1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Review: Exterior

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1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Review

Sporty looks at an affordable price.
Walkaround
Cavalier presents a wide variety of models, all attractively priced: a $12,381 Coupe, a $13,641 Rally Sport Coupe, a $12,481 Sedan, a $14,921 LS Sedan, a $16,481 Z24 Coupe and a $20,081 Z24 Convertible.

The Cavalier Rally Sport looks sporty compared to the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Escort and Dodge Neon. It lacks in power compared to the Escort ZX2 or the Neon R/T Coupe, but that's answered by the more muscular Cavalier Z24 Coupe. A 2.4-liter Twin Cam engine comes on Z24 Coupes and Z24 Convertibles and is an option on LS Sedans.

The Rally Sport's visual appeal lies in not looking like a two-door sedan. This coupe succeeds in a relatively long and sleek presentation for a compact without resorting to a wedge style. The wedge effect is avoided by front fenders with some nice curves, slender doors when measured from the rocker panels to the windowsill, and the long arch of the C-pillar that lends a fastback sensibility.

At the back, the rear window segues quickly into a high, short rear deck. That's where the integrated spoiler sustains the lengthening of the car's lines instead of some more obvious announcement. The standard P195/65R15 tires are the right complement for filling the wheel wells as well as for the maneuverability desired in a smaller car. Also, the Rally Sport's 104-inch wheelbase nicely apportions the car into a pleasing balance, another appealing dimension to a compact design.

Like a sports car, the Rally Sport looks like it rides low to the ground, but in fact has a standard ground clearance. The test car came with optional five-spoke aluminum wheels ($295) that, like the rear spoiler, complement the fundamental design cues without overstating them. They maintain the twirled effect of the standard wheels, but have a pleasantly understated aggressiveness with more relief than the original equipment design with bolt-on wheel covers.

At the subtly curvaceous front, the car maintains its sleekness with the body-matching front fascia and narrow headlights. A Chevy Bow Tie is the only badge on the front, while a new Rally Sport badge written on both rear flanks provides model distinction. Next Page



1999 Chevrolet Cavalier