Unlike most cars that are changed for change's sake, the upgrades to Chevrolet Cavalier for the 2000 model year were done to meet consumer requests, or so says Steve Wagg, the car's brand manager. That should explain why more effort was put into renovating the interior of Cavalier, which is one of the cars that Canadian women buy more than any others, than went into facelifting its exterior. Women still "take pride in the exterior styling" of the 4-year-old small car, Wagg says, but many wanted its amenities improved.
But the first thing they'll notice are those exterior changes to the coupes, sedans and convertibles that will be available in Canadian Chevrolet- Oldsmobile dealerships this summer. There'll be new body-color fascias on all models (as well as two more metallic colors, Dark Colorado Green and Ultra Silver), crystal clear headlamp lenses, a revised taillamp appearance, and new wheel covers and aluminum wheels.
The Z24 coupe has its sporty appearance juiced with new unique front fascias, fog lamps and rocker moldings, plus a more aggressive rear spoiler. Wagg says a lot of these things were done to simplify the assembly of Cavalier, which reduces cost to GM and should make for improved assembly quality.
Inside, the 2000 Cavalier gets a new instrument panel, improved sound system choices and improved convenience, which were the customer-driven requests, Wagg says. There's a new family of radios (which have wisely been placed above the climate control switches) with optional CD players, radio data system (RDS) controls on the up-level dual playback CD/cassette radio, and a radio theft system on all models. RDS provides mores sophisticated use of the sound system (including text messages and an increased ability to find certain types of music more easily) but is not much of an issue in Canada right now, though that could change. Wagg says Canadian buyers will likely appreciate that each radio retains power for 10 minutes or until the door is opened after the ignition is turned off. Vehicles equipped with optional remote keyless entry can also have radio station presets customized separately to each key fob, for cars that serve two drivers.
Speaking of the remote keyless entry, it's new for 2000. The key fob now includes a panic button which honks the horn and flashes the interior domelight and exterior daytime running lights if the driver is concerned about personal safety. There's also an antilock feature on power door lock vehicles prevents accidental lockout with the key in the ignition. The new center console features two front cupholders, in addition to the two in the armrest for rear-seat passengers, and there's now also a removable fifth cupholder in the center console that can even accommodate today's "super-sized" drinks. Also included in this improved front console are holders for CDs, cassettes and coins. And, again in response to customer input, the automatic transmission shift indicator is easier to read because it's now illuminated.
GM has always done the buyers of this segment a favor by making anti-lock brakes standard (something most other brands don't do), and for 2000 the system provides smoother operation when needed. This means it doesn't come with as much pedal kickback during ABS activation as before, so it shouldn't alarm first time users as much as it used to. The lower-priced non-automatic models get a new manual transmission and shifter that Wagg says has a more precise shift feel and a smoother move into reverse. If you plump for the 4-speed automatic transmission, you will also be able to add an optional traction control system that does a lot to provide more tire grip on poor road surfaces.
The 2000 Cavalier is also compatible with OnStar, General Motors' advanced GPS-based communications-navigation-concierge system, but Wagg readily admits that few buyers will be willing to pay the steep installation price and monthly fee of the current package. It is possible, however, that GM will make different levels of OnStar service available, including a low-price version that provides emergency assistance when requested by the driver or when an airbag deploys.
Standard Cavalier features for the year 2000 include: a rear window defogger, battery rundown protection, PASSLock II theft-deterrent system, breakaway outside rearview mirrors, platinum-tip spark plugs that last as many as 160,000 kms and extended-life coolant that may not need to be changed for five years or 240,000 kms.
Exact pricing is not available for the new Cavalier, but Wagg says the intent is only to charge for the extra equipment in the new car, not for the cost of the renovation. So a 2000 Cavalier in Canada shouldn't list for much more than a current model does but should be more attractive to many buyers. Wagg says he was able to address most of the major issues consumers had with the Cavalier in changing it for 2000, but when asked he admits that there was one big request he was not able to satisfy. "People are always asking for a 6-cylinder engine in this car," he says, "since the old one had one. Lots of people (particularly men) think 6 is better than 4, but we have no intention of putting a 6 in this car, now or ever." This car is an overhead-valve car and will stay that way, he says, and it will stay that way. "Today's fours do what yesterday's sixes used to do," Wagg says.
Wagg naturally hopes the changes will keep people interested in Cavalier, but he understands the pressures from the competition. Chrysler has done good things to its Neon for 2000, Honda Civic is still more than competitive, and Ford will this fall be bringing Focus to market. In the face of these worthy vehicles, Wagg believes, GM's decision to let Cavalier's customers have a large say in revising the car for 2000 will help it keep selling big numbers in Canada's largest sales segment.
Road Tests and Reviews
