Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Coupe subcompact. And boy did I turn this car everyway but loose. I put it through tough paces for two weeks and over 2,000 miles. Long trips can be telling, and if you do drive long distances, you’ll want to consider an extended test drive.
I found myself squirming around to keep my legs from falling asleep. Not real comfortable when you stop only for gas. And at 28 mpg, you can go a long way without stopping. This five seater is pretty basic and simple with decent fit and finish for an economy car. It’s a nice driver with the exception of the front seats that need more padding.
If a 2-door is what you’re looking for this Cavalier fits right in with the competition and a good option, especially since it has been the top selling car for GM. Cavalier comes in five trims: a base sedan and coupe, the LS sedan for more equipment, the sporty Z24 coupe that I tested and a Z24 convertible. The base engine is a 2.2-liter 115-horsepower 4-cylinder coupled to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The Z24 has the 150-hp 2.4-liter DOHC engine and it’s optional in the LS.
My long trip took me through snow, ice, mud and dirt roads, and I began to bond with this hunk of metal and rubber and fabric. I’m not saying I fell in love, but it treated me right and was always there for me. Overall, it was a nice automobile.
Handling & Performance:
It is built low to the ground and small enough to zip around town with ease and in traffic the 150 horses make this little car very responsive. Perhaps the smaller engine would strain your nerves in passing situations, but this larger engine configuration was great. And finally, it’s fun to drive.
Styling:
Personal taste is always important, but I think you’d agree it is not a very daring design and is even a bit commonplace, much like most of the competition noted here.
Fit and Finish:
Some say it is not put together very well. I disagree. For this price level car, it is put together just fine thanks. After all, it is a Chevrolet and that has passed muster with buyers for 12 of the past 16 years as a top seller. That has to say something. Obviously a lot of folks agree that it is assembled well. On the bumpy roads I never heard a rattle or squeak and that means a lot to me.
Cost:
With all the options on this test vehicle, the price is a little high. I suspect that has more to do with the fact that it has earned it stripes over more than a decade, and people have been willing to pay for all the conveniences.
Recommendation:
Let’s not mince words; there is so much competition I would be hard pressed to pick a hands down winner. I really like the Neon and the Corolla in this category and the only two I haven’t driven are the Ford Focus and the VW Golf. You’ll have to drive this car to see why so many have bought it for so many years.
The Competition:
Dodge Neon $12,715, Ford Focus $12,125-15,260, Honda Civic $12,760-16,910, Hyundai Elantra $12,499, Hyundai Tiburon $14,499, Mazda Protégé $12,215-15,315, Nissan Altima $15,140-20,390, Pontiac Sunfire $14,175-16,295, Saturn SC $12,535-15,645, Subaru Impreza $15,995-19,495, Toyota Corolla $12,568-13,383, Volkswagen Golf $14,900-17,900.
Good News:
Good power from this inline 4-cylinder, roomy for a two door, tight feel and a quiet ride.
Bad News:
I’d have expected better gas mileage; seats need more padding for those long trips, poor city mpg, more money than I think it should be.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic trans, sport suspension, dual airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes with front disc and rear drum, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, theft alarm, fog lamps, air conditioning, defoggers, stereo with CD, tilt wheel, tinted glass, cloth interior, cruise control.
Gas Stats:
21 City and 28 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17,765
