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 21 through 30 of 96.00

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  A Cheap car in many ways - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KidsCar - March 7 - 2:05 pm

  Although it didnt cost much to buy as a used car, it has cost relatively a lot since I bought it. Head gasket $1000, rear shocks $300, alternator $300, not including tires and brakes (normal wear items). Although it looked great when I bought it for my daughter, I wish Id spent more on a Civic or Corolla and would have ended up with a better car. It has annoying issues like a leaky trunk seal, poor paint on bumpers, slipping door seals, etc. I had not purchased an "American car" in several years - this product reaffirms why.

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  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!

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  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!

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  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

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  Almost 10 Years Old and Heads Still Turn - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Debbie Moreno - July 3 - 10:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost 10 years and it still runs great and looks great! People always ask me.."What kind of car is that","Who makes it","Thats a nice looking car",etc.I have nothing but great things to say about it and other people do as well. Passengers cant believe how quick it goes from 0 to 40,50,60mph. Great on gas! So much fun to drive! Put the top down and everyone is checking it out! Also,Ive had the car for almost 10 years. I got in a very bad accident with it(another drivers fault,nothing to do with the car) and I truly believe its safety features saved my life. Air bags worked right on contact,seat belt locked me in place,etc. Not a fender bender! Best purchase I ever made!

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  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.

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  Z24 love it - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By D White - January 30 - 11:04 am

  I inherited this car from a friend who had it for less than a year. I intended to sell it right away, but changed my mind after driving it a bit. For the size and class of car, its definitely one of the most fun ones Ive had. And it loos good! Easy to maintain, and reasonable priced, I truly believe I got a sweet deal.