Used 1998 Chevrolet Prizm Consumer Reviews
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Very good mileage, reliability. However...
tleroy, 08/25/2014
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned a well used '98 Prizm for for over six years now and at 166K it still runs and does not give me headaches. The mileage is great, I can go almost a whole month without refilling the tank. Heater and AC are strong and quick to action. However it handles poorly, becomes shaky, and burns huge amounts of oil at high speeds, so avoid the interstate. May get water into engine if roads are wet enough to puddle. Interior is very cheap, with some parts snapping or peeling with age. Door handles WILL eventually bust. Steering wheel module and shifter unfortunately made of very soft materials that easily scratch & collect dirt or hand gunk. I have had to replace rear shocks, power steering.
My Grandma gifted me her '98 Prizm
smac3, 04/23/2011
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
And it's easily the best car I've ever owned. It has just under 60,000 miles on it, and based on most of these reviews on here, I've a long way to go before I experience any of the more serious (but routine) issues. I'm looking forward to owning this car a very long time. And the gas mileage, MY GOD! It's phenomenal!
love my prism
flamingoes, 12/17/2011
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my little prism. This was the first car I bought in 2002 with 59,000 miles on it. I have not had too many problems. Like most ppl on here i have replaced all my door handles inside and out, ac, the clear coat has chipped, and i have replaced some front end parts. Other than this my prism currently has 261,000! i keep thinking its almost done and it keeps me moving... never has she left me stranded and just when i think of getting a new one i think of all the fun i have had in her... haven't been able to part yet... i would definitely recommend this car!
Exception to the Rule?
eddiebug, 04/28/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My prizm is a one owner, used, 1998 Geo Prizm with 34K miles from a Toyota Dealer. The car had been previously leased so the presumption is that it was well maintained because of lease constraints. The car promptly lost seven quarts of oil in 2000 miles without burning any smoke. The dealer says the oil rings are collapsed. The dealer told me the problem had been traced back to one of two factories that produced engines for the Geo Prizm. The cross-hatching in the cynlinder walls allegedly was faulty and caused premature failure to the rings. When I called Toyota they said no technical service bulletins had been issued and my problem may not be covered. I will not buy a toyota again.
Great 1st Car
J.Debs, 04/25/2009
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My little car has 160,000 miles & it's going strong. A few things have gone awry such as I had to replace the starter shortly after I bought it (it had 105k miles when I got it in 2006), the front passenger door handle broke and so did the AC but it's been a great first car. No engine problems at all. It does eat oil fast which is annoying to refill so often. I get anywhere from 31-34 mpg. I've taken it on many long distance trips and it's always a joy to drive.
Don't buy one of these
Hate GM, 11/06/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ths car was good the first two years then started to have alot of problems. Paint faded and chipped off, A/C went out, and transmission went out. If you're looking for a "throw-away" car this is it.
What's with the driver side window?
Hecktor, 09/17/2008
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 94 Prizm new and love it. So when my brother in law died, I bought his 98 Prizm. The 98 had power windows. The driver's side window broke, so my wife had it repaired, and it broke again. My paralegal has a 2000 Prizm with power windows, and her driver's side window broke as well. My 94 had manual windows, so no problem there. I love the car, but it's hell at the drive through windows at the bank and McDonald's.
This is my 3rd one! Keep on buying them
This is my 3rd one.., 09/23/2008
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd Prism I've bought new. I used to buy a new one every 2 -3 yrs with an 84/day commute. Since I done have the drive anymore, I am driving this one til it dies. I have 130k and have never had anything serious to repair. A new battery, tires and just today a new starter. I had to repair 2 of the doors and one of the electric locks doesn't work. I would definitely buy another Prism!
Love my Prizm
deb, 12/19/2008
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Updating the review I wrote 2 years ago. We now have about 238,000 miles on her. She is still going strong. Had the a/c fixed for about $1200 and the only other thing we have had done is the radiator replaced since last review. We love this car! Excellent quality as far as engine performance goes.
148,000 and still rolling
JRB, 01/30/2009
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 1998 Chevy Prism in fall '99 and it is still rolling after all these miles and 10 plus years. I have taken care of it and it still runs great. I have done regular work on it, and every vehicle needs this. Battery, starter, alternator, tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. I have heard these things will push 200k and still roll on. We will see and I will run this until it dies.
old lady's car
joeyjoejimbob, 05/16/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have but 2 comment; this vehicle is for people who are not endowed with height or overly big because there is very little space between the two front seat occupants. This vehicle also lacks any type of pick-up and at times feels that there are 2 squirrels on a treadmill underneath the front hood.
