1990 Geo Prizm Review
Price Estimate: $2,579 - $4,298
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Sporty GSi models added to lineup, powered by a 115-horsepower version of standard DOHC 1.6-liter engine. GSi trim adds body-color bumpers, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes and a tachometer.
For sale nearby
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1990 Geo Prizm GSi 4dr Hatchback 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 $2.74 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$136/mo for Prizm GSi
Prizm GSi
vs
$141/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Geo Prizm Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(62%)
4(29%)
3(0%)
2(9%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Take care of it and it will last a long time.
4 out of 5 starscarol97, 03/01/2014
1990 Geo Prizm 4dr Hatchback
I bought this car used in 2012. It was in bad shape when I got it due to prior owners neglect. I put a lot of work into it a little at a time. I wanted an older car I could fix up. New windshield, new brakes, new thermostat (wasn't heating up the interior of car). interior door knobs, new battery, new starter, new serpentine belt, the radiator hose had a leak but I got that fixed right … away. The headlights were the old type, so I upgraded to the best bulbs on the market. The bulbs were 50 bucks each, and well worth it. It runs great now, and haven't had anymore problems with it. It is a basic car with NO computer stuff. It gets me from 'point' A to B, and I don't have a car payment.
Still driving my 1990 Geo Prizm
5 out of 5 starsWayne Trail, 09/13/2018
1990 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
Here it is 2018 and the car is still going strong. Never stranded me. 238000 miles. (To the Moon!) The Edmunds menu below only goes back to 1990. I bought the car in October of 1989.
**it is 2020 and Edmunds sent me a message to update my review. I am still driving my little Geo Prizm and I still love it.
**2021 and still going. I've been driving it for more than half my … life.
**2022 had the head gasket replaced, but it's still rolling. Still my commute car.
MOST RELIABLE FOR THAT LAST 11 YEARS
4.75 out of 5 starsPrizman, 05/01/2002
1990 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
I purchased this car new in 1990. FOr
the last 11 years, it has been the most
reliable car I have seen. Eleven years
later, it has 245675 miles and still
going strong, original clutch, roginal
transmission!!! I sure got my money's
worth out of this car. I am sure I will
get 300Kmi with no problems.
reliable for 12 years in northeast cold
4.5 out of 5 starsbeanpotm, 07/12/2002
1990 Geo Prizm GSi 4dr Hatchback
bought this geo prism in 1990, new and
have had wonderful luck with it. I am a
petite female and I have always found
it was extremely comfortable to drive.
Still very responsive. I have 111,000
miles, and it was never garaged
throughout some tough winters. I now
have a little rust underneath panel,
still running great.It has never broken
down or been in accident
1990 Prizm Highlights
Hatchback
GSi
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $136/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 – Original0
- 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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