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Acceleration
"No opportunity to measure with 2.2 engine. The 2.4 has decent around-town go,
but highway passing, hillclimbs can feel labored. Manual transmission feels slightly
quicker than automatic, but manual shifter's crude movement, long throws diminish
sporty feel. Automatic transmission responsive, quick to kick down for more power. "
Value
"Some buyers might wish for sportier handling, and most would want smoother,
more-powerful engine performance. But Chevrolet's retro-flavored wagon offers
a practical blend of look-at-me style and utility in a not-too-large package.
Pricing and features availability are competitive, too. "
Ride
"Composed overall, though ride can get bouncy over sharp bumps. Standard suspension,
16-inch tires absorb most bumps, but transmit some vibration over coarse surfaces.
2LT's sport suspension, 17-inch tires have little effect on ride quality. "
Economy
"Test LTs with 2.4-liter engine averaged 21.8 mpg with automatic transmission,
22.1 with manual. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for 2.4-liter, regular
for 2.2. "
Noise
"Wind rush well-controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. Noticeable
road roar from tires on coarse highway surfaces. "
Comfort - Front
"Adequate head, leg room for all but the largest occupants. Comfortable, chair-height
seats, though tall drivers might wish for extra height adjustment on seat, more
tilt steering wheel travel. Thick pillars slightly impede view fore and aft,
though generously sized rearview mirrors help. Low step-in, tall door openings
make entry/exit a breeze. "
Comfort - Rear
"Head room diminished beneath sunroof housing; good otherwise. OK knee, toe clearance,
but leg space cramped with front seats more than halfway back. Seatbacks quite
upright. Seat cushion modestly sized. Easy entry/exit."
Controls
"While exterior design recalls the 1950s, cabin design is modern. Gauges unobstructed,
but markings a bit small, hard to see. Climate, radio controls easy to reach.
Power-window switches located on central console instead of door panels, which
takes getting used to. Unpadded plastic dominates dashboard and door panels. "
Cargo Room
"Versatile storage space. It's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create flat load floor, but front seatbacks must be far forward for headrests to clear. Handy touch: Rear cargo cover slots into interior side panels to form a 2-tier loading ""shelf."" Small-item
storage just so-so: no center console, slim map pockets in doors, only one cupholder
for rear-seat area. "
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