Great car
Mauigirl, 12/13/2009
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '98 Prizm in 2005 for $4000. It had about 60,000 miles on it then. It now has 130,000 miles on it. It has been the best buy, the most reliable car. Interesting to read the other reviews about the door handles snapping off. Mine has done the same and I am unable to find the replacement part. The Chevy dealer is asking $200 for it. The A/C recently went out so I may consider selling as I live on Maui, although I'm tempted to see how long I can keep it running! Just wanted to add my two cents about this car. I have loved it and it has been very good to me!
Reliable
cory, 09/30/2010
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very reliable car. Only issues have been changing the oxygen sensor, but other than that it runs great and is fuel efficient.
You cannot kill my Prizm
Shawn, 10/21/2010
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a completely honest review of my 1998 Prizm. The bad: -boring look -less than expected 4 cylinder pep -awful body roll on corners -a lot of rattles on bumpy road at 170,000 -way to loud at any speed over 70 mph the good: -unbelievable reliability -quality parts-quality -comfortable ride at 65 mph -Superior gas mileage -not a bad size overall inside -easy dash layout my Prizm refuses to die. I bought it with 150,000 miles currently has 170,000. I have done nothing but change plugs and fluid, air filter. I Punch this car at every stop, it shifts smooth every time. Engine is not bad at all performance wise for its mileage. Don't be afraid to buy one with high miles! Commuters<----buy!
Keeps going
Mommybug, 10/25/2010
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are approaching the 200,000 mile mark and this car has been very reliable at getting us around, even when the Denver winters hit. Our air conditioner just went out for the 2nd time (1st was under warranty), and we've had to replace several of the original parts as they just get old, but nothing unexpected with a car this age. I wish the clear coat on the paint had lasted longer as it doesn't look as nice anymore. The fabric on the seats has held up well, but the interior roof fabric has not. I also agree that the car handles have shown a bit of weakness, though we've only had to replace the driver side once. Power window fixed once, too.
55,000 miles and still going strong.
JimNC, 08/04/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I now have owned my 1998 Prizm since new and am very satified. It has never been to the dealer for a repair. Only gas, oil changes, and tires have been required. My only real compliant is the lack of legroom. Even with the seat all the way back I need another inch or so and I'm only 5'11". The ride is quiet and smooth for this size car - handling is a not very crisp. Average 30-31 MPG with 4-sp automatic. Not very exciting, but excellent basic transportation.
Solid But Bland
Jim Of Oak Creek, 09/16/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Cheverolet Prism is really a Toyota Corolla. Both cars come off the same assembly line in the Toyota/GM Plant in California. My wife has been the major driver since we bought it in 1998. The car performs adequately, gets great gas milage, and is extremely reliable. We have never had a problem with the car. The styling on the Prism/Corolla is quite bland, both inside and out. I am tall, 6'5", and can drive the car fine but it is a bit constraining. Over all, a good solid relaible car; a bit on the small side with bland syling.
75,000 Miles and no problems.
fridaynight, 09/23/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought this car b/c his uncle worked at NUMI where they are made and got us a great deal. We couldn't be happier. We haven't had a single problem with it. Nothing has broken on the inside and the engine is still running beautifully. Aside from your regularly scheduled maintenance/oil changes/tire rotation... we haven't had to put any extra $$ into the car at all. It's very reliable and you definitely get more than you paid for. It's not a luxury car, but it's great for commuting and people who drive a lot of miles.
Wonderfully dependable
choalb, 11/21/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For over 4 yrs, this car has been absolutely reliable--good mileage 34mpg with automatic transmission, no leaks, no rattles, relatively quiet on the freeway especially after I switched tires. Do regular maintenance and that's it. For me, I'm 5'8", the car is very comfortable.
great car
thunderdan, 12/30/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought from a car rental. Working great ever since
Everything I had hoped for and more!
Eli Herron, 01/11/2003
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car in November of 2001. I love it! I had to replace the tires shortly after I bought it, but they were inexpensive. I drive it all over Arizona for work and I have no problems with it. I change the fluids religiously so I am sure that has alot to do with the performance. I highly recommend the car to anyone! Unless you are very tall. I am 5' 11'' and it fits me just fine.
Good car, cheap ride
Pastor Kim, 01/21/2003
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've beat my 1998 Prizm to death, with a lot of stop and go city driving, and have not taken care of it very well---- I manage to change the oil about every 5,000 miles, and once in a while I run it through a car wash----that's about it. I have had no major problems with the car. I plan to drive it till it dies. With an end of the year rebate and a GM card accumulation of dollars, I paid $10,000 for this basic car----5 speed, AC, AM/FM, RWD, and that's about it for "frills". Still, it gets me where I'm going. I probably would buy another one.
