Chevrolet Astro 1990-05

     Notes: This is a full-sized van, coming in three lengths, 4.5 meters, 4.75 meters, and 4.8 meters.  They have a tow package and can tow up to 2.72 tons.  They are truck-based vehicles that are well suited to heavy work.  The standard seating is for five (with the rest of the back devoted to cargo space), but there is optional seating for eight.  Standard features for 1990 include antilock brakes, and optional features include 4-wheel drive.  The standard engine is a 150-horsepower V-6 coupled to an automatic transmission.

     The 1991 model year brought few changes, but one of them was a more powerful 175-horsepower V-6.  In addition, all outboard seats were equipped with lap-and-shoulder safety belts.  1992 brought a new 200-horsepower V-6, as well as an optional “Dutch Door” for the rear, with the glass swinging up and the bottom opening left and right in two sections.  1993 brought electronic controls to the automatic transmission, plus the ability to start in second gear instead of Drive for increased traction in soft terrain.  The base engine gained another 15 horsepower, now developing 165 horsepower.  1994 gave the Astro a driver’s side airbag and side guard beams in the front doors and the sliding door.  1995 brought several cosmetic changes to the Astro, mostly in the nose and grille, and also made the 4.75-meter body standard, while adding a new 4.8-meter model.  The output of the base engine increased to 190 horsepower.  The 1996 model gave the Astro a passenger-side airbag, a new dashboard with easier to manipulate controls and a locking glove box, and an engine with 10 pound-feet more torque.  The new engine was also smaller, allowing more legroom in front.  The 1997 model added speed-sensitive power steering, and daylight running lamps; options included leather upholstery.  1998 brought only cosmetic changes and an improved transmission.  1999 mostly brought changes to the all-wheel drive system to improve traction and antiskid properties.  For the 2000 model year, 5-person seating was eliminated, replaced by models which all had 8-person seating, or (as an option) second row bucket seats for 7-person seating.  The engine was improved to make it quieter, and the transmission included a Tow/Haul mode which improved transmission shifting when the Astro is towing heavy loads.  The headlights turned on automatically in low-light conditions, and the fuel tank increased in size and was made of plastic instead of metal.  2001 brought a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a CD player, remote keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, and power locks.  2002 brought remote keyless entry to the long version as well as a rear heater.  For 2003, the antilock brakes are all-disc, and the wheels became one inch wider. 

     In 2004, the choices of engine dropped to one, a 190-horsepower V-6, with an automatic transmission.  Only one size is available, a 4.8-meter model.  It may have rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.  The standard rear doors are full-height double doors, but there are optional doors with separate-opening glass.  There are few other changes for 2004.  For 2005, there were virtually no changes; the Astro was in fact dropped for the 2006 model year.  

     The Astro is a very spacious vehicle inside.  The penalty for its brawny performance is a rough, bouncy ride with clumsy handling.  Fuel economy is likewise low.  Due to the layout of the engine and transmission, servicing the Astro isn’t very mechanic-friendly.  Entry and exit to the front seats can be difficult, since the door narrows at the bottom, and there is no running board to help people get into the front and there is a rather large step-up to the front seats.  Before 1996, the dashboard, console, and area between the seats has little space to stash items, and with a regular-length version, an 8-seat Astro has little cargo room (and the seats do not fold and cannot be removed). 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: As Chevy was pressed into the war effort, Astros beyond the 1995 model year do not exist, except for a small amount of special versions used by intelligence agencies, the police, and the military.

