I've rented new Chevy Cavaliers several times in the last year, while my Ford Tempo was in for repairs or maintenance. Though my Ford Tempo has been a fine car (can you believe that about a Ford?), the Chevy Cavalier could easily make me switch my allegiance to Chevrolet.

Simply put, the Cavalier is tops in any category I'd ever care about for a car, of any size. It rides extremely well, even on rough roads with bad surfaces, or large potholes. Very little road noise penetrates the cabin, though you'll never think you’re isolated from road feel, critical to knowing how your car is interacting with the pavement. The interior components also fit together tightly; even in one case when the rental car had over 13,000 miles on it, there was nary a squeak or rattle to be heard. That's especially important to me, because a rattling or vibrating dashboard can really get on my nerves on long trips.

Power, even with the four-cylinder engine, is good; acceleration is smooth and quick when you push the gas pedal, and there’s no lag or hesitation. As I've noted before, the sound level inside is very low, and that's also true even under heavy acceleration. There’s none of the alarming roar, vibration, or shaking so typical of American four-cylinder powered small cars of yesteryear.

I found the seats to be quite comfortable, even with the standard upholstery. I had no aches, pains, or any other discomforts on trips of several hours. Headroom and legroom in front were more than adequate, though I'm taller than average at 6 feet, two inches. I didn't even have to adjust the tilt steering wheel to get comfortable for driving. Heel and toe use of the gas and brake pedals was no problem either.

Economical is a word that is accurate in describing the Chevy Cavalier. It's no problem getting 25 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. The Cavalier is also an economical purchase for those with either a modest budget, or just frugally minded. A new Cavalier, with desirable options like air-conditioning and an automatic transmission, can be had for $12,000.

Want a new car that's comfortable, quick, quite, economical, and attractively priced? Get the Chevy Cavalier, even if it means having to trade in your Ford.