1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Base Sedan review from North America
"Takes a beating and keeps swinging!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Tires at 93000km.
Brakes at 53000km and 101000km.
Power steering pump @ 28000km.
General comments?
This Cavalier was manufactured in Mexico, not the USA.
Reliable like you wouldn't believe!
Lot's of body lean in corners.
Cruise control (rare on a Cavalier) is kind of choppy.
Great air conditioner; it's absolutely polar!
Fit and finish (especially the interior) isn't great, but the fact that this car is bulletproof makes up for it in spades.
Lots of exposed screws in the cabin.
Seats unevenly and under stuffed, and the springs are easily felt through the seat.
2.2L engine is loud and strained, and the 3-speed automatic has crude shifts and the overdrive activates loudly and roughly.
It's a struggle to maintain ~85 kph when loaded with passengers.
Less rear seat legroom than comparable Fords, Chryslers, Hondas, and Toyotas.
Fuel economy isn't great for a small car (20mpg city)
Recommended reviews
  | A dependable, good-looking car |
| It's great to drive to softball practice, or even to visit college -- just not constantly reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L L4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 57 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 104000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 6th August, 2007 |