2000 Chevy Prizm Review
2000 Chevy Prizm Review
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Used Prizm for sale
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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, ABS not standard, options force prices too high to remain a bargain.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm 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
$145/mo for Prizm Base
Prizm Base
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, but not necessarily resale value. To top things off, the Prizm has earned very high marks in past 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. A well-equipped Prizm can be more expensive than a similarly loaded Malibu. For 2000, Chevrolet is trying to boost Prizm's value by offering more standard equipment in the base price. Bottom-rung models get air conditioning, a four-speaker stereo, floor mats and wheel covers this year, while LSi buyers receive standard power windows, rear defogger, tachometer with outside temperature gauge, tilt steering column and larger tires.
Despite the price of entry, 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 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all Prizms, and for 2000, benefits from variable valve timing technology that certainly didn't come from GM. Toyota's VVTi system boosts power in Prizm to 125 horsepower and 125 foot-pounds of torque, both peaking at lower rpm than last year. Interestingly, side airbags are optional on this economy sedan. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard to improve handling response from the four-wheel independent suspension. All interior fabrics feature Scotchgard stain protection and a power sunroof is available. 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 an 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 package. However, a Prizm LSi with every available option closes quickly on $20,000. For that kind of cash you can buy any number of larger and more substantial sedans. Keep a lid on the options, though and the Prizm makes much more sense.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Chevrolet Prizm.
5 star(35%)
4 star(45%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(3%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great car
Greg, 02/22/2009
2000 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
We purchased this car new in 2000. I do not have one bad word to say about this car. It has been a great little car. No problems what so ever. It is the best value for a car I have ever bought. If all US car maker made their cars of this quality, they would not be in the mess that they now are in. Bravo to General Motors for this car.
5 out of 5 stars
good performer
David D, 01/04/2016
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
bought at automall end of 2000 it had been in a rental fleet for the year, only owner, it is an automatic transmission
mostly city driving at around 28mpg but very good highway at 65mph only (you can drive 75mph) gets around 35/38 mpg
never had one problem with engine or transmission never added oil once my self just had regular changes around twice a year
but only drive highway for 6 … hours round trip maybe twice a month or so....
have replaced radiator, both front door inner handles, both safety belts for front seats, front breaks, and the usual belts and hoses
also had to replace fuel tank as the pressure release valve on the top locked shut and the tank had already started to bulge ....
had to replace fuel filter assembly, filter and pump in one assembly, and therefore costly. cassette broke and replaced radio too
replaced dash gauge cluster lights too
all in all I've had great luck with this car but drive very conservatively in fact my mechanic says I have excessive carbon and should
burn it off by accelerating once in a while the engine light is off and only came on for the fuel tank problem and catalytic converter/carbon problem
problems I have put off lost one diode in alternator, slight leak in rack-n-pinion steering, motor mounts, car feels a bit loose might be front struts/shocks etc.
all in all I've had great luck with this car but bought it one year old and babied it ......
worst feature is the interior as the headliner is falling apart seats wear thin etc.
3 out of 5 stars
Great around-town car
4hudsons, 07/17/2012
2000 Chevrolet Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
The Prism is a great around town car, but NOT for traveling. I have 260,000 miles on my manual shift and lost 4th gear last September and I am still getting over 34 miles to the gallon.
The throwout bearing went bad at about 220,000 miles and we went ahead and rebuilt the motor since it was out and was losing compression.
It runs like a new one except for the pesky 4th gear.
The interior … is very cheap and the door handles break easily.
We bought this car new with only 11 miles on it, 8 we put on during the test drive. The car is great for around town and short trips less than 2 hours but uncomfortable on any further distance, especially in the back seat.
The suspension is very cheap.
2 out of 5 stars
Not as great as everyone says....
morningland, 09/24/2009
2000 Chevrolet Prizm 4dr Sedan
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!
2000 Prizm Highlights
LSi
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $145/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 RatedDriver3 / 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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