1997 Chevrolet Cavalier review from North America

The air-conditioner worked for about 3 months, now it only blows hot air.

The rubber stripping that runs around the windshield and around the door keeps coming out. I am able to push it back in place though.

I have had continuous problems with the car refusing to start or stalling. In efforts to fix this problem I have replaced the battery twice, replaced the alternator, replaced the solenoid twice, replaced several fuses and removed the professionally installed stereo for fear it was draining unnecessary power. These were only temporary fixes because I STILL have the same problem!

When I purchased the vehicle the brakes worked for about a month then began to squeak and grind. While applying normal pressure to the brake pedal the car jerks horribly, when the vehicle has finally stopped, the brakes will release then stop again. This has thrust me into traffic, caused me to hit a parked car, and slide through stop signs, all on separate occasions. I am deathly afraid to drive this car in the rain! I have taken the vehicle to several mechanics, all of which have stated that the brakes are fine, but they have seen this happen in several Cavaliers. I replaced the brake pads and the rotors and drum are fine, but I still have the same problem. A temporary fix for this is having the emergency brake adjusted, this lasts only a week or so and the squeaks never go away.

About 2 weeks ago my car caught on fire at a gas station. Needless to say, I was so scared! It is due to the recall on the ignition switch fire hazard. By the way, I am the registered owner, but I was NOT sent a notice of the recall. On my way to work I stopped to get a Pepsi at the gas station. I was in the store 2 minutes and the car refused to start. I got out and took my key with me and the car tried to start by itself several times. I tried to put the key back in to stop it and it got stuck. I suddenly smelled burning rubber and smoke came from the steering column. I left the car, called the fire dept and 2 minutes later there were huge flames. I called GM and they have not admitted fault yet. They are still "investigating" while I have to bum rides to school and work. They have not been rude at GM, but have not been overly sympathetic either.

I had less problems out of my 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse and I had it for 6 years!

I realize that I purchased a USED vehicle and I expect to have some problems, but not like this. The previous owner appears to have taken care of the car. I think it has to do with the way the car was manufactured. I just found out that there have been several recalls on the vehicle since I have owned it these past 2 years.

The car drives great! I can fly up and down the highway, weave in and out of traffic and hug all the curves. Starting and stopping this vehicle is whole new story.

The interior is small yet comfortable, It is durable, easy to keep clean and very modern. I still haven't figured out how to remove the ashtray though!

The overall appearance is cute and sporty. The car looks GREAT, but simply has too many issues. I refuse to trade the car in because I have put too much money into it, but I am currently looking for a new SUV.