Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Great - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By kclguy - December 8 - 12:27 pm

  Bought it w/35,000 miles @ 11 years old from orig. owners. It has had 0 problems and is used every day. It is fully loaded so you dont feel like you are driving a econo-box.

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  A great reliable car - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By great car - November 30 - 8:43 am

  I purchased my Prizm (1.8L 5speed) with 79,000 miles on it. Im writing this review because it finally died. I have 244,500 miles on it and the engine still runs like new. Transmission just went out so going to retire this car. This car has never had anything but expected things needed to it (brakes, starter, etc.). This many miles and everything was still working, power windows, locks, sunroof, the air conditon. I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  Inexpensive Transportation - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By BrownEyedBrad - November 25 - 11:24 pm

  This car has been extremely reliable and enjoyable to drive since I bought it. Ive driven almost 15k miles in the past year and a half and its required little maintenance considering the cars age. For a 1993, it has not shown its age in terms of styling and reliability. The exhaust system and rocker panels, however, have succumbed to rust and require more money to repair (along with a failing speedometer and shock absorbers) than I care to have to spend and am replacing it. Ive named him Zippy because it truly is a zippy little car with great features for such a low price tag, especially for a 1993!

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  Not the Reliability Expected - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Geoyta Owner - November 21 - 10:11 am

  We purchased it used with 77K. Its been driven 42K in 6 years, mostly city. Its been maintained by the book (severe service schedule). The 3-speed automatic transmission makes highway driving unpleasant (noisy at high rpms). Mpg is 25 city/30 highway. Repairs have included a rebuilt transmission with a new differential and rebuilt torque converter ($2400), heater core ($800), two half-shaft axles ($700), and a starter ($300). Repairs are averaging $.1/mile. This vehicle has a Toyota drivetrain. It has not met the Toyota reputation for reliability.

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  Keep buying this car - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By arielnh56 - October 4 - 4:08 am

  Ive had two 94 Prizm LSIs - a manual I had from new that died in an impact at 149K and the replacement which I got at 110K and is now at 170K. Both cars needed alternators, replacement CV shafts (cheap $80 each and easy to replace - gets rid of the clunking when you tap the gas), both cars stripped wheel studs, radios died and knobs break. New car distributor at 160K. Old car drank quarts of oil towards the end but I blame my lead foot for that. New one does not drink a drop. I check the valve clearances every 60k when I do the timing belt - no adjustment needed. Front wheel bearings need to be repacked and adjusted occasionally (non-ABS). This car should last forever if not crashed or thrashed.

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  Tough as Nails!! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Jerry - August 31 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my Prizm in 1998. Just like the energizer bunny says It keeps going and going and going. Regular oil changes every 3 months and tire rotations make this car a piece of cake to own. I love driving by gas stations as those big SUVs are sucking down the juice!!

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  Cheap reliable and keeps you happy. - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Geo Prizm LSi Driver - July 20 - 2:54 pm

  I bought it with 138K miles. I now have 176K miles, no major repair issues (knock on wood). Just normal oil changes, radiator flush, etc. Had to get a wheel bearing replaced, and one of the pulleys replaced. The Prizm is perfect for a student, first time driver, or just everyday driving. I am hoping to hit 300k before replacing this one. Drives decently through snow in the DC metro areas. If you are looking for something cheap and reliable you cant go wrong with a Geo Prizm.

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  Ok, but could be better - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By hbr - July 18 - 3:53 pm

  Left outer CV joint/boot failed. Starter failed. Heater core leaked ($800). Wheel covers flew off. Tape deck failed. The 3-speed automatic transmission is beginning to exhibit vagueness/hunting on deceleration/coasting. Overall, this vehicle is a decent, get- round-town appliance. On surface streets its acceleration, handling, braking, and noise/vibration are acceptable. The car is hard pressed to cruise above 65 mph with considerable engine noise. Fuel economy is about 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The engine is tight and does not burn oil. The car has passed every emissions test.

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  The best car that Ive ever owned - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By jrexos baby - July 10 - 10:35 am

  Ive been driving for 50 yrs. now, and have owned a lot of cars during this time. My 1997 Geo Prizm, which I have been driving for 9 yrs now, is absolutely the best car that I have ever owned, I have had zero problems, only the starter replaced, after 9 yrs. and a set of tires is all. I love my Geo Prizm. If anyone out there needs to buy a used car, I suggest this Geo, youll love it

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  Reliability!!! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Janice - July 1 - 7:37 pm

  I love my Prizm. It has 182,000 miles and has not let me down. It is has withstood lots of wear and tear due to an immense amount of driving. I did have to replace the tires a few times, but that could be due to the amount of miles I put on each year.