1997 Chevy Cavalier Review
1997 Chevy Cavalier Review
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Used Cavalier for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Cavalier model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good looks, good value, standard anti-lock brakes, optional traction control
Cons
- Buzzy standard 2.2-liter engine, cheap interior materials
What’s new
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$175/mo for Cavalier LS
Cavalier LS
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For 15 years, the Cavalier has been a staple sales leader for Chevy dealers. Understandably so, because the Cavalier offers reasonable value and is priced low enough to compete favorably in the compact market, often undercutting smaller models from other manufacturers.
The second-generation Cavalier debuted in 1995, and not a moment too soon. A very good car, this recently designed Cavalier, offering adequate room for four adults, decent performance, and acceptable interior accommodations. Styling is attractive and contemporary, and there is a model to suit almost everyone's needs.
GM's venerable 2.2-liter four cylinder, whose droning exhaust note you are no doubt familiar with, is standard in the Cavalier. Equipped with this powerplant, the Cavalier lags behind its primary competition, the Dodge Neon, in power and acceleration. Optional in LS sedan and convertible is a 2.4-liter twin-cam engine hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission that features traction control (a five-speed manual gearbox is a credit option on the LS convertible). The Cavalier is a much more livable car with this engine, and we wish that Chevrolet offered this powertrain in base models as well. The twin-cam engine is standard in the sporty Z24 coupe. Manually shifted Z24s are as quick as the Neon Sport Coupe from rest to 60 mph.
Changes to this successful formula are minimal for 1997. A new trim level, dubbed Rally Sport, is available in coupe format. The RS includes Z24 bodyside moldings and spoiler with body-color fascias, special badging, and larger tires. According to press materials, a three-dimensional decal is slapped onto the rear quarter panels of the RS. Hmmm...who thought this was a good idea, Beavis?
Additional changes include new exterior paint colors, a new light gray interior color, and revised wheel covers on the base coupe. Coupes also receive safety belt guide loops. All Cavaliers get a new easy-open gas cap and side-impact protection that meets new government regulations. Order the Exterior Appearance Package on a base model, and get a body-color grille insert.
Overall, we think Chevy has a winner here. The styling is attractive and contemporary. The interior is comfortable and well laid-out. Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment. And, best of all, the price is dead on; low enough to make the Geo Metro sedan an exercise in redundancy. We recommend that you check out the Cavalier if a compact car fits your needs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
5 star(32%)
4 star(45%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
97 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.5 out of 5 stars
This car is satan itself
dmr028, 02/13/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
Time chain went $650
Fuel regulator $350
Radator $750
Head gaskets $800 (I only had the car 6
months and miles were just over the
warranty in '99 - I have no speeding
tickets either!)
4 recalls in the time I've owned the
vechile. DON'T BUY THIS CAR YOU WILL
GO BROKE FIXING IT!!!
1.75 out of 5 stars
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS!!!!!!
Poof, 03/21/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
I purchased this car right out of High
School.I din't know what I was doing.
This was all I could afford. The only
smart thing I did was buy the extended
warranty. If I hadn't I would of spent
$3000 on fixing it. Gas mileage sucks.
I had the rear main seal go, head cover
gasket, leak in the fuel injectors, o2
sensor, alternator, oil pump, oil pump
sensor, only thing … that is still
working great is the a/c and coolant
system. I can't wait to finish paying
it off in Aug 2003. This was my
second cavalier and it had nothing but
the constantly over heating. I'm
talking, going to work and
find your coolant broke inside your
car, leaking everywhere.
3 out of 5 stars
97 cav
clh, 03/29/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
comfortable car nice looking but too
frequently in the shop for many minor
problems
3.25 out of 5 stars
Mechanical Junk
ZENITH, 12/22/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
When you think of the so called
horrible American car - this is it.
Problem after problem after problem.
1997 Cavalier Highlights
Convertible
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $175/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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