I found my 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 through an online search about last Thanksgiving when I was looking for a real driver's car. I had long loved the traditional, non-radical styling of the Cavalier, and the Z24 was a perfect match for me. As a college student, I couldn't afford much, so a new, or even late-model, car was out of the question. One ad I found sounded too good to be true, but the seller assured me that it was well worth the 200-mile drive just to take a look.

As soon as I sat in the driver's seat, I knew that if I loved nothing else about the car, I would certainly love the driving position. Not toweringly high like so many of today's sedans, and not in the floor like most typical sports coupes. Very soon, though, I would find that there was so much more to love about this car. The 3.1-liter MPFI engine, brand-new for 1990, is almost more than enough to make this car really move, and qualifies this car as a small, but true American Muscle Car. I opted for the quick-shifting Getrag 5-speed over the automatic as the automatic in Cavalier didn't offer overdrive until 1995. I have stretched a gallon over 33 miles on the Interstate, and average 25 mpg in daily driving. To go along with the almost-ready-to-race powertrain, the Cavalier Z24's roadholding, incorporating FE3 sport suspension and 215/60-14 high-performance tyres, is equally impressive. I highly recommend a strut tower bracket to reinforce body integrity in hard corners.

All the controls are laid out logically, and are easy to use. The gauges are clear, save for an occasional reflection, and easy to understand. They include speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, voltage, and coolant temperature. 1990 was the first year for the door-mounted front seatbelts, which can be left fastened when the door is opened. The seats are quite comfortable on long road trips, including my yearly 10-hour, 600-mile pilgrimage to the National J-Body Bash in Lordstown, Ohio. The back seat is fine for two, but three's a crowd.

I have loved my Z24 from day I drove it back home. I've even taken it to the track a couple of times. It's been in the shop a few times already, but it was mainly little picky stuff like a cover on wrong or a crooked trim piece or steering wheel. Let me recommend the V6 Cavalier Z24 if you're looking for a satisfying affordable performance car! (But stay away from it if you're one of those who like ugly or slow cars!)