2002
Chevrolet Cavalier reviews and buying guide.
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet is infusing
new excitement into the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier –
General Motors’ best-selling passenger car –
with new Cavalier LS Sport Sedan and Cavalier LS Sport
Coupe models that include a new Ecotec 2.2-liter L4
engine. In addition, the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base
Coupe and Sedan will offer a new Sport Package, and
will include more standard equipment for 2002.
The first-ever 2002 Chevrolet
Cavalier Z24 Sedan will join the Z24 Coupe — both
for a limited time early in the 2002 model year.
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
LS Sport Coupe and Sedan
"The idea behind
the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport Coupe and 2002
Sport Sedan with the new Ecotec engine is to offer looks
and performance in a fun-to-drive package for the youth
enthusiast who appreciates the drive of a sporty vehicle,"
said Mary Wernette, Chevrolet Cavalier brand manager.
"Chevrolet also wants to reach more young, first-time
new vehicle buyers so we’ve made some impressive
additions to Cavalier’s list of standard equipment."
The new LS Sport Sedan
and LS Sport Coupe models for 2002 include ground effects
(front fascia extension with fog lamps, rear fascia
extension and rocker moldings), chrome aluminum wheels,
specific body-color door handles, body-color exterior
mirror housings for power mirrors, leather wrapped transmission
shift knob and high profile rear spoiler.
The FE2 sport suspension
system improves the handling and road feel for both
LS Sport models. The sport suspension provides flatter,
more precise cornering, more driver feedback, and better
communication between car and driver. Front and rear
sway bars stiffen the ride. The suspension system is
mated to performance tires for better control and a
five-speed Getrag manual transmission is standard. The
stainless steel exhaust system, with a polished chrome
exhaust outlet, offers high corrosion resistance —
and good looks.
The LS Sport Coupe and
Sport Sedan are offered in five exterior colors: Bright
Red, Black, Bright White, Indigo Blue and Ultra Silver.
New Ecotec engine
A new engine — the
Ecotec 2.2-liter SFI L4 (RPO L61) — will be introduced
in the LS Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan models. The new
aluminum engine features twin overhead camshafts with
four valves per cylinder for excellent response in city
driving and confident passing and merging on the highway.
The standard transmission for both models is a five-speed
manual; a four-speed electronic automatic transmission
is optional.
Quiet operation is one
of the new engine’s chief features. Twin balance
shafts located in the cylinder block cancel the shaking
forces inherent in an inline four-cylinder engine, resulting
in an engine that is smooth from idle to maximum engine
speed. The Ecotec L4 generates 140 hp @ 5600 rpm. Other
features that help make the twin cam smooth and quiet
include a die-cast lower crankcase and a structural
cast-aluminum oil pan, which stiffen the block and reduce
radiated engine noise. The engine also features an isolated
cam cover that reduces the transmission of valvetrain
noise.
Some of the standard
features on the LS Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe include
air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks,
power windows and mirrors, electric rear window defogger,
a full-folding rear sear, intermittent windshield wipers,
tilt-steering column, remote keyless entry, dual airbags
and standard four-wheel antilock brakes. It also has
a premium AM/FM stereo system with CD player/cassette
radio and premium amplified audio system standard.
The base and LS models
The lineup sets itself
apart from the competition with an unmatched list of
standard equipment, which is important to first-time
new car buyers (who account for 40 percent of purchases).
Aligning with the strategy to offer more features consumers
expect, the Base and LS Sedan and Coupe models now include
the following equipment: tilt steering, variable wipers,
tachometer, body side moldings, floor mats, cargo net,
electric remote trunk release, visor vanity mirrors,
mud guards and CD radio.
The base Coupe and Sedan
are also available with a Sport Package that includes
everything on the LS Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan except
the new Ecotec engine, fog lamps, body color power exterior
mirrors and leather wrapped transmission shift knob.
Additionally, the 16-inch aluminum wheels included in
the base model sport package are machine face wheels.
Also new are three new
colors: Mayan Gold (interim availability), Forest Green
and Alpine Green.
Available for a limited
time early in the model year will be a Z24 Coupe and
Sedan, which have the same features as the LS Sport
models plus the carryover 2.4-liter twin cam L4 engine.
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