Used 1996 Geo Prizm Consumer Reviews
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i <3 MAI GEO PRIZM SO MUCH
pole16, 01/23/2012
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
It was a sunny day in 1997 when I first laid eyes on on the beauty i would come to know as VERONIKA. I spent my formative years growing up with this car, i remember endless summers riding with my family out to california to explore modern america! As I approached the age of 16 when this car was still the "nice one" I was humbled and delighted to recieve this vehicle. Me and VERONIKA have spent some of my best years together, but she was dependible through the worst. Now, as I approach the end of my life, VERONIKA approaches her end also. She has a hefty 423,761 load on her, and while she still goes to town, her age is showing. I will allways remember VERONIKA as my truested escort, forever.
Do not get rid of this car
dawn, 09/10/2010
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought our Lsi from his uncle used. We have 211K on it and it's still going strong. Best little car we have ever owned beside our 1982 chevy chevette manual. Our 10 year old daughter and 100 lb. golden retriever sleep comfortably in the back and my husband hauls his fishing and hunting toys with ease(the dog goes in front of course) we've taken this car on many winter trips and to Canada with no problems. We change oil every 3K new tires when needed and never have had a problem starting it even in 45- winter winds. If you have this car hang onto to it for life and give it the little tlc it needs. We purchased a Pontiac Vibe. The Geo will now be a school car. We'll missed it!
1996 Geo Prizm for sale near you
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- LSi SedanMSRP: N/A616 mi away
Bulletproof reliability
specialk_lsi, 02/26/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
i love this car, right now i'm at 62,000 miles and the only thing i had to change was the oil. good power to weight ratio and very good handling w/wide tires. i get an average of 30mpg with 87 octane (mostly city driving).
225,000 miles and still going!
Joe, 01/08/2007
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Hands down, this is the most inexpensive cost-to-own vehicle EVER. It's a Toyota Corolla with a Geo badge on the back. I've owned this one for 8 years and it was a rental car in its former life. Despite that abuse, I've done nothing aside from routine maintenance and replace the occasional worn-down part. It has never broken down one time and regularly gets 28-32 mpg. The downsides: it is a rattle machine - EVERYTHING vibrates in the car like mad! Don't buy this car if you want engine power or handling - it has neither of those. What it does have is insane reliability, cheap parts, good gas mileage and it's easy to work on yourself. 300,000 miles, here I come!
pulled me out of debt!
ed, 02/04/2016
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
210,xxx miles on it, and still runs smooth. no problems for almost 3 years, saved me money to pay off debt.
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Best car I've ever owned
jan, 08/29/2006
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever owned. I had a corolla before the geo and the geo is better overall. I've had it for about 6 years and I've never brought it into the shop for anything except maintenance (oil changes, belts, brakes etc.). It is excellent on gas. I highly recommend this car. The pick up is not great but otherwise I love this car. I am so sad they stopped making it.
Great Car
Jim, 03/25/2008
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A great car for a beginner, not a lot of power but gets you from here to there safely. Since it was my first car i've beaten it, and it has lasted. I yank up the e-brake, do burnouts, and power shift it and it still runs the same with no problems. Very fun car to mess around in for very cheap. I got the car for 1700 with 137,000 miles on it and now i'm up to 153'000. In this time, i've had 2 flat tires which happens to all cars, an oxygen sensor, and a new belt.
Great
kclguy, 12/08/2007
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it w/35,000 miles @ 11 years old from orig. owners. It has had 0 problems and is used every day. It is fully loaded so you don't feel like you are driving a econo-box.
the bestest
cp, 07/20/2008
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is the most reliable I've ever had and I have had a lot of cars. Now has 215,000 and burns no oil. Never had the exhaust changed. Starts every time even in sub zero temps. Great gas mileage 36 MPG local. Only changed tires twice. Love this car.
