Overview & Reviews

The Rally Sport (RS) trim is available for 1997 on the coupe and slotted between base and Z24 editions of the Cavalier. RS trim nets buyers the rear spoiler from the Z24, 15-inch tires, AM/FM stereo, tachometer, interior and exterior trim upgrades and a 3D rear-quarter panel decal. Base coupes have new wheel covers and safety belt guide loops. All 1997 Cavaliers meet federal side-impact standards for the first time. One new interior color and three new exterior colors freshen the lineup.

• Good looks, good value, standard anti-lock brakes, optional traction control

• Buzzy standard 2.2-liter engine, cheap interior materials

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 96.00

• 

  Best out of 100 vehicles - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Star - February 24 - 9:09 pm

  Magnolia has been with me for a decade, possibly 200,000 glorious miles. She gets me into mountain passes other small cars wouldn't dare to travel as well as through mid city interstates. We've learned a lot together, and when she needs some care, I give it to her. it's easy to tell what's wrong with her and fairly cheap and easy to fix. Just be mindful to shut the hood carefully because the radiators are flimsy. Everything decorative is flimsy. But it can all be easily rebuilt. We hit 313K last week and the only thing falling apart is the dashboard and the seats; they fell fast this summer (a 10K mile summer :D). The distance she can get per gallon is delightful! We sleep often in the car. Four or 5 of "us" is not uncommon. She loves the deserts and high deserts. We don't bother her when the snow is very high and she would rather pull over in torrential rain. I drive her a lot at night because any car is taxed in too much summer heat the distances we drive. Shes been my Solid all these years and now that we have to give her up, its very scary to imagine buying a car that's truly a hassle. The only reason we are giving her up instead of putting that steady $150/yr into her is that my youngest child really doesn't even fit in her without their legs up on the dashboard. The car is small; but my daughter and I are fairly small framed peoples and never noticed much. I will say that it's just 1/2 inch to short for me to sit up all the way yoga tall in there, tho, but most people don't sit straight up as they drive and try to do yoga, anyway. Best vehicle I've ever had, and I've owned many including a sailboat. I will be sad to move away from her, even my child who doesn't fit is sad to see her go so that we can welcome in something that fits a taller human comfortably.

• 

  love the ole cav - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nick LaQuerre - April 4 - 5:47 am

  the 97 cav drives well and it treats me well :)

• 

  Never let me down - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cocoaloboco - March 21 - 7:58 pm

  This was my first car and it treated me well, I cant say I returned the favor. I had it from 16-18 and really did no maintenance on it, my dad would top the oil off and that was all the car seen in TLC. it performed well the entire time and I didnt replace any parts. (other than a tire that blew out after a long road trip) I then let the car sit for a year & then sold it to a family friend. it started just fine & hes been driving it for 3 years no with no problems. the car was very reliable and great on gas. My only real complaint is its made of cheap metal and dents very easily...i leaned against the car and my butt left an indent...

• 

  Reliable, sporty and good on gas. - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chad1893 - February 29 - 9:49 pm

  I purchased my mettalic green 2dr chevrolet cavalier base at 59,000 miles i was attracted to the value and reliability as well as mpg ratio, it is very smooth on smooth road and at high speeds it is quiet and tight feleling, however bumps are not its friend it handles well and can be parked easily from any angle, the coupe looks sharp when cleaned, the performance is decent its quick under 40mph anything above 40 wait a few seconds unless you want to dig your foot into the pedal, the interior mine being base with a black inerface is pretty nice with a coat of armor all. The rear seats fold down so larger things can be hauled in the trunk like a bicycle. im impressed it 15yrs old.

• 

  Car is a BEAST - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By hermanson - August 29 - 7:24 pm

  My family bought this car was bought 8 years ago with it having 88k miles on it. Everyone in my family has driven it and recently it was handed down from my brother to me and ive had it for about 6 months. The car has about 227k miles on it and still runs strong. one word to describe this car, RELIABLE! car is worth its price and more.

• 

  182,000 and still going strong - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Artsy - April 5 - 10:35 am

  I bought this car when it came off a 1- yr lease and had 11,000 miles on it. Over the years have replaced alternator, gasket and thermostat (2x) Did basic oil changes, new tires. Now at 182,000 and the darned thing wont die. Currently getting 33mpg. Drives great, I feel safe in it, and it can plow through the deep snow of a Minnesota winter. Sometimes Im the only one who makes it to work. Great little car.

• 

  A freaking amazing car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chevy4life - March 11 - 11:04 pm

  I am a ASE certified Automotive Mechanic so please do not brush me off. This car is a simple yet elegant car that i push to the breaking point every day and its probably in my garage right now laughing at me saying is that all youve got? It needs a few improvements like power windows and about another 40 HP couldnt hurt rither it gets me where i need to go and i know from experience i will probably own this car for the next 10 years at least

• 

  great little car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mack 55 - March 7 - 1:41 pm

  I have had this car now for 7 years. It has out lasted all of my friends hondas and toyotas. Unlike most people i have a 5 speed in mine and have never had a problem with power out of the 2.2 4 banger. i have only had to replace the clutch at 165000 miles, and an alternator at 180000 miles. this car still has the same spark plugs that came in it when it was new. only problems now are the power windows with not roll up any more. but what do you expect from a 13 year old car. it still gets 33 mpg hiway and 26 city. great little car wish they still made them.

• 

  Good car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RNA - September 4 - 10:30 pm

  The Cavalier Coupe with the 2.2 OHV is not fast. With the 3 speed auto it is lacking in acceleration, but it is not unbearably slow, and it has good pickup in 2nd gear. Recently replaced Struts, front steering components, and Goodyear Tripletred tires result in an excellent ride, and handling is excellent. It handles curves at speed with a composed, solid feel. The interior is typical of old GM. Some cheap plastic bits, but a simple, easy layout. Brakes have solid pedal feel, along with rapid stops when needed. Lots of backseat room. Right now the A/C compressor needs replaced, but with 127,000 miles, it has lasted a long time. I run Valvoline Maxlife 5W-30 Synthetic Blend motor oil.

• 

  I will miss this car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By The Dude - July 5 - 10:42 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 for a steal of a price at 90,000 some miles. Mostly had regular maintenance done to it, The only thing I wish is I had known more about cars when I got it. I drove this thing though a flood, it performed a fancy winter move that saved my life and it has never broke down on me. Given the model type, plastic bumpers hit a lot by other cars and such yet no problem and engine size. Its at 161,000 right now but will probably only hit around 200,000. All and all I liked this car, but I am thinking I will good ford next due to GMs Bankruptcy.