1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS review from North America
"Little Car, Big Attitude"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I had to replace all four spark plugs and all the wires as well at about 63,000 miles.
My wind shield wipers don't turn off all the time and instead stick straight up in the air when I try to turn them off.
The check engine light comes on frequently and stays on for a few days before mysteriously going off again.
The plastic cover on the driver's side seat belt cracked and fell off.
The tape player wouldn't play so I replaced it with a compact disc player.
Recently the ignition swith was recalled on my car because it was a fire hazard. It was replaced by a Chevrolet dealer for free, which was cool with me.
General comments?
Despite all the things I've had to fix or replace, I love my little RS. It's sporty enough and has enough bite without the huge insurance payment, which I can't afford.
It takes turns so well that you don't even have to use the brakes most of the time.
It starts up well in cold weather and goes pretty well in snow.
The back seat is tiny and uncomfortable, but I usually don't have anything, but junk in the back seat anyway.
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 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 42000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 68800 miles |
| Date of Entry | 15th June, 2002 |

