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 11 through 20 of 96.00

• 

  A base model isnt bad - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Revolver - June 13 - 4:40 pm

  I really like my chevy the design is basic enough that you can change out parts easy. Plus all the parts are pretty cheap, the coolant system absolutely suxs. However, if thats all you have to worry about I suppose thats okay. Many people buy cavaliers because they are cheap if you get the base model. Youll be surprised what these things will endure. My went through a flood with no issues, if you keep up to date on the coolant system if will work in many different heats and colds. Mine is a 2.2 liter which sure beats a 1.9 or a 2.0 only thing is I wish the car where a little bit bigger in the front for easy access to parts other than that a good cheap car!

• 

  LS Sedan - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BrandonK - August 7 - 2:26 pm

  Ive owned my 1997 Cavalier sedan since it was new, over 10 years ago and can honestly say I enjoy the vehicle. The engine still runs great with 178,000 miles. Ive replaced the high beam light, alternator at 110,000 miles, water pump at 165,000 miles, and the power steering hose at 178,000 miles. Ive performed the repairs with my dad, so labor was free, yet the parts only cost about 200.00 total, making the total cost of ownership very reasonable. I drive about 60% highway and usually change the oil every 5,000 miles. The vehicle has consistently averaged 30 MPG at around 40% city and 60% highway. Im also 6 feet tall and think the vehicle has just the right about the leg room.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bethann591 - April 15 - 1:30 pm

  I bought my 1997 Cavalier used in 2000 with only 50,000 miles on it. Its been a sturdy, reliable, and fun little car. Ive put another 74,000 miles on it driving all over the country. Recently I encountered a freak sleet storm in rural Montana and ended up rolling my car in a ditch. I always said Id drive that car until it died, and boy did I. The car was totaled, but I was able to walk away from the accident with minor scratches and bruises. Thank you, Cavalier! You did you job well!

• 

  Lots and lots of miles - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dlilly - September 22 - 12:14 pm

  I bought this car with about 54,000 miles on it. It went 20,000 miles before its first oil change (was in college and couldnt afford it) and it is still going strong. I used it as a delivery vehicle, so lots of starts and stops. My brother owns the car now, it has over 201,000 miles on it and still runs great.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By baldylocks1976 - September 16 - 10:30 am

  Owned this car for 5 years. Replaced the alternator twice, replaced the water pump a month after the first alternator. Had to replace the negative battery cable and the only replacement available was from the dealership for $80. When it came time for the 100,000 mile tune up, I had to have the head repaired because it had warped.

• 

  Great For Students! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By foxxy - January 31 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 97 Cavalier sedan from a good friend of mine. It had a little body damage when I bought it but nothing major. They had put a new O2 sensor on it but other than that had no major issues with it. So far the only thing Ive had to do to it was put a new water pump on today. Im a college student and I highly reccomend them to anyone looking for an inexpensice way to get around. Despite below freezing temps, mine has started up almost the first time every time. Its really a great car as long as theyre well taken care of. They may not be the fanciest or the fastest car out there, but theyre dependable and great fuel mileage. They really have a lot of potential. I love mine to death!

• 

  LS Sedan - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  Overall a reliable car. Mine has 135,000 miles on it and has never had any engine/transmission work done other than oil changes and tune ups. The engine I have is the 2.4L, so the gas mileage isnt quite as good as the 2.2L. The 2.4 does pack plenty of power though! My car will go up to around 50 mph in 2nd gear if I let it! The only major problem I have had is with a leaky gas tank that was replaced about 130,000 mi. A minor issue that I have is the motors for the power windows are starting to fade. Overall, a great car!

• 

  97 Chevy Cavalier - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kirk M. - July 21 - 12:55 pm

  Im 16 and this is my first car. When I first got my car a year ago I loved it to death and never had a problem out of it. But then this month everything has gone wrong with it. It started to overheat continuously and so I pulled over to check the coolant and there was none in it, so I added some. Then the next day it overheated again and there wasnt any coolant in it. So I drove it back home and tried to turn it off but the engine wouldnt stop running. We unplugged the battery and that didnt work so we messed wtih the alternator and it finally quit running. Then I had to have it towed in because it wouldnt start. Then I found out that the coolant was going into the engine so now it will cost $1000

• 

  Solid value - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Aerocraft67 - April 19 - 2:03 pm

  This car was a great value when I bought it new and throughout its lifetime. I just sold it. Its more stylish, powerful, and feature rich for the price compared with alternatives. I could even tow with it. Gratifying acceleration with the 2.4L, which is apparently one of GMs best engines. Repairs became significant, but otherwise normal and routine (i.e., A/C overhaul and water pump replacement near 90k). Otherwise, no major chronic or abnormal problems. Although, I had to replace the windshield twice under otherwise normal conditions. Very favorable price/performance ratio. I agree that criticism is harsh when you consider fair trade-offs at this price point. It served me well.

• 

  I got my moneys worth - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By vandy - January 6 - 1:50 am

  Wow -- I got my moneys worth and then some -- paid a shade over $11k (about the same # of miles on it at the time), and proceeded to run this thing into the ground. Just died 2 days ago (head gasket) with a whopping 179,000 miles. I have no complaints about this car. This car took out a deer at 65mph and did not blink (broken headlight, slightly dented hood). was also rear- ended (at speed) on the interstate by an old fella in a Buick. dented my license plate (slightly), while his grille/hood were a complete mess. I dealt with the slight rattles/noises the car developed (plastic covering tach/odometer display had an odd unrepariable squeak) because it never had any mechanical problems.