Chevrolet Avalanche 2002-05

     Notes: It’s pickup!  It’s an SUV!  It’s…well, essentially, what you have with the Avalanche is a four-door crew cab short-bed pickup truck with a fold-down rear panel and fold down rear seats, to increase the bed area.  In “SUV” mode, the Avalanche has a 1.62-meter bed; with the midgate panel and rear seats folded down, the cargo bed is 2.47 meters. The sides of the bed have stowage compartments and the tailgate can be locked with a key.  The 2002 Avalanche has bench seats front and back standard, but there are optional front bucket seats (this reduces the Crew rating by one).  Other options include leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, OnStar and a power sunroof.  There are basically two models, the Avalanche 1500, and the Avalanche 2500 with beefed up cargo capacity and power.  The only engine for the 1500 is a 285-horsepower V-8, while for the 2500 it is a 340-horsepower V-8.  The Avalanche is available only with automatic transmission.  There are 2WD versions (with the rear wheels being the drive wheels) and 4WD models.  2WD versions have optional traction control, while 4WD versions have standard AutoTrac all-surface 4WD.  The 2WD version has optional rear load leveling and a Z66 package which optimizes the suspension for on-road use, while 4WD models could also have load-leveling suspension and a Z71 suspension which optimizes the suspension for off-road use.  Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard on all versions.  The 1500 could have the optional “North Face” trim package, basically giving it cosmetic differences based on the outdoor clothing and equipment maker of the same name. 

     In 2003, the airbags became an option instead of standard.  The dashboard was redesigned to make it clearer and more ergonomic, and there was a new option for a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, along with options for power-adjustable pedals and satellite radio.  2004 added standard antiskid control to 2WD models.  The 2005 model adds an optional navigation system.  1500 versions have optional AutoTrac 4WD, but a standard StabiliTrak antiskid/stability system.  The 2500 models may only have the AutoTrac system or 2WD with traction control.  OnStar became a standard feature, but dual front airbags are still an option.  If the Avalanche has a navigation system, the sound system is integrated with it and functions via a touchscreen.  Another new option is a chrome trim package.  The standard engine for the 1500 has been uprated to 295 horsepower, but for the 2500, power is downrated to 320 horsepower.

     Towing capacity until the 2004 model of the 1500 is 3.76 tons, while for the 2500 it is 5.44 tons.  For 2005, towing capacity for the 1500 2WD is 3.72 tons, for 1500 4WD it is 3.58 tons, and for the 2500 it is 5.4 tons.

     The Avalanche is basically a novelty vehicle, albeit a highly successful one.  The automatic transmission is of the Tow/Haul type, meaning it may be optimized for towing or cargo carrying by the driver.  The Avalanche absorbs most bumps well, though the rear end can get a bit floaty, especially when unladen.  Braking is excellent, except that the brake pedal feels spongy.  Steering can be vague, and does not have good road feel.  The interior is quiet in “SUV” mode, unless the engine is at high RPM or towing heavy loads, but when the midgate is lowered, wind, tire and engine roar are all too loud, though the interior breeze is mild and can actually be pleasant.  Not only that, but off-road driving with the midgate lowered has the potential of coating the interior with a layer of dust or dirt.  The interior is roomy, but the step up is high in front, and even higher in back. 

*With optional front bucket seats, Crew rating is 1+4.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

***With OnStar, add $1,000; with a navigation system, add $2,000, with a DVD entertainment system, add $40; with satellite radio, add $200.

Chevrolet Aveo 2004-05

     Notes: The Aveo is an entry-level subcompact designed for first-time car owners and others who need inexpensive, basic transportation.  It is a design acquired from Daewoo Industries of South Korea after the bankruptcy of Daewoo’s auto division, and is basically unchanged from the Daewoo design except for re-badging and some restyling.  The Aveo comes in a 4-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan version.  Both are some of the smallest American cars built.  The 2004 version uses 103-horsepower I-4 engine; manual transmission is standard, but there is an option for automatic transmission.  Trim levels are SVM (Super Value Model), basic, and LS.  All have a standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, dual front airbags, daylight running lamps, an interior trunk emergency release for the sedan, and a split folding rear seat.  The base model adds an air conditioner.  LS-only features include air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD, and optional power windows and locks, antilock brakes, heated power side mirrors, and keyless remote entry.

