This car's sporty look is matched by a genuinely sporty feel, at least when you compare the new Cavalier with the old one. Acceleration is respectable, running under 9 seconds in the 0-to-60 mph test. that's all the more surprising when you consider this is the familiar GM 4-cylinder engine that's been under the Cavalier hood for quite some time. The optional 3-speed automatic transmission is adequate, and Neon has chosen the same powertrain combination. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to find an Asian import falling back on a 3-speed package.Handling is competent and predictable. GM engineers are quick to point out that the new cavalier's body has been markedly stiffened. That added rigidity means less body flexing, particularly when you're bouncing along a pothole-filled highway. It not only translates into crisper steering but a quieter ride. Yes, you'll find the new Cavalier a notably more quiet car. Wind noise has been sharply reduced due the steeper rake of the windshield and a better job by the factory of sealing the pillars. Road noise is still a problem, especially when compared with cars such as the Toyota Corolla. Under full acceleration, the engine sounds like a hive of angry bees, though it's more tolerable under normal driving conditions. Braking is one of cavalier's weak points. The brakes require far more pressure than one might feel comfortable applying, at least in an emergency. They also have a tendency to fade if you use them repeatedly. |
