The reasons for this persistent success are clear. There's the sheer number of Chevrolet dealers, of course, backed by the production and marketing momentum of General Motors. Beyond that, however, 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.

Bigger tires add a little muscle to the appearance of the LS and the Z24 models. Z24s come with five-spoke aluminum wheels, while the base coupe and sedan and LS get full wheel covers.

The dash has a smooth, flowing look and readable gauges, including a tachometer on LS and Z24. Cavalier's console achieves coffee nirvana, with two regular cupholders in front of the shifter plus three more behind it, including one that can serve the back seat.

The seats are contoured and comfortable, but side support could be better for cornering. Cloth insets in the doors helps prevent plastic overload, and a two-spoke steering wheel looks pleasantly light.

Even with last year's revisions, however, the back seat remains cramped for even average-size adults.

Under brisk acceleration our LS wound quickly through the gears of its electronically controlled automatic transmission without any noticeable surges. This transmission works well around town, keeping the engine in its best operating range at lower speeds.

Even with the 2.2-liter, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, the Cavalier is surprisingly spunky. However, the droning exhaust note it makes is uninspiring at best.

The Cavalier is a much better car with the four-speed automatic ($780) than it is with the three-speed automatic ($700) available as an option on the base model. Its three gears are farther apart, forcing the engine to stretch under hard acceleration.

The Cavalier handles reasonably well with a stiff chassis that enables the suspension to do its job. There's a slight twitch when hitting a bump in the middle of a quick corner, possibly a foible of Cavalier's twist-beam rear suspension. But the Cavalier handles most bumps with a 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 both conservative and sporty driving styles.

Cavalier's solenoid-based anti-lock braking system (standard) 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 and safety to the Cavalier; some other compacts offer it only as part of a deluxe equipment package, or not at all.