     For 2005, an LT trim level was added to the Aveo line.  Standard to the LT trim level are alloy wheels, power windows, locks, and side heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.  Optional for the LT is a sunroof and a rear spoiler for the hatchback version. There are also styling improvements.

     Of course, the Aveo has a relatively weak engine, but the light weight of the car helps mitigate what would otherwise be underpowering.  It does, however, work hard to pass or do quick merges onto freeways and suchlike, especially with the air conditioning on.  The engine sound is fairly smooth however, and the automatic transmission actually improves performance.  Manual shifting tends to be rubbery.  The suspension is surprisingly effective at absorbing bumps and dips.  Of course, such a small car is quite nimble in maneuvering, but quick stops can produce nosedive, and the brake pedal takes a long push and can feel mushy, especially with antilock brakes.  The interior is also surprisingly quiet.  The dashboard gauges are well-placed and easy to read, but the audio controls are a bit low and difficult for the driver to manipulate.  Headroom is good in the front, and legroom in front is also good except for the tall.  Rear legroom is good for adults unless the front seats are more than halfway back or the adult is tall. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Aveo does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Chevrolet Beretta 1990-96

     Notes: This is a sports coupe member of the Chevy line.  It comes with a choice of two 4-cylinder and one 6-cylinder engine, and manual and automatic transmissions.  It was a hot seller, and is a decent sports coupe for those who were looking for a reasonable level of luxury, but couldn’t afford a more expensive car like a Cadillac Catera.  By 1990, most of the weaker engines which were once put into Berettas were deleted in favor of more powerful engines.  1990 did not have many features which have a game relevance, but in 1991, the Beretta gained a driver’s side airbag, a new steering wheel which was easier to grip and made it easier to see the dashboard instruments, and redesigned gauges and controls.

     1992 brought antilock brakes, as well as 15 more horsepower to the base engine.  The V-6 became an option on the high-end GTZ model, though the Quad 4 engine was still the standard engine.  (The V-6 was standard on the mid-level GT, however.)  In the 1993 model year, that V-6 became an option for all Berettas.  The Quad 4’s horsepower dropped by 5 horsepower, due to stricter emission standards.  In 1994, even more engine options arrived, including a new Quad 4 for the GTZ and GT (now only 170 horsepower, but more emission-friendly), and a new 4-speed automatic transmission replaced the 3-speed automatic transmission option.  The base engine gained 10 horsepower, and the V-6 gained 20.  Automatic transmission became the only choice for Berettas equipped with a V-6 engine.  In 1995, daylight running lamps were added, and the Quad 4 engine, which sold less and less well as it dropped in horsepower, was deleted.  The Beretta was now equipped with long-life automatic transmission fluid and sparkplugs.  1996, unfortunately, brought only small cosmetic changes.

     The Beretta uses a sport suspension, but even it gets a little unstable at high speeds, but at highway speeds it is firm, though it can lose traction on twisty roads and tight turns.  The front bucket seats are uncomfortable, and the engines can be a bit noisy.  The Quad 4 180-horsepower engine is especially noisy, and demands premium gasoline.  Rear seats are adequate for adults for short rides, but getting in and out can be a challenge, the opening being so small.  Gauges are clearly marked and of good size, but controls are a bit clumsy.  Climate controls especially are mounted too low for easy operation while driving.  There is more interior and cargo space than most sport coupes, however.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was not built after the 1995 model year.

Chevrolet Blazer 1995-05

     Notes: The Chevy Blazer was a typical sort of American SUV sold in the 1990s.  The Blazer is an old design, but it was extensively re-designed for the 1995 model year, basing it on the S10 pickup truck.  The Blazer comes in 2 or 4-door body styles and with 2-wheel-drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive for off-road use (4WD is not recommended for smooth pavement use in this version), though permanent 4WD became an option midway through the 1995 model year.  There are three luxury levels; the base model, the somewhat better-appointed LS, and the well-appointed LT (4 doors only).  A variety of suspension packages are available, depending on what you want to do with the vehicle, ranging from a street suspension that offers a soft, car-like ride to a firm off-road suspension.  The Blazer is equipped with a tow package, and is able to tow 2.27 tons.

