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Thanks to everyone who has viewed my CarDomain, also for all the comments and ratings. It actually does help to see comments to know how to make the vehicle better with performance or looks. Again, thanks to all who have visited!

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My Car
This is my 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe base model. It still has the stock paint color Sandrift Metalic. I originally got this car to train me into driving manual transmissions, but I have found to like this car more than you could imagine. It has been very reliable and has rarely broke down. I am going to SCC for automotive mechanics to help learn to do engine work and performance modifications that I don't know how too do now. I am currently in the process of buying modifications to auto-cross it next summer.

Overview Of The Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier is the most popular car built by General Motors, and one of the top 10 most popular cars sold in the United States. But more significantly, for nearly 20 years the Cavalier has been one of the most popular choices among first-time new-car buyers. Like the girl or boy next door, it's been a lot of people's first sweetheart.

The reasons for this persistent success is clear. There is the sheer number of Chevrolet dealers, of course, backed by the production and marketing momentum of General Motors. Beyond that, however, the Cavalier has always been a simple and economical car with baby-Camaro kind of flair. It meets all the practical definitions of "basic transportation," but looks like much more.

A high level of standard equipment is an important part of the Cavalier formula. That modest base price listed above includes color-keyed bumper covers, air conditioning, power steering, anti-lock brakes, and a theft-deterrent system. You don't have to be a first-time new-car buyer to appreciate value like that.

Cavalier Model Lineup
The base-level Cavalier is offered in two body styles, a fastback coupe ($13,160) and a four-door sedan ($13,260). The more plush LS comes with the sedan body only, for $14,855; while the sportier Z24 model is available only as a coupe, for $16,385. The convertible is no longer offered.

Base and LS models are powered by a 2.2-liter, ohv inline-4 that produces 115 horsepower. A more powerful 2.4-liter twin-cam four is standard on the Z24 models and optional on the LS. Base and Z24 models come with a German-built Getrag five-speed manual transmission, and offer an electronically controlled four-speed automatic as an option. For 2001, all automatic Cavaliers have traction control, a premium feature in this class. Automatic transmission and traction control are standard on LS.

Additionally, LS pampers drivers and passengers with cruise control, an AM/FM four-speaker stereo with compact disc player, tachometer, trip computer, variable intermittent wipers, remote trunk release, tilt steering column, and 15-inch wheels.

Z24 models come with a sports suspension, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks, fog lamps and other generally cool stuff.

Cavalier Competitors
A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is new and better than ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. New last year was the Ford Focus. Though we loved almost everything about the Focus, we were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less. Topping the crowded

Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Dodge Neon and Toyota Echo, the slightly-upscale Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a budget buy, the Hyundai Accent offers a lot for your dollar, however, it's not as refined as more-expensive competitors.

About The Driver
My name is Mark, I am 19 years old now. I am going to SCC in North Mankato, MN this school year for automotive mechanics and hopefully autobody as well. This car is my project car as it was fairly cheep to buy and has been very reliable. I am a member of FiveZeroSeven as well as MN Sport Compacts, MN Streets, Club Cav, and JBO J Body, so you might have seen me on one of those websites if your from or around Minnesota or you are a J-Body fanatic.

My CarDomain Index
Page 1 - Introduction
Page 2 - Interior And Sound System
Page 3 - Engine
Page 4 - Performance Modifications
Page 5 - Drivetrain
Page 6 - Exterior
Page 7 - Future Modifications