1997 Chevrolet

Cavalier

Auto 3-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L, (FFS) (MPFI), CLKUP

Chevrolet Cavalier: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission: Automatic 3-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain: GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel: RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl: 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration: Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City: 21 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb: 24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr: $2,600EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 180 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Width: 69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Height: 54 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Wheelbase: 104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Curb Weight: 2,789 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Pass. Vol: 92 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol: 14 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls: 7
Owner complaints: 540
Reported injuries: 78

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING15%
STEERING12%
AIR BAGS11%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC8%
VISIBILITY6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 690 total.

Chevrolet Cavalier: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain: 5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance: 5 yr / 60k mi
Maintenance: 1 yr / 12k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.