     The 1995 model year had a driver’s side airbag and antilock brakes, and only automatic transmission was available.  For 1996, the Blazer’s engine was replaced with a Vortec engine, but it had 5 fewer horsepower (though was somewhat more economical, and had much better emissions).  Later in the model year, daylight running lamps also became standard, and a manual transmission became an option on 2-door blazers.  1997 brought a one-piece liftgate, a gearshift mounted on the floor instead of the column (automatic transmission versions with bucket front seats only), and an optional sunroof.  The permanent 4WD option gained 4-wheel disc brakes, and a special 2WD off-road version of the base and LS models became available, the Wide-Stance Sport Performance Package, which offered higher ground clearance, firmer shocks, a wider wheelbase, and larger tires.  1998 brought a passenger-side airbag and 4-wheel antilock brakes as well as some cosmetic changes.  1999 brought Autotrac, a full-time 4WD system which could be used on any surface.  It also brought the TrailBlazer model, which is largely a cosmetic change, including gold-accented trim and leather upholstery, as well as having Autotrac as a standard feature.  For 2000, the base model was dropped, leaving the LS as the new base model and the TrailBlazer as the new top-of-the-line.  Internal changes made the interior quieter and the ride smoother.  Premium Ride, a standard feature, also helped smooth the ride, particularly over rough surfaces.  Options included the Smooth Ride feature, with gas-filled shock absorbers, offering a more car-like ride; and the Solid Smooth Ride option for 2-door models only, which offered an even more car-like ride.  A CD player was also added.  For 2001, the Xtreme model was added to the line, with a lower ride, alloy wheels, and special cosmetic features, was added.  It was a 2WD model not intended for off-road use.  2002 brought only minor cosmetic changes, but 2003, the rear-wheel brakes were changed to drum brakes in a cost-cutting move.

     2004 Blazers come only in two or four-door models in LS trim or a two-door 2WD Xtreme model.  All use only a 190-horsepower V-6; the two-door models have optional manual transmission, while the 4-door models are strictly automatic transmission vehicles.  Two-door LSs have rear-wheel drive, while four-door models have on-demand four-wheel drive which must be disengaged for proper traction on dry pavement.  The four-door models may also have optional AutoTrac 4WD, which may be left engaged all the time.  The ZR2 package was also offered, which gives the Blazer a special off-road suspension with high ground clearance and larger tires and wheels.

     In 2005, 4-door Blazers were sold exclusively to commercial, military, government, and police concerns; only the 2-door models were sold to the public at large.  It is otherwise unchanged from 2004. 

     Despite driver-side airbags, antilock brakes, and large size, the Blazer does not do well in crash tests, sustaining large amounts of body and engine compartment damage as well as transmitting injuries to the driver and especially, the passengers.  Steering and handling are excellent, behaving more like a midsize sedan than an SUV.  The brakes tend to feel a bit mushy and must be stomped hard for quick stops.  The 2-door version has little room for passengers and cargo, while the 4-door version has more room for both, but is 16.5 centimeters longer and a great deal heavier.  Instruments and controls are clearly marked, easy to read, and ergonomically sound.  A major oversight is the lack of airbags on late models.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Blazers beyond the 1995 model year are not available, though military versions were built as CUCVs for the US Army, Air Force, and Navy (these are basically stripped, militarized models, but have similar performance). 

*Crew Rating is 1+4 with front bucket seats.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe 1992-00

    Notes: These two vehicles are identical except for styling differences and the engine used to power them, as well as several other improvements.  All have a tow package, with the 210 horsepower V-8 able to tow 2.7 tons, the V-8 255 horsepower engine able to tow 2.92 tons, and the turbodiesel engine able to tow 3.14 tons. 