it keeps going, amazing
cogdog, 10/30/2008
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, what can you say about a car that starts everyday and never breaks down, year in, year out, it's hard to describe but it earns a place in your heart. My wife bought this car 6 years ago for $1000, it then had about 130K on it, many people told her, "it's a 4 banger, they don't last, you wasted your money" WRONG! it now has over 216K on it! It does not burn oil or leak oil, everything works on it! even the A/C, amazing!! This little car has won our respect, sure it's old, slow and looks rough but who cares, i just think of all the money this gem has saved me over the years and i can't believe it, wish I had a car like this long ago. The only thing we replaced was the starter/battery
Geo Prism
mike c, 01/22/2009
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife has driven this car for 7 years, she bought it with 135k miles on it, now it has 218k on it, it just keeps running, no problems, best money ever spent on a car. Only only major item that needed replacing was the starter. It doesn't look very good, the rocker panels are completely rusted out but hey that happens in Michigan, even on the coldest winter morning it never fails to start, I really respect this car and the folks that designed and built it.
She'll never die
Bub'Skee, 05/02/2009
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from the display in the center of the dealership. It has 238,000 miles and she still runs perfect. I've not had a single problem with it. The required Minor tune-ups is all i've ever done to it and it keeps going strong too. I bet that i can easily get another 100,000 miles out of it. This is the best out of the 3 cars i've owned. I would recommend this car any day of the week.
A great car
paganpink, 05/30/2009
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although my car has only 91,600 miles which is very low for a 13 year old vehicle I can safely say that its reliability is really astounding. Everything still works fine- cold air, radio/cassette, etc. etc. It simply never needs anything other than routine maintenance to be done on it, year after year after year. What a great car. And its comfortable to boot, although its not a prestigious looking car, but nonetheless they are the automotive equivalent of the Energizer bunny.
Great Car
bgood19999, 06/08/2002
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have 105,000 miles on this car. Its a work horse. Never had any major problems except to change the bearings in th efont drivers side wheel. Big Deal. I recomend this car to anyone!!!
Great Car!!!!!!
Britt, 09/16/2009
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car. Im 18 years old and drive it like crazy since I got the car in August ive put 7,000 miles on it and all I've had to do is put in oil. Also a friend and I were messing around and and I backed up into the side of is 1995 Pontiac and my car won. Love the strength want to have this car for a long time.
Great car
gsmith03, 09/28/2009
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been extremely reliable for me for five years. It hasn't nickel and dimed me, nor has it given me any major problems. Unfortunately, I was in a tight financial spot and had to hold off on an oil change, and also happened to have an oil leak and threw a rod bearing. It needs a new engine, but that is mostly my fault and not a problem with the car. Overall, a very reliable car.
248k miles 14 years and now will say bye
lars, 09/05/2010
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 prizm on my birthday in 1996 for $10,400 after discount and gm credit card points brand new from a dealer. Sticker was $15+k. The car now has 249k miles on it. needs clutch, tires, A/C no longer works, and new struts so I am getting ready to say goodbye. Fun to drive, 39 mpg (I laugh at people who spend all that money on a prius to save gas). Car has original engine clutch exhaust. AMAZING RUN with her and I will miss her.
Bullet Proof Bank Account Builder
MPLSSTEVEO, 07/07/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best vehicle you can buy for the money. No, it's not a thrill to drive, but it's easy, quiet, smooth, rides like a larger Camry (kinda looks like one, too!) Good power for the size, especially with the 1.8L engine and the 4-speed auto. Never had one problem. Due to time-gone-by, I've had to replace the battery and break pads 1 time. yes, I said ONCE in 100,000 miles. i do regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance, but that is it. If you need cheap reliable transportation that's not embarrasing to drive, this is the one!
My car
Jennifer Queen, 09/10/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My vehicle is very good on gas mileage. The only thing that I don't like, is that it doesn't have alot of horse power. Since I've had my car it has never given me any trouble.
