1999 Chevy Prizm Review
1999 Chevy Prizm Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Reliability. Zippy powertrain when equipped with a manual transmission. Optional side airbags.
Cons
- Ho-hum personality. High price.
What’s new
After a thorough revision last year, the only changes for 1999 are four new paint colors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$148/mo for Prizm LSi
Prizm LSi
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In short, the Prizm is one of the best compact cars money can buy. It does everything well and looks good, too. Better yet, it is essentially a reskinned Toyota Corolla, which bodes well for reliability and resale value. To top things off, the previous-generation Prizm earned very high marks in initial quality studies, scoring better than the Infiniti G20 and Honda Accord.
But there is a problem, and that problem is price. Slotted between the Cavalier and Malibu, the small Prizm is no bargain once options are added. In some cases, a well-equipped Prizm is more expensive than a similarly loaded Malibu.
Still, there are compelling reasons to choose the Prizm. Its excellent reliability record, coupled with tasteful styling and outstanding assembly quality, goes a long way toward selling consumers on the Prizm. The car feels substantial, conveying the impression that it will last quite a long time. In contrast, the Cavalier feels somewhat cheap, flimsy and unrefined. The solid Malibu doesn't appeal to buyers looking for a smaller package.
A 120-horsepower engine is standard on all Prizms, and side airbags are optional. A handling package consisting of larger tires and a front stabilizer bar has been discontinued, though front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. All interior fabrics feature Scotchgard stain protection and the exhaust system is composed of stainless steel. As on last year's model, and in a break with GM tradition, antilock brakes are optional rather than standard.
Interior accommodations are rather sparse in base Prizms, but LSi's come with uplevel fittings and trim. Either model offers excellent ergonomics; all the switches and controls fall readily to hand and the gauges are clear and legible. The seats are firm but comfortable. The clutch is a joy to work and the five-speed manual snicks fluidly from gear to gear.
Prizm is strictly econo-issue in base trim, but add aluminum wheels and a premium equipment package to a LSi, and the Prizm transforms itself into a mini-Camry. Also available is a CD player and extended range speakers that sound great. Truly, a fully loaded Prizm is a fine car. However, a Prizm LSi with every available option closes quickly on $20,000. For that kind of cash you can buy a Honda Accord, a Ford Contour, a Nissan Altima or a Chevrolet Malibu LS. The identically sized Cavalier LS would save you several thousand dollars and include a generous level of trimmings. Keep a lid on the options, however, and the Prizm makes much more sense.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Chevrolet Prizm.
5 star(56%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(6%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Gas Mileage/Reliable Car
Mike Steidemann, 09/27/2004
1999 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
I have owned two Chevy Prizms. One
was a 1998 automatic and the one I own
now is the 1999 5 speed LSI. I liked
both cars, but I found that the
automatic only averaged about 30 MPG
while the stickshift averaged about
32.5 miles per gallon. Both cars were
very reliable for me. I
would suggest either version for a
budget tight driver. The Prizm
was also built on … the same line as the
Toyota Corolla and they are basically
the same car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best car I have ever owned
pteixeira, 09/29/2011
1999 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
I bought this car new, ordered it in fact, down to every feature. It was my very first new car.
Fast forward 12 years and my baby has 120,000 miles on her and has never let me down.
Ever.
I replaced the tires a few times, the compressor on the air conditioner and a few minor things, but this car has never left me stranded at the roadside.
I still get 35-40mpg. I will drive this car till … the wheels fall off.
I expect to put on another 100,000 easily.
4.38 out of 5 stars
1999 Chevy Prizm - 4 Dr Base Model
Ess Bee, 05/20/2010
1999 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
I bought this car from a family member, with 14,000 mi. on it. I've followed the maintenance manual and have had NO problems! I've had to replace the tires, oil, spark plugs, serpentine belt and battery; the normal maintenance stuff. I had to have the A/C charged a few times - but that only $20. It now has 115,000 miles and has NEVER broken down. It's been a fabulous car! I was informed … that it is really a TOYOTA COROLLA with a Chevy name plate on it. Chevrolet and Toyota entered into a Joint Venture and produced this wonderful, dependable car - I wouldn't have purchased it otherwise. And it's great on gas.
2.88 out of 5 stars
mine seems to be a piece of junk
stacyinjax, 03/21/2010
1999 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
I bought this car for easy commuting for good fuel economy. It was essentially a Corolla. This means I thought I wouldn't have to put a bunch of cash into it for repairs. WRONG! I have only put 38,000 miles on it and have had to put brakes, a starter, new strut on it. Now the power steering is leaking and transmission are gone. And when I had it at the mechanic the door handle went. … I'm so disappointed because I've maintained it. Not to mention that every time I put the air or heat on the noise from the blower is an annoying high pitched whistle! Get blown all over the highway,I'm an old lady and old lady blow by me. Just a hazard. I should have bought the Corolla.
1999 Prizm Highlights
LSi
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $148/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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