2000 Chevrolet Prizm Review
Fuel Economy
30 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
It's got Japanese technology and build quality because, well ... it's a Japanese car with an American nameplate. Certainly a creative way to get patriotic types behind the wheel of a Toyota.
Pros
Reliability, zippy powertrain when equipped with a manual transmission, optional side airbags.
Cons
Ho-hum personality, ABS not standard, options force prices too high to remain a bargain.
What's New for 2000
New standard features improve the Prizm's value quotient, and variable valve timing boosts power and torque. The tweaked engine now meets low emission vehicle status in California, and three new colors freshen the exterior.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Not as great as everyone says....
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
Needed a good car for school, thought the prizm was a good fit and bought one with only 40k miles on it. mpg is amazing on this car, getting 28-30 in the city! However, it consumes oil at an alarming rate (quart every 200m) so the saves equal themselves out. I maintained this car, changed oil and trans fluid but at 70k I can no trust it as reliable. Fuel pump just went out and now I am being told the transmission is going as well, so it's a piece of junk. Interior is VERY poorly made, door handles break, seats uncomfortable, everything is made of cheap plastic. Me personally, I have had enough of American cars and will NEVER put my money in them again... EVER!
Favorite Features
Gas mileage but when you consider the fact you will be adding in oil all the time, it doesn't matter. I took a cross country road trip in this car and literally had to add 20-30 quarts of oil in the process... at 3-5 dollars a quart, the good gas mileage didn't matter at all.
Suggested Improvements
Everything! I would not buy this car. You can NOT be sure you will be getting a reliable machine.
Chevy Prizm at 10 Years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
Very good basic transportation. So far there is no mechanical problems at 120000 miles. In general, solid drive train, but questionable quality on other components. Here is a list of problems: (1) Front bumper was not latched right leaving a bulges at p- side (did not try to fix); (2) Trunk leaking water (did not try to fix); (3) Front end linkage squeaks over sp bumps (did not try to fix); (4) Front door lock 1 screw missing the other loos at 50K miles; (5) Seat belt reminder reminds when seat belt on at 50K, and now stopped working; (6) Plastic on door trim separated at 100K; (7) Belt tensioner becomes noisy at 100K. Other than that Engine Tranny still like new.
Favorite Features
Very reliable and economical basic transportation. Front Brakes replaced at 96K miles!
Suggested Improvements
It is a "passionless" Corolla soul wrapped around in a "crying baby" Chevy body.
Not a BAD car but very dissapointing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
The fuel economy is awesome on this car but the mechanical flaws equal out the savings. This car ABSOLUTELY CONSUMES OIL at an incredible rate; on the free way, it eats a quart of oil every 150miles (google this issue before you buy). The car stalls EVERY time I start it and when driving, it sometimes fails to accelerate when you apply the gas which is very dangerous when turning into traffic. It is absolutely HORRIBLE in the snow so reconsider it if in a winter climate area. Also, the outside design is beautiful but the interior parts are made of cheap plastic that will break. My door handle broke a year ago and I am STILL looking for a replacement part. I would not recommend this car.
Favorite Features
Fuel economy but when you consider constantly having to purchase and add oil to the car, the savings are actually equalized. The oil doesn't burn or leak while idling but seems to leak while the car is driven above 55mph. I STRONGLY suggest googling and researching this issue before you buy.
Suggested Improvements
To many to list. I don't want to say this is the worst car on the planet but it has NOT LIVED UP TO IT'S HYPE. It is reliable but it also only has 70k so this is not very impressive. Honestly, I can not see this car going much more longer.
Still Kicking After 200,000
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan
Review
Overall, this car is pretty good. I have over 200,000 miles - 7 years. The check engine light comes on and off. Been doing this for over a year. Mechanic says its a malfunction. Car still runs fine - no problem starting up. A/C broke a year ago - too costly to fix. Door handles are flimsy and broke, but still work. Car uses ALOT of oil. Have to refill it several times between oil changes. Replaced the clutch after 125,000 miles.
Favorite Features
It's still running. No major problems
Suggested Improvements
I hope it keep running - can't afford a car payment!
2000 Checy Prizm Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4 Dr LSi Sedan
Review
Generally a reliable vehicle. But the following problems have surfaced in the past 2 yrs. 1) Check engine light analyzed but repair didn't fix the problem. 2) Seatbelt light flashes sometimes for no reason. 3) A/C stopped working - too expensive to repair. 4) Cruise control works sometimes and sometimes doesn't work. 5) Transmission linkage shifts out of drive into neutral sometimes. Considering this is a Toyota Corolla with a Chevy nameplate, I am rather disappointed in this vehicle which has had good reviews elsewhere.
Favorite Features
Generally reliable (major components) and economical.
Suggested Improvements
See review.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
- 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
- 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
- 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
- 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
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