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

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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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  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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  Reliable Runabout - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CJ - June 17 - 9:49 pm

  Bought this car with an extended warranty, shortly thereafter the water pump went. I had regrets buying it, thinking the reliability would be bad. Very few problems since then. The O2 sensor went ($20 to replace). A/C needed a leak fixed, and a small oil leak fixed, all cheap fixes. Few problems for an 8 year old car. Ride and interior leave much to be desired. Lots of squeaks, and very soft ride. Cheap looking inside, and some fragile plastic pieces. Power was fine with the manual tranny. Engine note was quiet, albeit a souless "whir." Gas mileage was very good (33).

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  Another mediocre GM car. - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Peter - April 29 - 3:34 pm

  Ive done all the preventative maintenance to date on my Cavalier. The brakes chatter most, but not all the time. Often cannot get out of 1st or 2nd gear without pumping the clutch. Dealer tried fixing that by overfilling transaxle a dumb idea. Electric windows are unreliable: sometimes they roll up, sometimes they dont. Power steering groans. Seats offer poor back support and have only two controls. No inside trunk release. Intermittent wipers often dont work. No outside air shut-off. No separate vent shut-offs. Cheap carpet. Engine stumbles, especially when cold, but good power. No passenger window or door controls on driver side. Dash warped squeaks. Cigarette lighter fell off into unreachable area of dash interior. Minimal instrument panel.

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  97 cav - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By clh - March 29 - 2:00 am

  comfortable car nice looking but too frequently in the shop for many minor problems

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  Average car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By johnjohnjohn - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Make sure you obtain an extended warranty. After 3 years, this car starts to have problems.

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  Mechanical Junk - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ZENITH - December 22 - 2:00 am

  When you think of the so called horrible American car - this is it. Problem after problem after problem.

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  not too bad - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By thesaviorx6x6x6 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  this car is a sturdy, well-built chevy. If taken care of it will hardly ever let you down. Maintainance is very minimal. Though the manual transmission makes it fun to drive, it does lack in power. Sometimes acceleration feels very sluggish. Nevertheless it is a quality car

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  You get what you pay for... - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By starcherja - October 18 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this car brand new in 1997 and I "inherited" it and its problems when we were married two years later. A fun car to drive with all of the options, unfortunately not very well constructed and very unreliable. Now at 75,000 miles have replaced water pump, sunroof module, ignition, etc. Have had trouble getting problems resolved through multiple GM garages. All and all, a dissapointing experience with what should have been a fun car. Buyer beware!

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  Still running strong... - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mrmcderm - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car almost 6 years, and have put 85k on it (mostly highway) and it still runs well. I had A LOT of problems with the coolant system when it was new (1 year old). Was in the shop 7+ times in 3 mos. Eventually filed and won a lemon law suit against GM. Since then, no problems. Seats are falling apart (moldings and adjustments) and has a lot of dings...i just hope it keeps running.