     The 1992 Blazer is a 2-door, 2 or 4-wheel drive model with a tailgate at the rear which opens in a clamshell pattern, with the liftgate opening down and the glass hinging upwards.  The 1992 Blazer has antilock brakes on all four wheels.  The only engine available for this model year is a 210-horsepower V-8 gasoline engine.  The transmission is either a manual 5-speed or an automatic 4-speed.  4-wheel-drive versions were equipped with InstaTrac, which improved handling, especially over uneven surfaces.  The 1993 Blazer had an electronically-controlled automatic transmission, greatly improving the shifting smoothness.  The 1994 Blazer has a 180-horsepower turbodiesel engine as an option, offering less raw power but more torque and better fuel economy.  Side door beams were added, offering greater protection in a rollover.  In 1995, the Blazer name was changed to Tahoe, and accompanying this name change was a 4-door model with a longer wheelbase.  A driver’s side airbag was installed, but the standard engine was a 200-horsepower V-8 (ten less than the year before), with the turbodiesel as an option.  1996 brought several improvements to the Tahoe, the most notable being a jump to a 250-horsepower V-8 gasoline engine (with the turbodiesel still being an option).  Daylight running lamps were installed; however, the manual transmission option was deleted.  2WD and 4WD were now available on both the 2-door and 4-door models.  On the 4WD models, the Tahoe could be switched between 2 and 4WD merely by pushing a button on the dashboard.  The 1997 model year saw an increase of 5 horsepower to the gasoline engine.  A bucket front seat option was added, with a center console for the bucket seats containing (amongst other things) a fold-out writing surface).  1998 brought full-time 4WD, with a new system called Autotrac allowing the 4WD to ride smoothly on any surface.  1999 brought only minor cosmetic changes, but the 2000 Tahoe brought new gasoline engines (though still rated at 255 horsepower).  There was also a Z71 version, optimized for off-roading, and a Limited, which was luxury-oriented. 

     These vehicles can tend to slide in the tail when unladen, and the power steering is a bit overassisted.  The vehicle is quiet, and absorbs bumps well.  Body lean is quite noticeable, particularly in tight turns or when off-roading on very uneven surfaces.  On the road, the Blazer, and especially the Tahoe, are very quiet.  The headroom and legroom in the interior is excellent, seemingly designed for tall and large occupants.  The gauges and controls are easy to read and reach.  Cargo space benefits from the under-chassis storage of the spare tire in 4-door models; however, 2-door models still carry their spares inside the cargo area. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Chevrolet largely turned to wartime production in 1995; civilian versions of the Tahoe are not available after this model year.  However, production of the Tahoe did continue after this point; these were “stripped,” militarized versions which were mostly equipped with diesel engines and did not have a bucket front seat option.

*With bucket front seating, Crew rating is 1+5.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Chevrolet Camaro 1990-92

     Notes: This is one of America's premier muscle cars, delivering fast speed, tight turns, and excellent handling.  The 1990 model came in both base and IROC-Z versions, with the IROC-Z being more performance oriented with more powerful engine choices, a limited-slip differential, and 16-inch alloy wheels and special trim.  Standard features common to both models include a driver’s side airbag, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, and halogen headlights. 

     In 1991, the Z28 version, missing from the lineup since 1988, came back; however, the IROC-Z disappeared.  The Z28 basically took the place of the IROC-Z, having the more powerful engines, better suspension, and special trim, including a spoiler and cosmetic hood bulges.  1993 brought a luxurious “Heritage Appearance” edition, but otherwise, changes were minimal.

