1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2 door coup 2.2L from North America

Summary:

I paid $9000 for it and it is worth the money spent; will keep it for few more years

Faults:

Replaced battery, spark plugs, brake pads-normal wear.

Now overheats slightly, heating system was flushed, but no change in temperature reading; possibly corroded water pump.

Sometimes does not starts immediately; possibly ignition switch or pass-lock problems.

General Comments:

Very dependable car, comfortable to drive, not much money invested for all those years for repairs. None of the seven GM recalls were fixed due to lack of time.

Low value if to be sold or traded-in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2.4 Liter from North America

Summary:

Well built starter car

Faults:

I broke the flex pipe that connects to the exhaust manifold, but other than routine maintenance, the car has had no major repairs. I have a dealer report and all that is recorded is that the brakes got changed once and ten or so oil changes. The car has been perfect for the previous owner and myself up to this point.

General Comments:

The cars runs good, still has power, and is holding together well at 104000 miles. I am impressed thus far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America

Summary:

Great First Car

Faults:

I had all the recalls taken care of by Chevrolet, I believe there were 3.

My transmission just went out at 96,000 miles. Got it replaced and it runs like new again.

The dashboard and glove-box rattle occasionally.

General Comments:

I drove my Cavalier to and from Va. Beach 2 times and the only problems it has ever given me is with the transmission.

I like the stock stereo, but I added a CD player.

Very Comfortable seats for long trips, and nice looking interior. Almost still like new!

Overall, this car is a great starter car for teens. I have had my cavalier for 2 years and still love it! I love the way it looks and runs. Great car :)!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z22 2.2 L4 from North America

Summary:

Average performance

Faults:

Front brakes generally last 10 months.

Muffler rattles since 2002.

Changed wiper assembly at 60,000 km.

Driver seat vinyl torn due to contact with seat belt.

Valve cover gasket always leaking (changed 3 times already... last maybe 6 months then you see it leaking again)

Sometimes hard to start.

Rubber around doors always popping off.

Electrical wiring runs under radiator.. Had to repair wires at 65000km, they are too exposed to water and salt.

Fuel Pump changed on Warranty at 55000km.

Heater is getting less powerful every as the years go by (mine starts blowing hot air at level 2)

Changed table bushings at 80000km.

Handbrake needs frequent adjustment (monthly)

General Comments:

Car drives well, except when the ABS kicks in, where it becomes a public danger.

Far too many recalls, GM quality control department needs some serious overhauling.

Seats are confortable.

Engine is noisy, there are always small rattling sounds being made (according to GM its normal)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th November, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe 2.2L Tech 4 from North America

Summary:

A great starter car for anyone!

Faults:

The fuel pump totally gave out on the car at about 80,000 miles (from what others have said my pump lasted longer than most other Cavaliers).

The interior carpet started to really wear badly at about 50,000 miles. Extreme care was taken of the interior, but it just didn't help.

General Comments:

This car handles well considering that it is a small family car.

The interior space is limited and not recommended for a family car.

There are very few blind spots which makes this car a winner for a high school student or younger driver.

The car has great performance once the engine is tweaked and adjusted (for instance: new premium spark plugs, cool air intake system, and a professional muffler). With these relatively cheap alterations the car performs like a dream for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America

Summary:

It was great while it lasted, but it is time to move on!

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2003

25th May 2004, 20:11

I know exactly what you mean. I'm from New Zealand and got a 1997 cavalier in 2002. First problem was both rear shocks needed replacing = $500 (NZD), then my headlights randomly starting turning on, even when I had not even used my car for days, all it took was a jump in the drivers seat and they flicked off, problem was they were the highbeams, needless to say that other drivers didn't appreciate it at night when it sometimes happened. Unfortunately the jump in the seat trick didn't fix it anymore and it drained my battery, charged battery, smoke came out of steering wheel, disconnected battery and there was the 'auto theft system' light on the dash, car now no start, of course had to pay someone to come to the house to deactivate it, but of course this took days as the only manuals they could find were in jap, anyways this got fixed along with my faulty wiring = $450 (NZD)

Then there was the brake pads, Windscreen delaminating quoted $1300 (NZD), camber bolts, and now the water pump now going - quoted $1000 (NZD)

These cars should not even be put on the market, cheap to buy very expensive to maintain. especially for somebody like me who only gets paid $300 p/w.