Great Little Car
prizm4life, 04/11/2011
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 98 Prizm LSI used in August of 1999. It was probably the best car purchase I ever made. It now has 102,000 miles on it and has never let me down. I've replaced a couple of door handles and some front suspension parts due to wear, but nothing out of the ordinary. I replaced the headliner but the rest of the interior still looks great. Chevy/Toyota really got it right on this one. I plan to continue driving it for a long time.
Reliability Rocks
Happy Prizm Driver, 11/30/2003
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 98 Prizm Lsi with 56,000 miles on it. I've put about 14,000 miles on it since and it has been a great car. I got 35.9 mpg on the highway with 4 adults and a trunk PACKED with luggage, and this car doesn't even have the overdrive transmission. Rock solid reliability, according to most online consumer guides. My Prizm has some vibration over 65 mph, which did not disappear after buying new tires and having them balanced. Try to find a Prizm with the overdrive, so you're not buzzing so hard when driving highway speeds.
Solid Car
prizmrus, 12/29/2003
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have over 108K miles and going strong. Have only had to replace brakes, clutch, tires, oil changes etc. No major repair work. My prizm is loaded with moonroof, alloy tires, 5 sp manual compensates for 4 cyl engine and sluggishness expressed by automatic trans owners. I get 38 mpg and drive 18k per year so this car saves bucks on gas and maintenance. Open the moon roof, crank the cd player and look out this baby can fly ...
Mt Runner
mt goat, 02/16/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the Lsi with power moon roof, manual 5 spd. This is everything I have been looking for. I was impressed by the power because the first thing I did was floor it up a huge hill. I drive it up to a ski resort every Sunday in winter where I'm on the ski patrol. I haven't had a problem on icy roads and I love the gas milage.
Get's Me Where I Want to Go, Every time
oldcrewjock, 02/16/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Prizm is a good, reliable, cheap ride. Bought it new as a stripper, commuter car. No options except a rear window defogger, an AM-FM radio, and a tachometer. Good highway gas mileage (30 mpg in winter and 37 in summer). Around town mileage could be better (24 mpg winter and 28 summer). Had very few repairs. Fairly easy to change oil and oil filter. Has 81K miles now. Intend to keep it till it dies, hopefully when it reaches 200K. Peppy acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Teenage daughter has been trying to claim the car for her own. She has begun driving it to school.
reliable drive
logansbounty, 03/20/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 98 Prizm came with 95k miles of which 90% were highway miles. The car was serviced with replacement of auto trans fluid and coolant and serpentine belt. The car is a very useful comuter and very comfortable seating and large trunk for a compact. Mileage was found to be only 26 on highway. I found the dealer had installed the wrong spark plugs. The car is typical toyota quality but a bit cheap in construction when compared to a Dodge neon which seemed more solid. Yet for dependability it has proven itself. I doubt I would buy another because of the cheezie construction, but as it is Chevy quit offering the model. To reliable!
Solid car
jtgumby, 05/05/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Because gasoline use is the single biggest environmental impact for most Americans, I was looking for a fuel- efficient vehicle. Leased it new, then bought it at end of lease. With 5 speed manual it accelerates adequately. I put on optional fatter tires when factory tires wore out, which improved handling. Only real problem has been Evap canister purge valve going bad at 50000 miles, but this is an emissions problem. Doesn't affect mileage or driveability at all.
Keeps Running
DJ-123, 08/14/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far so good. Reliability is the key.
Excellent Commuter Car
WNY Driver, 09/15/2004
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new; now have 105K miles. Had to reset air bag sensor 2x. Front brakes lasted until 100K miles & rear brakes not yet worked. This has been great no-frills reliable transportation. 5 Speed provides great gas mileage - consistent 38+ mph in the summer 32mph in the cold winter. 5 speed also allows for adequate acceleration when needed. Under load (> 2 people) need to delay shifting if you're merging onto a hwy. With rear passengers rear end tends to bottom out easily. Front room comfortable for someone up to 5'10; beyond that it gets cramped. Rear room gets tight for anyone over 4'. Body still holding up well after 7 lovely winters.
