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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  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.

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  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 :)

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  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...

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  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.

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  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.

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  Was expensive, but so worth it! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Chelsea - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, 4 door, white, and gets probably 37 MPG at least! This car has never let me down and is my girly! Shes so reliable and I love this car! Its my first car and Im only 18! Weve never had to fix anything yet - except the fluids often - but that was because the car hadnt been moved for over a year, besides maybe the owner driving it around once in a while. Everything is better now! I hope to pass this car on to my kids when they are older! I bought this car at 70,700 miles. At 74,700 now! So I hope she holds up that long! Lol

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  It keeps going. - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Betty97 - July 1 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 120,000 miles on it. It now has 216,000+ miles and doesnt use a drop of oil. I average 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. I have had no major issues with this car and have only replace the plugs and wires and the water pump. Its going to be a sad day when it does finally die.

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  I will miss my baby :( - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Summur - June 6 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my 97 cavalier used in may of 04, I car ran great I never had any major problems till recently. About a month ago all hell broke loose! Replaced battery, starter, some valves on engine and then fuel pump. She still isnt starting. I have nothing bad to say about her though, she has well over 210,000 miles on her and she is 13 years old. It was hard to let go. She was a very very reliable car.

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  I love my car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By socalqt - May 13 - 2:14 pm

  My 1997 Chevy Cavalier was my very first car, and I havent looked back. Its sporty, small, and gets AMAZING gas mileage. A friend and I drove to San Francisco from Los Angeles on one tank of gas and it only costs $40.00 to fill the tank! I bought it at 72,000 miles and Im up to 103,000+ with little to no problems. No serious mechanical issues so far, the interior kind of fell apart (mostly the previous owners fault). Im so happy with my car, shes my baby. Shes been so good to be and I couldnt be happier!

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  97 Cavalier Rally Sport - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jessicab5808 - April 15 - 7:23 am

  It gets you from point A to B, but it rusts easy and overall i HATE it