1997 Geo Prizm Consumer Reviews

big time gas mileage

Written by: mike on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr LSi Sedan

Review

I got this car from my mother. It's the 1.8 auto. My gas mileage is incredible. Hwy mileage is anywhere from 40-44 mpg and combined is about 38. Given I'm 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.

Favorite Features

decent acceleration extremely reliable...

Suggested Improvements

Can't really think of any bad points.

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Best first car for a kid!

Written by: Quackingpenguin on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

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!

Favorite Features

Quite honestly, the gas mileage was my favorite part of this car. I was getting about 35 highway and 30 in town with a/c on or off. I was so happy with it considering what my friends were getting on there cars.

Suggested Improvements

None, it was a good cheap car that did great on gas and didn't have any problems being abused by a college kid.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Not the Reliability Expected

Written by: Geoyta Owner on 11/21/2007

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr LSi Sedan

Review

We purchased it used with 77K. It's been driven 42K in 6 years, mostly city. It's 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.

Favorite Features

Compact size and outward visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Engineer the car to last. Provide a more sophisticated transmission. Make heater core more accessible.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Tough as Nails!!

Written by: Jerry on 08/31/2007

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

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!!

Favorite Features

Everything is really well put together in this car. Just listening to the doors close and you know there's quality there. Sometime check out the blue book value of your Prizms, you would be surprised how much they are worth.

Suggested Improvements

I have the 3 speed auto, I maybe would have liked the 4 speed but I can't complain when I regularly get 29-38 mpg!!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Ok, but could be better

Written by: hbr on 07/18/2007

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr LSi Sedan

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Nothing in particular.

Suggested Improvements

A 4th gear (overdrive) in the auto transmission. Cruise control. Intermittent wipers. A more easily accessed heater core.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The best car that I've ever owned

Written by: jrexo's baby on 07/10/2007

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I've 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, you'll love it

Favorite Features

Performance, handling, gas mileage, requires no repairs, 99% repair free, looks.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder is in the way of the radio when holder is extended, and a bigger glove compartment, that's all.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Reliability!!!

Written by: Janice on 07/01/2007

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr LSi Sedan

Review

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.

Favorite Features

I don't know if I'd call it a feature, but I love how reliable it is!

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: Bob on 10/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Reliabilty and gas mileage are great. Car looks sharp and drives well.

Suggested Improvements

Great car for the money. I couldn't ask for more.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great Mileage

Written by: Ringer on 08/17/2006

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

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.)

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage - 33mpg, in town with auto and air on. Attractive style car.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the interior with stronger plastic.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Dependable

Written by: Yak on 07/18/2006

Vehicle

1997 Geo Prizm 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

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 it's good for another 50K miles

Favorite Features

Cheap to maintain and feed

Suggested Improvements

Bring it back into production and chevy will have a winner back in the small car market.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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