Super Reliable
Michael MacLeod, 11/24/2005
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased 2 months ago with 186K (one owner) on it, but you'd never know it. Body replaced head cover gasket, rear brakes & p.s. hoses. It runs great, gets 24-27 city. No trips yet but expect 35+. I'm 6'-3" and 270#, so it's a bit cramped to get in (wish it was higher off ground) but comfortable once inside. Plenty of head and leg room - I can actually stretch my left leg (bad knee) all the way out!! (No can do on 80% of other cars.) Radio speaker blocked by my leg. Plenty of pickup for my needs, GEO Prizms have 1.6L not 1.8L, you can really tell the difference, and with better MPG! (29-36 EPA) Auto trans. shifts very smoothly. Only thing not working is dome light - I must do manually
I miss the older Prism
gudly, 12/19/2005
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 94 and loved it. No problems, absolute dream even when traded it in with 182,000 miles on it because I needed a truck. My wife needed a car so we picked up another Prizm. This time a 98. The engine very good.300 Ride quality is wonderful. But It is far more cramped than the previous model and a lot of the plastic brakes easily We've replaced the driver side door handle 3 times. We've also replaced the starter already. But it gets us where we want to go, and it is very cheap to operate. Love the gas mileage
Decent car, but lacking in some areas
Joe Broge, 05/03/2006
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 73k miles on it after my old Hyundai got totalled. Since the Prizm/Corolla has a reputation for reliability I thought it was a safe bet. Overall the car has always gotten me where I needed to go and it has never stranded me anywhere. Unfortunately a few aspects of the car bring the whole thing down. Shortly after I bought the car the A/C stopped working. The A/C compressor had gone bad and the whole system needed replacing to the tune of $1800.
Love my Prizm
deb, 10/28/2006
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car new. Pushing 190K miles and still going strong. Only work we've had done is and alternator/battery and routine service. All other existing problems are just irritating small things that don't involve engine reliability. A/C no longer works ($2K to fix). This is the best and most reliable car I've ever had. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Looking to replace it only because of A/C but keeping it as a "winter car" to reduce miles on new one.
Wore out over the long haul
Sam S., 02/20/2007
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car had pretty good reliability, but the real flaw was the interior. It really did not wear well, and started to fall apart after about 5-6 years. his included problems such as the stripping around the doors peeling off, and all of the interior door handles breaking. The air conditioning went out at about 6 years too, which is a pain. Engine wise this car never gave me any trouble, which I assume has to do with it being a Toyota engine. Just beware that though the Chevy Prizms are made by Toyota, much of the body is made and assembled by Chevy.
Reliable Car
Andy, 09/08/2007
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving my Prizm. Have only performed routine maintenance like tires and brakes in the two years since purchasing. Paid $3,500 for the car and still books around same price over two years later.
Supe Reliable Car!
SUPER RELIABLE CAR, 10/15/2007
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new. This car has given me over 265,000 miles of nearly trouble free servicewhat more can you ask of a car? The only things I've replaced other than regular maintenance are the a/c condenser at 175,000 and an exhaust part connected to catalytic converter and radio. As well as 3 out of 4 door handles. This car has a 5-speed manual with the original clutch and still gets 37 mpg on the highway at average speed of 80 mph!
113,000 Miles and Going
DMR, 09/02/2007
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Prizm was a Corrola made at the GM/Toyota NUMMI j/v in Long Beach, CA. It depreciates faster because it doesn't have the Toyota nameplate. Still quality: that's why I got it - and the decision paid off. I bought my 1998 Prizm LSI from Hertz for $9k in May 2001 with 28,000 miles on it. Biggest repair was A/C for ~$1500. The inside driver door handle breaks reliably every two years - that's the GM contribution. Passenger window motor needed replacing. Replaced the hose for power steering today. But, really, these repairs are not out of line for 90k of driving. With all that, it runs fine, is in good shape, gives me 28 mpg. 200k? I'll write a another review if we get there.
Crusin' in my Priz'm'
PrizmLover, 01/19/2003
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love Prizms! They're a smart buy for those whose priorities are reliability and fuel economy. My first car was a '95 Prizm. It was beautiful and purple. It died tragically in a head- on collision, and I'm still getting over the loss. My '98 does fill in well, though I have had to take it in a couple of times (under warranty) for an airbag light and a minor emmissions problem. Buy Prizms, they rock (though you'll have to buy used because Chevy is trying to get their small car buyers to drive Caviliers (YUCK!))!
Great Car
v946916, 03/13/2002
1998 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great, no frills car. I can get upto 40 mpg, the rear ducts keep my kids warm in the winter, cool in the summer. Its been very reliable, had to replace the automatic shift cable and air fan. Low maintenace costs too. And it has good pickup. The car see has 60K miles currently. The car is the easy to park anywheres, great turning ratio.
My little Prizm
booter2009, 09/11/2012
1998 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my Little prizm is great. Have never had any trouble with it beside that i had a little bit of arching in the main battery terminal. I bought it with about 140000 last year. This year i have just under 180000. The owner said that everything was original beside the Cads. It is just no in need of a throw out bearing for the transmission. Still a fun little car and cant wait to get it to 300000.