Used 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Consumer Reviews
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SOME PROBLEMS
AVERAGE, 04/18/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT SO FAR. FOR EXAMPLE THE ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY. WHEN I CHECK IT IT IS ALWAYS FULL. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION YET. ALTERNATOR WENT OUT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER HAVING THE CAR. WENT THREW TWO NEW BATTERIES BECAUSE OF THAT. NO PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THAT YET.
crap!
lbs, 05/13/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to take back and forth to college. Every time i get in it i get a headache from the wind noise. The car is not well insulated and every little noise is heard. I have to keep the radio loud to even hear it over the noise. i have had to replace the alternator and the starter and a few batteries. I also had major problems with the AC like five times. All around it is more trouble than it is worth.
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See all 0 listingsA base model isn't bad
Revolver, 06/13/2009
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 that's all you have to worry about I suppose that's okay. Many people buy cavalier's because they are cheap if you get the base model. You'll 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!
I will miss this car
The Dude, 07/06/2009
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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. It's 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 GM's Bankruptcy.
Good car
RNA, 09/05/2009
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
throwaway car
cavhater, 06/17/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car as a replacement for a Jetta that was a money pit. Bad move! At least the J looked better! Ignition switch went out after 55k miles, leaks oil, ABS light has been on for weeks, and it has no personality whatsoever. On my way to get a Honda CR-V!
great little car
Mack 55, 03/07/2010
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Not bad
matthoffman, 06/23/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had it for 5 years and haven't run into any reliability problems yet, except for plastic trim falling off, which seems pretty standard. It's the least expensive sports-looking car available! I haven't taken it into the shop for any real problems yet, and it has 50,000 now. I'm hoping for another couple years.
182,000 and still going strong
Artsy, 04/05/2010
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 won't die. Currently getting 33mpg. Drives great, I feel safe in it, and it can plow through the deep snow of a Minnesota winter. Sometimes I'm the only one who makes it to work. Great little car.
Remember the price
Big Jim, 06/24/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good run-about. Dependable but lots of little problems developed after the warrenty expired like broken plastic components (AC knob, driver seat base molding, seat belt cover), specific lines on rear window defroster, and lowest fan level on AC doesn't work. For a car among the cheapest that GM makes and having 80000 miles, it has been a good but not great car. It seems like GM is always having recalls on this car (#3 by last count) which means that I am being inconvenienced for a day each time. I would consider buying another, but I would do a lot of shopping around for other cars in the same price range first.
Love my Z
INANE, 07/14/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Z24 for a little over 4 years now, bought it when it was one year old. I had traded in my 89 Berreta GTU for it (a car that doubled it value from all the work I had to do to it). I like the design's of GM products but I know that most of what they made from the 80s and early 90s were junk from a reliablity standpoint so I cautiously purchased the Z24 with an extended warrenty. I guess its good to say I only had to use it once, had to replace the water pump, otherwise this car has been near perfect to me (has 71k miles now).
Was expensive, but so worth it!
Chelsea, 10/28/2010
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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! She's so reliable and I love this car! It's my first car and I'm only 18! We've never had to fix anything yet - except the fluids often - but that was because the car hadn't 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
What a lemon!
mad cavi owner, 07/27/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has turned out to be such a lemon! Within the first 18 months the steering rack had to be replaced. It needed a new clutch after 50k miles and now at just after 60k the head gasket needs to be replaced! Oh yes, and the windshield wipers have decided that the new off position is straight up. Yikes! Steer clear of this one my friends!
My review
MM2107, 07/30/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for over five years and never had problem until this month. The water pump went on the car. It is a big job for do-it-yourselfer or an expensive job at the shop. Other than that the car has ran perfect with regular maintenance for 110,000 miles. Everything still operates in and out of the car. Performance wise it is a speedy little four banger with good acceleration and no problems at cruising speeds on the highway.
Still running strong...
mrmcderm, 09/04/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Cavalier is a great car
TBCass, 09/09/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 6 years this car is as good as new. New breaks at 34000 miles is the only money outside of normal mantainance I've put in to the car.with the 2.4 liter engine it has all kinds of power and still gets 30 mpg. The finish is nearly as good as brand new. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Happy Owner
Nice plain car, 10/15/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 5 and a half years with very few problems. Just the standard tire/brake replacement, and oil changes. The original battery finally died after 5 yrs of use. I did have a few of the interior plastic pieces brake, but nothing detracting. Great car for a younger person.
