I have a 1998 Cavalier LS with a 2.4L @ 113,000 miles. I'm pretty indifferent with it. My dome light never works, been like that since i bought it. Haven't figured out why it won't come on. I also had to replace a water pump and all that jazz with in 3 months of owning the car. I also ruined the valve cover seals(I think those were it, could be something else) from accelerating to hard one night. Isn't to bad, but now I have to replace the spark plugs more often as they get oil in them.
The 2.4L though has plenty of power and I find when I need the power it does fine. The ride is average and the steering is average. I do find it a bit sloppy though. I feel the Civics have a much better steer. I really can't complain to much though. The Cavalier isn't a half bad first car and as long as you take care of it, it will be fine. To me though a car is a car. I just want get from A to B and have some nice tunes.