     The handling is enhanced at the cost of ride, which can be very bumpy and full of vibration, especially on uneven surfaces.  The interior is snug, not particularly suited to large or tall people.  The rear seats are not comfortable at all for adults, being better suited to children.  The Camaro is also plagued by poor wet weather traction, being very unpredictable on slippery surfaces.  Convertibles tend to suffer from a lot of rattles and clanks.  The Camaro is not a RL cheap car, but for those who want raw performance, this is the car for them.

Chevrolet Camaro 1993-02

     Notes: This update of the Camaro began as a hatchback only, with an almost total body and interior restyling.  The body is more aerodynamic, and made largely of dent-resistant composites which also allow for crumple zones in a crash.  The Camaro again came in a base model powered by a V-6 and a Z28 model powered by a V-8.  The dimensions are virtually the same as the previous edition of the Camaro, but weight is somewhat increased, mostly by the engine and new accessories.  Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard.

     The 1994 model brought a convertible Camaro back to the market, with a glass back window and power-operated roof.  The transmission includes Computer-Aided Gear Selection, which forces a gear change from 1^st to 4^th gear when taking off fast or accelerating quickly.  The 1995 model brought Traction Control (which could be switched off) to Z28s as an option.  A more powerful V-6 also became an option in base model Camaros.  1996 made that more powerful V-6 standard in base Camaros; the Z28s engine gained 10 horsepower.  An “RS” package became an option for both versions, which added more aerodynamic trim and a spoiler.  An “SS” package became available for the Z28, which gives the Z28 wider wheels and tires, an improved suspension, a hood air scoop, and a powerful 305 horsepower engine, as well as some styling changes.  1997 model changes were largely cosmetic, but the dashboard was redesigned for easier reading and view, daylight running lamps were added, and the center console in the interior has more storage space.  1998 gave the Camaro a redesigned nose for even better aerodynamics, composite headlights, and redesigned fenders and hood.  A new V-8 (also 305 horsepower) became the base engine for the Z28, and the engine for the SS version of the Z28 was boosted to 320 horsepower.  The 1999 model brought traction control as an option to base Camaros and the fuel tank grew in size for all models.  2000 models had few changes, but steering-wheel audio controls were added, low-emission engines were available in states and cities which required them, and the wheels were redesigned for better traction.  2001 brought a redesigned Z28 SS (cosmetically), but the V-8 engines grew in power by only 5 horsepower.  Shocks were retuned in all models to improve ride.  2002 brought a 35^th Anniversary Z28 SS version, which differed only cosmetically from the standard SS.  The cassette player was replaced by a CD player.

     Ride quality has been improved, but is still a bit bumpy.  Gauges are easy to see, and controls have been moved to make it more ergonomically sound.  Climbing in can be difficult because the car is so low-slung, and there is a large hump on the floor of the passenger side that can interfere with legroom.  Rear headroom is a little better, but the seat is still best suited for children.  The front seats are low and can hinder visibility. Poor wet-weather traction is still a problem, but improves somewhat on 1995 or later models, which are equipped with traction control. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Like most of Chevrolet’s purely civilian designs, the Camaro was not built after the 1995 model year.

*Fuel Cap grew to 64 liters in 1999.

Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS 1991-96

     Notes: These are full sized sedans, so spacious and well-appointed they are described as "living rooms on wheels." This particular line was introduced in 1991, with the Caprice being the more luxurious model, and the Impala SS (which came later) being more performance-oriented.  The chassis is an old design, but starting in 1991, both cars had a more aerodynamic and attractive body atop the chassis.  The sedan version came out in the beginning of the 1991 model year, in base and Custom trims, followed later in the model year by a wagon version of the Caprice and a even sportier-version of the Impala SS known as the LTZ.  All of these cars have antilock brakes and a driver’s side airbag.  The Wagons have standard 6-passenger seating, with an optional rear-facing seat for two more.  The Wagons also have a standard roof cargo rack, rear window washer/wipers, and a tailgate which could swing out or down depending on how one operates the handle. 

