Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Prismazing! - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Charles Miska - October 29 - 1:00 pm

  We bought our Prism as a first car for our 16 year old son. He wanted a manual transmission and learned to drive a stick after we bought the Prism. Our car had 70,000 miles on it when we bought it and I got a terrific price for it. This little car has been sensational! Shifts crisply through all the gears, has exceptional zip for the little engine, brakes well and while its a base model, all the controls and amenities work perfectly. We have not experienced the oil usage issue many other reviewers have, which is interesting, given that we live on a steep mountainside and the car is a manual transmission driven by a teenager. Youd think our unit would be susceptible to the oil problem, but no, it runs better than either of the cars we bought for our other kids.

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  Big disappointment - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By afp377 - March 12 - 11:19 pm

  Luckily I only paid $1350 for this thing. It had 107K miles when I got it and have noticed it to be burning a lot of oil. After further research it seems they burn oil after 100k miles. I guess thats why the previous owner got rid of it. I had Toyotas in the passed and though they were bullet proof. I guess I was wrong. I dont really know if I will junk this thing or tear into the engine and put a new set of ring in it. I am thinking I will keep it until next year when my sticker is due and then torch it and buy something else.

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  Oil Eating Monster - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By josiewhales - March 28 - 11:28 am

  Believe that comment about using a qt. of oil every 100 miles, its true @ 120+ K mi. And with that, the mpg is only 20 mpg avg. May be OK for low mileage but Prizm engine is not long lasting .I put new seals and rings in, still burns oil and bad mpg. Cant see smoke unless you hold throttle 3/4 down for 6-10 seconds. ( This is a must before buying ! ) Do not buy with over 100 K. It may look like a Corolla, but engine doesnt last like one. I got robbed. Wouldnt recommend Prizm.

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  Good Car Until it Burns Oil Like Crazy - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By greatambitions - November 29 - 1:17 am

  Let me start by saying this car has been reliable for most of its life. I bought it at 77,000 miles, and its still running at 191,000+. It is by no means a flashy vehicle, but when the engine ran at peak efficiency, it got close to 40 MPG and ran smoothly. But, at about the 130,000 mark, it started burning oil (1 quart every 1,000 miles or so). 60,000 miles later, it burns through about 1 quart every 50 miles. Further research via Google has shown that this is a common problem for the 2002 Prizms, and is related to narrow cylinders and bad seals. Keep this in mind if buying a Prizm from this final year of production. Youll be investing in lots of oil when it reaches a high mileage point.

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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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  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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  My 02 Prizm LSi - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Ralph0722 - May 25 - 8:43 pm

  Bought the car used last month. Very good shape for year/miles. Very economical to run and keep. Plenty of Toyota parts available. I get about 32 mpg mostly. AC is strong. Stereo is pretty decent. Cover all basic necessities like power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise. Alloy wheels. Sharp little car.

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  My 02 Prizm LSi - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Ralph0722 - May 20 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car used last month. I must say im very happy with this small zippy car. 1.8L VVTi is noisy but runs economical. 4AT shifts smoothly. Interior room is tight, back seat has no leg room back there. I consider this a 2 people car or a college student car (i am one). Trunk size is ok for class. Design is clean and simple, very Toyota like. Since this car is the same as a Corolla parts are available everywhere.