You get what you pay for...
starcherja, 10/18/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Fun car... they just keep getting better
modelboy, 10/04/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine hasn't had any problems that I didn't create. I had to replace the clutch since I taught someone how to drive on it. The engine has so much unlocked potential that you just can't get from any other car in this class. My certified mechanic brother that works on funny cars and top fuel dragsters loves to help me make it faster by doing this or that since he agrees that Chevy makes by far the best engines out of anyone. FYI I have been able to push out 250 hp out of the 2.2 engine naturally aspirated, so imagine what the 2.4-liter will do when we swap it out and supercharge it! We're going for 1000!
dependable
Iowaguy , 10/29/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
car gets great gas milage , sound system good, heater good , air cond good , peppy get up when needed, looks sharp my car has the traction control great in Iowa winters very reliable .Negative - Seat belt restraint cheap needs replaced , plastic parts cheap had to replace passanger air vent positioner, foam densisty in front seats need to be more firm as it settles and you swing to get out of car the metal seat bracket catches your clothes. overall should be rated at an 7.8
cavalier1997
gfischer, 12/09/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nice car, fun to drive, excellent for around the town driving.
Can't wait to get rid of this car
ALK, 12/14/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used right after I graduated college because it was all I could afford. I have had several problems with it including coolant problems, blown head casket, a/c problems, belts problems that needed replaced...you get the idea. Looking to trade this junk in for a Corolla...can't wait!!!
Great Car
sprnova777, 12/25/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for two and a half years and the only problem I have had is the waterpump. I am told that these cars are known for this. Other than that my cavy has 91000 miles and runs just as good as the day I bought it.
Chevy Cavalier LS
raseco, 08/30/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since buying my car used in 97, I have never had a problem w/ this car. Other than the normal maintenance and upkeep, I have not had to replace any other parts.
Will Own Many More Cavaliers!!
Rachek, 04/14/2005
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive for a living. I spend no less than 9 hours a day in my car and it is the best purchase I have ever made. I love my car and will own it till it won't own me anymore.
Another mediocre GM car.
Peter, 04/29/2005
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've 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 don't. Power steering groans. Seats offer poor back support and have only two controls. No inside trunk release. Intermittent wipers often don't 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.
Great car for the cost.
Leslie Lou, 01/22/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the first car I ever purchased, I still love it as much now as I did when I rove it off the lot 7 years ago with only 7 miles on it. The paint is a little weak scratches way to easy. Lot of ratteling in the dash board from the ashtray to the defroster grill to the glove box, thank goodness I have a nice stock stereo system in the car.
Don't buy this car.
tezdel81, 02/01/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mother always said, "you get what you pay for." That is exactly right with this car. The best thing it has going for it is gas mileage. Otherwise, it's built to last only a few years. No trade in value, you will end up owing way more than its worth in the long run. Stay away is my opinion.
I got my money's worth
vandy, 01/06/2006
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow -- I got my money's worth and then some -- paid a shade over $11k (about the same # of miles on it at the time), and proceeded to run this thing into the ground. Just died 2 days ago (head gasket) with a whopping 179,000 miles. I have no complaints about this car. This car took out a deer at 65mph and did not blink (broken headlight, slightly dented hood). was also rear- ended (at speed) on the interstate by an old fella in a Buick. dented my license plate (slightly), while his grille/hood were a complete mess. I dealt with the slight rattles/noises the car developed (plastic covering tach/odometer display had an odd unrepariable squeak) because it never had any mechanical problems.
stay away!
davehatescavaliers, 02/23/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
after being ripped off in 2001 for $3000 more than the car was even worth, it's been one problem after another with this little piece of you- know-what. i'm considering replacing it with a 12 year old accord with 108,000 miles if that tells you anything. that honda will be a real step up.
Average car
johnjohnjohn, 03/28/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Make sure you obtain an extended warranty. After 3 years, this car starts to have problems.
Great fun car
drkoz0123, 04/08/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Cavi was my 2nd car. I was looking for something sporty, reliable, and more safe than my previous car to go back and forth to college. Currently have 64000 miles. Only had a few problems but nothing major. One of them was recalled 2 years later and GM has been great to refund then money. It's great on fuel. Does OK when it's really cold, I've been stuck without a vehicle because it was too cold a few times. Seats are a little uncomfortable and bad for very tall and/or larger people. Needs more cup holders. Needs a better stereo system which I changed. The seat that folds down in back is great to haul stuff. Seems to dent and scratch easy.
good car now i have spent money
fandfcavalier, 04/10/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a dicent lil car. not something to brag about but none the less its a car. i have upgraded the brakes, exhaust system, and intake system and after that i am impressed with the lil car. i have the 3 speed auto and i ran a 17.33 in the quarter and 9 sec 0-60 the other day. the only thing is that the 2.2 liter motors timing chain tenser is crap. i need it changed and the cheapest place to change it so far is 500 bucks. Another thing i hate is gm's crappy alternators and water pumps. i am on the second water pump and the 3rd alternator. but other than all of that is been a good car.
