The success of General Motors' Chevrolet Cavalier has always been somewhat of a mystery. This car is certainly not a prime example of cutting-edge technology: The Cavalier is as sophisticated as a Big Mac - and nearly as popular. As recently as 1993, Cavalier was the nation's fourth best-selling nameplate, and it remains GM's most popular product line. So maybe Chevy's nonchalant attitude toward updating its mainstay subcompact shouldn't be all that surprising. Up until now, the Cavalier's long-running popularity has been fueled by two factors. Rental companies and other fleet customers have made up a hefty chunk of Cavalier's customers, but GM is sharply cutting back on those low-profit sales. And cost has been the other piece of the Cavalier equation, but with plenty of new competitors crowding the market, even the Cavalier's low sticker price is losing its appeal. So now is the right time for an all-new Cavalier to take its bows. The redesigned 1995 Cavalier is the first complete remake of this vehicle since its debut in 1982. Models include the base-level coupe and sedan, the LS sedan, the convertible and the Z24 coupe. And they all look to be in tune with the value-conscious 1990s. But there's got to be more than just looks. Does the new car live up to the public's long-simmering expectations? And will it have the staying power of the compact car it replaced? Those are just some of the questions that popped into mind as we took our $10,966 base Cavalier sedan for a test drive.
Chevrolet
Cavalier
1997
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
Change vehicle or year
Expert Rating
Unavailable
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $10,980
1997 Base 2dr Coupe
Select a Trim
1997 Base 2dr Coupe
most popular
1997 Base 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $11,180
1997 RS 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $12,225
1997 LS 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $13,380
1997 Z24 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $14,465
1997 LS 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $17,935
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Select a Trim Price: - From $10,980
1997 Base 2dr Coupe
Select a Trim
1997 Base 2dr Coupe
most popular
1997 Base 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $11,180
1997 RS 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $12,225
1997 LS 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $13,380
1997 Z24 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $14,465
1997 LS 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $17,935
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.2L I-4 / 120 HP / 130 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd man w/OD
Available:
3-spd auto4-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 37 / 30 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 2.2L I-4 / 120 HP / 130 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Front-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 25 / 37 / 30 Mpg |
Brakes | Front Disc/rear Drum |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Compact Steel |
Fuel Tank | 15.2 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $58 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 13.4 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | 86 Cu.ft. |
Exterior Length | 180.3 " |
Exterior Width | 68.7 " |
Exterior Height | 53.2 " |
Front Headroom | 37.6 " |
Rear Headroom | 36.6 " |
Front Legroom | 42.3 " |
Rear Legroom | 32.7 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 53.9 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 2,617 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 104 " |
Turning Radius | 16.4 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 2 Doors |
Wheels | 14.0 " Steel |
Paint | Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Manual Remote Driver, Manual Passenger / Dual Power Remote |
Bumpers | Black / Body-colored |
Grille Moldings | |
Rear Spoiler | |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Immobilizer |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 72 Months / 100,000 Miles |
Accessories Months | 96 Months / 80,000 Miles |
Used 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier for Sale
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