1997 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America

Summary:

Need to recall some parts Chevy!

Faults:

The fuel pump blew in 1999 at 29,000 miles.

The head gasket blew in 2000 at 30,000 miles.

The doors freeze shut constantly.

The brakes needs replaced entirely too frequently (twice a year!).

The fuel pump needs replaced again now at 96,000 miles.

General Comments:

This was my first major purchase, used, and I love my Cavalier dearly. However, it is becoming entirely too problematic and expensive to maintain. I realize the mileage is getting high, but all of the problems previously listed have happened over the course of only 5 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2005

1st Apr 2005, 20:09

First off, do you check your car often to see if it is OK? If you don't then it's your own fault.

9th Mar 2006, 12:08

I also have had to replace my brakes quite frequently, the A/C doesn't work and the fuel pump makes a lot of noise.

25th Jun 2006, 05:28

Let's see... where do I begin? This car has left me stranded on a busy highway I would say about six times now, once right on Christmas Eve night. The bearings had to be replaced, oh I would say about once every three months or so, the wipers got stuck right onto my windshield and that was another $400.00 to get them fixed... the engine, according to three different mechanics, is cracked and will probably give out on me any day now, I have a fuel and oil leak, air conditioner hasn't been working for the past 7 years now, water pump had to be replaced 3 times, check engine light doesn't come off.. this car is an absolute nightmare... boycott GM now!!

15th Oct 2006, 14:20

I have three cavaliers in my family. My brothers both have 1999's and I have a 1997.

All three cars have the same problem with the doors freezing in the winter, but it's not that bad.

All three cars have the same cracked dashboards. The dealer says it happens in all makes and models. Once again, it doesn't affect anything, but the looks.

All three cars have problems with the air condition. In my 1997 the blower only works on #3 and #4. In the two 1999 the blowers work on #4 only.

Also, on all three cars the bar that holds the muffle up has fallen off. It's simple to fix, you just need a new screw or bolt and it takes less than 5 minutes to fix.

And...on all three cars the seat belt plastic covers have fallen off. It does not affect anything again, but the look of the car.

Besides these very minor things the cars have had their 3 recalls and just regular maintenance. I think they are truly very good cars and if you keep up with the oil changes and scheduled maintenance your car will last for over 100,000 miles.

My 1997 is currently at 91,000. One of the 1999 is at 83,000. The second 1999 is at 86,000. They will last and can last if you take care of them!

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.4L from North America

Summary:

It is a great first car, or final car

Faults:

I only had to replace the tires and spark plugs.

General Comments:

This is my third cavalier. First I had a '93 four door. Then I got a '98 four door, and now I have the burgundy Z24.

It has a very strong and reliable engine, at 138,000 miles I can still run with any other little import that I see.

The only sport compact that I wouldn't mess with is the new super-charged Cobalt.

I like how it takes turns and accelerates like a dream, and the roar from the engine at 6,000 rpm.

I paid $2,400 for it and it was a hot deal.

After about 8 years, the body is intact and with a car wash it looks like its brand new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2005