One of the worst ever
savageice, 04/14/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Engine broke($1200), timing chain broke (800), hit a little toothpick tree in the snow and did over $2000 worth of body damage. Add that to a couple of other problems under the hood....I pay more fixing it then I did when I bought the stupid thing
Nice but slow car!
nitrouscav97, 07/16/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a fully customized cavalier with lots of mods. But it lacks severely in the performance issue, all the other cars in its class are FASTER! I would be satisfied with 150HP at the least, the car can't seem to turn my chrome wheels fast enough to go anywhere. My wife loves to drive it and I like to drive it too, it looks great with the modifications, but i have no beef under the hood to get onto the freeway! PLEASE help me with this, I need something to boost this cars performance. Also the dashboard does creek in the hot sun while driving, and the AC and the power steering blew out too soon! Thank you -Kyle
really is a okay car
natalie8, 07/25/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have to say i think it is a okay car. i havent had any problems out of it yet!. i think it depends on how you keep a car up. the only thing i dont like is it needs more room and i wish mine had another cup holder in the front.
follow up
greennirvana102, 08/28/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well, ive had the car for about a year now and nothing really has gone wrong with it. its at 120,000 miles and still runs strong. I've put about $1000 in repairs though...... but that was all stuff I knew I had to get. Tires, water pump, and tune up. Overall, great car.
solid car, but weak engine
..........., 10/05/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my cav. less then a year ago and it only had 46,000 miles on it. But now it has close to 73,000 and it still runs great. The only problem I've had with it was I needed to replace the altinator. at 72,000 miles.
OH MY GOD!
nocarnow, 11/01/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put several aftermarket modifications on my car, thats about all i love about it. Driving it the other day and the tranny went on me!! Left me stuck on Route 90, a major interstate. You know Chevy's little phrase, "we'll be there?" Ya, they'll be there when you need to buy a new car and are going to giive them $22,000! Then they will GLADLY be there. It rides like a go-cart by the way. However I never had any problems with the alternator or the water pump.
Perfect For Me
Lorrie99415, 11/29/2004
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this car used, and was a little worried about some things I had heard. So far so good though. Being in college it gets me where I need to go in comfort and style, has plenty of pep, feels nice and sturdy to drive and doesn't cost much in gas at all. Could use an extra cup holder, but other than that I have no complaints. Would definately recommend this as a first car for anyone who is not sure what to get.
1997 4dr LS
joek, 05/21/2005
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Haven't had a bad experience other than one of the cooling fan wires shorted out and had to be replaced. Reliable, excellent on gas and runs good. I woulnd't recommend it as a 'family' car, but it's cheap and easy to maintain and works really well as general transportation.
Beautiful car
reddz24, 03/18/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though I haven't owned this vehicle very long, I think its a great little sporty compact! It's got plenty of juice for a 4 banger and its great mileage. And theres tons of aftermarket parts for it! I just put a cold air intake in, engine sounds soo deep and nice!!!
Reliable, economy, sport coupe
seattle, wa, 05/13/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new right out of college, it was what I could afford at the time. This car has been nothing but great to own and drive. I have had no problems or repairs other than one brake job and new tires! I am about to take it in for its first tune up now that it has over 100K miles. This car run and feels just like it did when it was brand new. My only complaint is that the paint has not held up well, it dings and scratches easily. Otherwise a great car that is very fun to drive and has plenty of power. The people who complain about the lack of power do not have the Z24.
Money pit
SteveNY, 06/09/2003
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for almost 3 years. I've replaced the struts, front and back, the strut mounts front and back (twice within 14 months for the back), the front wheel bearings, and I've had times that the car won't start because the spark plugs got a little dirty. (I wind up having to replace the plugs every six months or so). Along with the other little stupid things I've had happen, if I didn't do all the work myself, I can't imagine how much it would have cost me. I'm so ready to get rid of this piece of junk.
OUCH!
hate cavalier, 03/19/2002
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ignition failed to start the car 4 times in warranty, recall did not fix. 36042 miles, water pump ($1000). 37K miles, oil pump ($1000) Cost $1000. 39K Motor mounts $300. 48K miles, main bearings went out. Oil changed every 3k miles. No one would rebuild the engine. All said the engine (2.4L) does not last more than 2K miles after being rebuilt. Had to get a USED replacement engine. Cost $2000. Total $4300 within 12K miles of 36K mile warranty expiring. Never buy another Chevrolet.
Super snazzy sweet Coupe
Mike Fiedler , 03/17/2023
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my red 1997 convertible and turned it into a Superman promo car and you would not believe how many heads that car turns I wish I could put a picture of it on here that car runs better than any vehicle I've ever owned and it is super quick with the upgraded 2.4 and the five speed transmission!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
You get what you pay for
baldylocks1976, 09/16/2007
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.