1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2.2 from North America
Summary:
Reliable
Faults:
Radiator went out at 76,000 miles.
Windshield wiper motor went out at 56,000 / 107,000 / and 113,000 miles.
Exhaust sounds like the car is a piece of crap.
12,000 miles new tires (4).
42,000 miles new tires (4).
50,000 miles new tires (4).
67,000 miles new tires (4) - Wreck.
89,000 miles new tires (4) - Wreck.
116,000 miles new tires (4) - Wreck.
124,000 miles new tires (4).
Air conditioning stopped working at 67,000 miles, hasn't worked since.
Bumper got very dis-color of a off-grey.. around 50,000 miles.
Lug nuts fell off at 2,000 miles as soon as I got it.
Dealership I bought from offered no warranty, etc.
Seats are small, and inside is dinky.
Stalled on me 4 times; got repaired.
Struts and brakes had to be replaced every year. (4)
General Comments:
This car is very easy to handle.
The car stops fast and easy.
Good in winter weather.
Wrecked this car 4 times owning it...
Hit by truck head on (guy was drunk) (67,000 miles).
T-boned on highway (girl was going too fast) (96,000 miles).
I hit a curb going 45 mph. Flipped and had >$7500 damage (116,000 miles).
Fender bender in a drive thru, air bags deployed only... (121,000).
As you can see, with all that has been done, I'm still here. It is a safe car, and easy on insurance.
Insurance people never gave me any car replacement, because the car was always fixable, I have always had full coverage protection for this car.
Airbags are reliable. Seat belts are too..
This car overall is uncomfortable for an all day drive etc,. but if you have a first time driver, I would recommend this vehicle for in city driving..
Although many things have gone wrong since I've owned this car, it has done so much to keep me safe.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th September, 2010
8th Apr 2010, 14:46
I agree with your statement. I have a 97 and I have had to replace the head gasket twice within 3 months.