome 16-inch wheels are standard on the LS Sport. Cavalier shares its design with Pontiac's Sunfire.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.