     1992 brought a more powerful V-8 engine, with speedometers to match (they now read up to 100 mph/160 kph).  A tilt steering wheel also became standard.  1993 brought a small cosmetic change to Caprice sedans; they lost their rear-wheel fender skirts.  The taillights and headlights were also redesigned, and the rear wheel track grew somewhat, giving surer footing.  Both Caprice sedan models were now known as the Caprice Classic, coming in either base or LS trim.  An even more powerful V-8 became available for the LTZ, and was also an option for the wagon version.  The 1994 model year brought the new Impala SS, a high-performance version of the Caprice, sporting a toned-down version of one of the Camaro’s V-8s and a police-type suspension.  That engine was also an option for the Caprice, as well as another new V-8.  Caprices got a new dashboard with digital instruments, and the automatic transmission was now electronically instead of hydraulically-controlled.  A passenger-side airbag was added.   1995 brought primarily cosmetic changes, but a rear roof pillar offering increased visibility replaced the old one on Caprice sedans (the Impala SS already had that type of roof pillar), the seats were reshaped for greater comfort, the side mirrors folded, and new colors were added.  1996 Impalas had the gearshift handle moved from the column to the floor, and on all models, the digital instruments were again replaced by analog ones (including a tachometer, which is really almost superfluous in automatic transmission cars). 

     The Caprice's ride is very bouncy and floaty over bumps and other road hazards, leans heavily in turns, and wallows over wavy roads, though these tendencies are not as marked on the LTZ or the Impala SS.  Worse still, the steering is loose and imprecise, often leading to understeering or oversteering (which is again, better on the LTZ and Impala SS).  The Impala version is equipped with a stiffer suspension with far better handling, cornering, maneuvering, and steering.  Engines are powerful, all V-8s with high performance.  Fuel economy is mediocre, however.  Mechanical running noise is low, but wind noise is quite loud. The transmission tunnel is large, taking legroom away from center passengers.  The Caprice and Impala have tow packages, able to tow 1.06 tons with 200 horsepower, 1.11 tons with the 170 horsepower, 1.3 tons with the 180 horsepower, and 1.43 tons with the 260-horsepower engine.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1995 model year was the last model year built.

Chevrolet Cavalier 1990-94

     Notes: This is an economy subcompact sedan for the everyman, roughly equivalent to the Ford Escort.  The vehicle comes with 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, and unlike most cars of its class, comes in 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible models as well as the more normal 4-door sedan and wagon configurations.

     For the 1990 model year, the Cavalier came in four versions:  a 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, a 4-door wagon, and the sporty Z24 coupe, a version of the coupe with a more powerful engine and different styling and sports suspension.  The seats were said to be quite comfortable, but had passive seatbelts which could tangle the occupant when getting out of the car.  The exhaust system was of stainless steel.  For 1991, there were cosmetic changes inside and out, but the big news was the return of a convertible Cavalier to the line (the RS).  The Z24 also got aero panels and a spoiler.  Tires on most models grew from 13 to 14 inches, while on the Z-24, they went to 15 inches.  The interior controls for the audio and climate control were changed from buttons to rotary knobs.  More stowage compartments were added, and a sunroof was an option.  In 1992, antilock brakes became standard across the line, and the 4-cylinder engine gained 15 horsepower.  A convertible version of the Z24 was added to the line.  1993 saw convertibles gain glass instead of the former plastic in their rear windows, along with an optional rear defogger.  The V-6 engine, which was previously only available in wagons, was now an option on the RS.  In 1994, the base engine grew in power to 120 horsepower, but wagons dropped to just one trim level.

     Gas mileage is good, best with the 4-cylinder, but still pretty good with the 6-cylinder.  Ride is reasonably comfortable, and even better with the optional sport suspension.  Gauges and controls are easy to see and use, with the exception of the turn signal lever, which is too short for easy use.  The Cavalier is built very strong and occupants are well-protected in case of a crash, often walking away with only minor injuries.