Solid-beam rear suspensions is what auto-makers do when they can't figure out how to stop a light-weight and under-enforced frame from twisting like a wet rag in corners.
As for the 2.x motor that has been stuck in these cars, they are terribly under-built, they have feeble heads, terrible sealing problems, and very low output.
(The new ecotecs are a bit of an exception)
Basically, they are, have always been Chevvy's version of the K-Car. Cheap parts, Cheap assembly, Half-decent fuel mileage...
Besides the fact that I think they are fugly (but I own a saturn, so who am I to talk! 
), consumer-ratings for these cars are unanimously "TERRIBLE."
Craptastic reliability, lackluster performance... Honestly, if you think a Z24 is fast... 
I'll go along and say, yes, with a lot of work, you can make a fast z24/sunfire. But after $3500+ in mods, and you are running high-mid 14s .... Plus having to freak about blowing the cheap head clean off the motor...
I mean, at least with a Honda/Yota/Hyundai, you can claim that your car is decent handling in a road-course/autocross... Ever seen a J-body wallow through corners, tail-end wagging like a puppy on amphetamines? *shudder*
Dunno why anyone would want to do ANYTHING to a cavalier/sunfire... Except perhaps trade it in 
In case you haven't noticed, I hate these cars with an unholy passion. Feel free to ignore me!
[This message has been edited by Mach10 (edited 03-31-2003).]
