The 2.2-liter overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that comes standard on the coupe and sedans has not changed, other than the new, quieter fuel system, but it's surprisingly spunky with 115 horsepower. There's noticeably less noise coming from under the hood; unfortunately, the relatively uninspiring exhaust note is more noticeable.

The LS Sedan winds quickly through the gears with its electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission without any noticeable surges. This transmission works well around town, keeping the engine in its best operating range at lower speeds. The Cavalier is a much better car with the four-speed automatic than it is with the three-speed automatic that is optional on the base Coupe and Sedan. Because the three gears are farther apart, the engine strains under hard acceleration. Therefore, the base Coupe and Sedan are far better off with the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

The Cavalier handles reasonably well. Its stiff chassis enables the suspension to do its job. There's a slight twitch when hitting a bump in the middle of a quick corner. Completely pliant cornering might require a softer suspension and more finesse in the corners. But that would compromise the Cavalier's encouragement to drive harder into the bends due to its taut set-up. The car handles bumps with steady attitude and a modicum of comfort. Power steering is light and responsive and the Cavalier quickly turns in for corners. This car is light on its feet and can accommodate either comfortable or more sporty driving styles.

The new solenoid-based anti-lock braking system is an improvement, improving balance between the front and rear brakes under heavy braking. This revised ABS can be a real ally in an emergency maneuver because it allows the driver to steer the car in a panic braking situation. Just remember to keep hard pedal pressure on the brakes and don't forget to steer. This system really adds value to the Cavalier.