First off, I agree with mechanics being idiots, however, it always
seems that they try to screw me and I just cannot even believe some of
the bullshit they try to passoff. Anyways, the thread says "Brakes
Spongy" so I will address that one now. Try and bleed your brake
lines(should be little bleeder screws near the calipers) if not, you
have the manual, it explains how to do it in there. If that doesn't
fix it, check the brake fluid. The problem I had with my old cavalier,
well '01, was that the BACK brakes needed to be done, but it was
extremely spongy till I did them. It would even kick on the ABS at
random times, like if I hit my brakes over a bump, whereas it never
did that kind of crap before. So, check the back brakes too. Check for
uneven wear on the pads; if one pad is near new condition and the
other is down to the metal, either have your rotors resurfaced or buy
new ones. After you change any brakes, makes sure to pump the pedal
hard and several times before driving anywhere so that it restores the
correct pressure in the line so that when you go to brake the first
time after changing them, the pedal doesn't just go to the floor. If
this all doesn't help, get semi-metallic brake pads, check to make
sure that the calipers are well oiled(they sell oil for them and brake
cleaner at autozone or o'reily's), and consider dropping around $40
per wheel on some cheap slotted, vented, cross drilled
rotors(summitracing.com or ebay). If nothing else, you will stop when
you want to, even if it doesn't completely clear up the spongy
feeling. Hope this helps.

The Freak

I have also found that Chevy brakes tend to be a LOT mushier than other
makes.  I think part of it may have to do with the brake booster design
(actually not just Chevy but GM in general)