Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  big time gas mileage - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By mike - July 24 - 7:19 am

  I got this car from my mother. Its the 1.8 auto. My gas mileage is incredible. Hwy mileage is anywhere from 40-44 mpg and combined is about 38. Given Im not a jack rabbit driver and I use synthetic oil in this car. Its the first time I ever got better gas mileage than what is advertised. I will never sell this car.

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  Best first car for a kid! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Quackingpenguin - March 23 - 7:35 pm

  This was an amazing little car. I bought it in 2005 because i was sick of not having a car at school. In the 2 and a half years I drove it I put about 75,000 miles on it with out any big issues. I hit a deer and did much less damage to the car then I had expected, and it was CHEAP and EASY to fix. My dad liked this car because we could do a lot of the work ourselves. The only down side was it was hard to find replacement parts for like the body of it. It turned 200,000 miles and that is the only reason I sold it. I bet it has another 100,000 left in it!

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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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  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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  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.

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  Great car - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Bob - October 12 - 10:29 pm

  Bought this car in 1999 and I have driven it almost 90,000 miles. From cold NY winters to hot Las Vegas summers, this car has never left me stranded by the roadside.

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  Great Mileage - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Ringer - August 17 - 4:16 pm

  I am impressed by the great mileage with auto and air on, I still had 33 mpg. However, this car takes dents easily. The interior has cheap plastic that breaks. The tailgate plastic under latch is broken as is plastic under vinyl on car door rest. I personally find the car too low for me. But I am 55. Younger people would like the low-slung look and low bucket seats. I did not realize the rear window did not have a wiper until after I purchased it. (May not come with one in any style.)

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  Dependable - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Yak - July 18 - 3:55 pm

  Not a very peppy 105 HP engine but it is easy to work on and pretty efficient. It can get 38 MPG on the highway. Hopefully its good for another 50K miles