Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Keeps going - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Mommybug - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We are approaching the 200,000 mile mark and this car has been very reliable at getting us around, even when the Denver winters hit. Our air conditioner just went out for the 2nd time (1st was under warranty), and weve had to replace several of the original parts as they just get old, but nothing unexpected with a car this age. I wish the clear coat on the paint had lasted longer as it doesnt look as nice anymore. The fabric on the seats has held up well, but the interior roof fabric has not. I also agree that the car handles have shown a bit of weakness, though weve only had to replace the driver side once. Power window fixed once, too.

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  You cannot kill my Prizm - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Shawn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a completely honest review of my 1998 Prizm. The bad: -boring look -less than expected 4 cylinder pep -awful body roll on corners -a lot of rattles on bumpy road at 170,000 -way to loud at any speed over 70 mph the good: -unbelievable reliability -quality parts-quality -comfortable ride at 65 mph -Superior gas mileage -not a bad size overall inside -easy dash layout my Prizm refuses to die. I bought it with 150,000 miles currently has 170,000. I have done nothing but change plugs and fluid, air filter. I Punch this car at every stop, it shifts smooth every time. Engine is not bad at all performance wise for its mileage. Dont be afraid to buy one with high miles! Commuters<----buy!

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  The fixes - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Dr. Futility - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is best suited for a couple or parents with small kids. The front seats must be at their back position which leaves no leg room behind.

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  Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By cory - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Only issues have been changing the oxygen sensor, but other than that it runs great and is fuel efficient.

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  My 2001 Prizm experience - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By howie12021 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car with a variety of small faults: 1-upholstery gets holes from cigarette ash too easily. 2-headliner becoming unglued front/back windows. 3-rear cup holder flimsy. 4-dash light between tach/speedometer out very expensive dashboard dis-assembly to replace. 5-all dash lighting is terrible*too faint/hard to read. 6-center storage box*awkward to use. 7-window mechanism: drivers replaced* passengers sticks [slam door]to un-stick?! 8-interior plastic strip above left rear door slowly shredding pieces. 9-Dashboard arrangement is poor, e.g., have to look to operate radio selections. 10-rear wiper a +. 11-bumper paint if touched flakes off to reveal black undercoat.

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  5 years and running like a champ! - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By LinRichards - September 6 - 4:52 pm

  I bought my car used with 64,000 miles on it five years ago. I LOVE THIS CAR. So reliable, I have not had to do any major repairs on it. I have of course changed tires, batteries, flushed the transmission. But there have been no other real problems. When I drive on the interstate or above 70 mph, it does eat a lot of oil. Im thinking it might have an internal oil leak. I need to get it looked at. But the miles per gallon is incredible and I absolutely love this tiny little car. I like that it has nothing automatic on it, thats how you can keep the cost down. BUY IT PEEPS!

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  Worst car ever made - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Lash - August 6 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car used for about $3,000 with 120k miles on it. 2 weeks after I bought it the brake calipers went out, then out of nowhere the car wouldnt start. I checked the starter and it was bad so after I replaced that it still wouldnt start. I rewired the ground and hot wire from the battery to the starter and still nothing. I replaced the starter relay and finally the ignition switch and it started again. Now not even a month later and I threw a rod in the motor. I have had 2 oil changed in the 4 months Ive owned it because I drive out of town to visit my mother often. Its gonna cost over $1500 to replace the motor so Im just junking it and buying something else.

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  Bring back the Prizm - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Julie - July 13 - 3:23 pm

  We have been more than happy with our 2002 Prizm. Still gets 32+ mpg. Even in winter here in Minnesota! We are religious about giving it oil changes every 3000 miles. It has had 2 major maintenance checks with no major fixes. We live on a long gravel road which is also hard on vehicles, but this car seems to handle it fine. We hope we can get another 100,000+ miles from it so our teen daughter can inherit it from us in 3 years.

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  Quality used car - 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
  By jayk - July 6 - 4:32 pm

  Bought the car used with 16k on it in 2002. Had previously owned a Geo Prizm with very few problems, which is why I chose this car. It now has 130k on it and has only needed routine maintenance. I havent had the oil-guzzling probs others mention, & it gets great mileage too. My only complaints are the cup-holder blocks the radio if its holding a drink, and the black rubber trim on the window borders is peeling off. Suppose Id settle for that any day over major mechanical malfunctions. If they still made this car, Id absolutely buy it again.

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  Need more pep? Clean MAF sensor - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By fornido - June 19 - 11:21 am

  This car is a great reliable car, however I noticed some hesitation and loss of hp, so I did some research, and after replacing the air filter and cleaning the Mass Airflow sensor with electronic cleaner, I noticed an increase of pickup. I have 122,000 miles on it, so I guess after all that buildup, it slowed it down.