1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Sport Compact


Pros:

Acceleration: The 1999 Chevy Cavalier has many good features for the consumer looking for an affordable compact/sport car. Although it only has a 2.4L engine (Z24 model only), it can compete with the best of them when starting off the line. Due to its extremely light weight and moderately sized engine, it can sometimes be hard not to peel out the tires when driving in low gears (manual only). However when you get to the higher gears, the cavalier lacks power due to its 4 cylinder 2.4L engine. The cavalier also lacks serious acceleration when climbing mountains and big hills. Unless you live around mountains or extremely big hills (I live in Colorado), this will not be a problem at all.

Braking: Aside from the acceleration, the cavalier also has a great braking system. Again due to its lightweight, the cavalier can stop on a dime. However, if you decide to add larger rims (mine came with 16" 5 spoke rims) an upgrade in the braking system area is suggested.

Customization: If you are into customizing your car and don't have the money to afford a civic or M3, I would suggest the cavalier. There are tons of aftermarket parts available.

Other: Gas mileage is a little bit above average but nothing spectacular (around 20 city and 30 highway). The air conditioner and heater work well; it gets hot and cold very quickly.

Cons:

Comfort: Seat comfort and roominess are moderate, but if you are over 6'3" you might have a bit of trouble. The front seat allows a lot of leeway and can be adjusted to fit most everyone (I have a friend who is 6'7" and he is able to fit in the front seat pretty comfortably) but the back seat can fit almost nothing. Even though the car has five seats, it can fit 2-3 people comfortably. Two people of average size can fit in the front and usually one in the back. Trunk space is decent but becomes minimal if extra stereo components (eg. subwoofer) are added. I can fit 2 sets of golf clubs in mine with the subwoofer in there, and then the trunk is totally full.

Safety: My cavalier came with one airbag, which is nice and all, but that's it. This car definitely does not get a good safety rating from me (my insurance proves it). The NHTSA crash test results state in event of a crash, the passenger has a 20-35% chance of getting a serious injury, and the passenger has a 10-20% chance (http://auto.comsumerguide.com). The number look pretty good but I wouldn't put too much faith in them. The car is small and very light, and could easily be totaled by many of the cars on the road today.

Stock Lighting: Lighting is decent but is no luxury. 99 Cavaliers come with 9006 and 9005 Headlights (mine had daytime running lights too) in a reflector assembly. I would definitely suggest an upgrade to projector headlamps or higher wattage bulbs. I decided to upgrade to HID and it made a HUGE difference. The lighting system is a little below average compared with current stock lighting systems. Unless you are totally into lights, the stock system will be just fine.

Other: The stereo head unit is pretty good but the stock speakers are terrible.
Amount Paid (US$): 8000
Condition: New
Model Year: 1999
Model and Options: Z24, Moonroof, Manual, HID Lighting (aftermarket), CD/MP3 Player