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

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  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.

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  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

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  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.

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  Say It Aint So - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kate - January 6 - 2:39 pm

  My first car was a 97 chevy cavalier. I absolutely adored this car, except for the fact she was a piece of junk. The interior was close to awful. The insulation, those plastic black things that line the doors and windows, were falling apart before I pulled out of the car lot. I only had the car for a year and I had to have the coolant tank replaced, the brakes completely overhauled and after over a thousand dollars in repairs, the car died on the highway. No one would tell me what was wrong with it, so I had to ditch the car. My Mom bought a Chevy Malibu 1 yr older and has had the EXACT same problems. Dont forget about the fuel pump that never got fixed. Do yourself a favor - steer clear!

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  1997 cavilier z24 - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jon - October 29 - 11:02 am

  the car has held up nice other than the paint sracthes easy, i only have 68000 miles on it now and have bought it brand new. in all these years i used synthetic oil, installed a cold air intake. and tires and brakes and a altenator. so i feel real proud of this great purchase

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  165,000 miles and still running strong - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RICK C - September 25 - 4:54 pm

  Bought the car for a 100 bucks 2 yrs ago. It sat in grass for 2 yrs before I bought it so the under-carriage and lower rocker panels are shot. I spent 700 in new brakes, tires, gas tank, wheel bearing, fuel filter and a tune-up and it has ran great since. The 2.2 engine did have a head-gasket leak (weeping coolant outside the block) I added a bottle of hapco head-gasket sealant into the coolant a yr and a 1/2 ago and that fixed it. Gas mileage average is 28mpgs. Overall Im pleased with my purchase and hear that these engines can go well into the 200k range easy.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.