Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  315,000 miles, and I still cant scrap it - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Leslie - August 3 - 9:48 pm

  I inherited my 1997 Geo Prizm from my father when I was 16 years old (Im currently 26). At the time it had already been in his possession for 7 years. It was a stick shift. I learned with no RPM gauge, and I attest to date that it is the best car to learn stick on its industrial strength, you learn by sound and feel, and the clutch isnt very sensitive. Its now a 19 year old car, and has 315,000 miles on it. It has taken me on multiple round trips from Columbus to Chicago and DC, and I still drive it safely on multi (3 +) hour trips. I have invested very little until these last final two years in repairs. (Most issues are general wear/age issues, the most recent my sad reality check--rusted brake lines). I havent calculated mileage in a minute, but several years ago it was *still* running over 37 mpg. It is so well loved that I cant stand to trade it in, and will be giving it away to a friend, who says that even at 315k miles it is more reliable than his own vehicle.

• 

  Really a Toyota Corrola with GM Logo - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Gil - July 31 - 6:34 pm

  My wife and I each own a 97 Prizm. I have owned mine for 5 years and she has owned it for 8 years. I have the LSi and she has the standard model. We both have the 1600 standard engine. Both cars extremely reliable. Cost of ownership very low. Both are cars are salvaged and cost under $3,000. Other than normal maintenance have had 1 fuel injector replaced, starter motor. I switched the passenger seat with the drivers seat to increase seat comfort. Negative - Road noise, a little bit louder than other small cars I have owned, but a small issue overall.

• 

  Positive+ - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Bill Golden - July 17 - 11:12 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned by a long shot. It has almost 194,000 miles on it, and I bought it used in 98 with a little over 5,000. These are some hard earned NJ miles with generally bad road conditions and extremes in weather. I love its reliability! In fact Im replacing the timing belt this week -- overdue, I know -- with intentions of taking it as far as I can. But a word of advice: if you have an automatic, get the differential oil checked as well as the transmission. Ive learned very little about cars since Ive had this Prizm, but that was one big expensive lesson.

• 

  Amazing Value - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Jay - June 16 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this car because I have a long commute, and needed a reliable, cheap car that was good on gas. I paid $1200 for the car in 2006 and I have put 68,000 miles on the car since I bought it. The car now has 172000 miles and is still running strong. I did no repairs for the first two years I owned the car and have never done anything other than tires, brakes and exhaust. The car has great ac, and is great in the bad weather in western ny. I have no complaints and the car owes me nothing.

• 

  Reliable Till the End - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Fernando - June 5 - 8:49 am

  I have to give this car a 10 on reliability because it is at 173,000 miles and i have not had to make many repairs. I have driven this car from NY to FL twice and NY to Chicago round- trip. It hits its max at 175,000, but what car that you have can you say the same. If you find it in low mileage, buy immediately because it will last a long time. Its too bad they discontinued the brand because I would have definitely bought another one.

• 

  Has there ever been a better car????? - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Jim - August 12 - 11:42 am

  I bought this car new late in the model year (12 years ago). I have spent a max of $1000 in this time period on minor repairs. It still gets 38 mpg+ with the 5-speed manual transmission. So given this is a 13- year old car, why arent new cars much better? So far I cant think of any reason for getting a new car.

• 

  still going strong - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By dercpi - June 30 - 12:27 am

  Hands down, the best vehicle I have ever owned due to its reliability and cost savings. The styling remains fresh if not fresher today than some of the crap being built now. My first was a 1994 LSi lease. It, too, was flawless. I drove my 97 off the showroom floor with 3/10s of a mile on it. As of today, it has exactly 310,000 miles on it! The engine and transmission remain original as does the exhaust and most of the suspension. The fit and finish remain strong as does the interior. Not bad considering it has never been garaged. It still gets great gas mileage, burns very little oil and has no squeaks. Why this model/line was ever killed off beats me. Wake up GM, you blew it.

• 

  Great car - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By RON - January 29 - 1:04 pm

  Bought this car in July of 08, when gas hit about 3.50 a gal. Parked the truck 15 miles per gal. I live in Minnesota, so it gets cold, car sits outside for one week solid it was above 20 below without the wind chill, started always and not only that still got good gas mileage about 32 city. In the summer I was getting 35, but not freeway. On the freeway driving 55 to 60, got 42 eat your heart out Prius, and I didnt need to spend 20 grand or more, car is paid for

• 

  built to last - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By geo prizm - August 8 - 9:56 pm

  Bought my first Prizm in 97 and put 200,000 miles on it. I then sold it too my sister in law and she still drives it today. At the time I sold it to her it was still on the original everything. Only replaced one cv joint and brake job usual tuneups but everything else is original to the car. She now has well over 250,000 on it and still drives it to school everyday. I bought another 97 at a great price with a 100,000 and am sure to get another 100,000. Cant go wrong with these cars \ 94-97 models

• 

  If you ever have the chance... go for it - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By iloveprizms - August 8 - 5:42 pm

  This is my second geo prizm and both experiences have been wonderful. My first was a 92 and this one a 97, and I have had no major problems with either. In the 97 there have been a couple problems with the O2 sensor, but it is a mechanically sound car. Also after being around since 97, there has been some recently developing paint peeling. But this car has survived being driven hard, and will take care of you.