I loved this car
boo18, 02/07/2008
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my most favorite car. I only had to replace the tires and the battery. It had great gas mileage and was super dependable. It started up on the coldest days of winter without a problem. So sad that I lost it to a car accident, I was planning on keeping that car for another 100,000 miles
Prizm in Ohio
moose, 05/30/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the reliability of the Prizm. The interior is great, too. I am 6'4" and have plenty of headroom. And all the switches are within reach. My complaints after 6 years is the slow pick up from a dead stop and the angle of the back window. Vision diminishes quickly during heavy rain/snow. After a rain storm, all the windows QUICKLY fog up completely making it very hard to see. Bad news on the highway.
great car
capps, 09/18/2002
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine has 162,000 miles and all I've done is change the oil once in awhile, I haven't had to repair or replace anything yet. great car great value.
Excellent Vehicle!
TomRD, 07/28/2003
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most reliable, smooth drive, sporty feel (with 5 speed manual). Can't get anything better for the price.
Bulletproof reliability
pwcrl, 12/11/2003
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car with 30,000 miles. Has 150,000 on it now. Drive it hard and all I have to do is regular maintenance. 5 speed tranny shifts real nice, super gas mileage, not to bad power wise for such a little motor.
Awesome GEO
whoitspg, 02/10/2004
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WOW, If this car war a toyota lable vihicle it'd be worth a lot more. But it's the same car!!
96 Geo Prizm
GeoGuy1996, 02/23/2004
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only issues I've had were a loose dashboard air duct and the cassette loader engages when no cassette is present.
very dependable
yuckles, 03/05/2004
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Geo Prizm when my employment required a long commute. I have been extremely pleased. Gas mileage was adequate, the ride comfortable, and most importantly this car has been so reliable!
Prizm - A great value!
BobPryor, 03/15/2004
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put almost a quarter of a million miles on my Prizm since buying it new in 1996. other than regular maintenance items I have spent only $500.00 on repairs. I operate this vehicle for less than 12 cents per mile including gas at $1.80/gal. This has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned in over 40 years!
wow what a geat car!
debsupermom, 04/03/2004
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this prism new.I have only done routine maint. I have owned many cars, but this one was a keeper.I would buy another. It has been the best car I have ever owned. A++++
I'd Buy It Again
Cheri Marks, 07/07/2006
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most reliable, economical car I've ever owned. Has 117,000 miles and still going strong. Only replaced starter so far.
Great Car
s55amg, 06/10/2004
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although it only has 105hp, I've never had a problem keeping up on the highway; there's more than enough passing power. I've only had a few minor problem's with the car since I've had it and it's been running great since. I now have 90,000 miles on it and it still runs like it has 30,000. Alhough it is rated at 26 miles per gallon city driving for the automatic, I regularly get 30-32mpg, never below 29mpg. Being in Hawaii, I do 80% city driving.
Wish they still made them
Sammy in Yuma, 01/01/2005
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought I was being pretty smart when I bought this Corolla-in-a-different-dress for $2200 less than the comparably equipped Toyota. I was! At 130,000 miles, it remains comfortable, quiet, and trouble-free. I get 33/37 mpg, no bull. All I do is change the oil and all it does is start up and run every time without fail. My wife wants a new car but I think I'll paint this one and drive it another 130,000.
Geo Prizm - reliable car
Brian, 08/05/2005
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car straight out of school, knowing that I'd need a ride that would last a while. I knew I would drive it into the ground. At least I thought I would. I bought it at 16K miles. Some older woman had had the car, and I bought it for 7k even. Other than routine oil changes, I had 2 mechanical problems. The catalytic converter went in '02, and I recently had a fuel filter go. That's it. It has been a comfortable car. I have had both of my kids in car seats in the car. We have fit 5 people comfortably. It has fair pick up, considering... it performs fairly in the NE winter, though it's no dream. All in all, it's most amazing feature has been reliability. I'd do it again.
Hate to sell it
wshelx, 03/19/2006
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new almost 10 years ago. It never gave any trouble. It even jump started my Honda CRV. I recently put in new tires and brakes and changed fluids, wishing to drive it 100,000 more miles for 10 more years. But my wife decided to sell it because the famaly is growing and we bought a large SUV. Hate to sell it! This baby was in my family before my first baby.
A Car that does the Job
Dude, 02/13/2007
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is meant for a person who doesn't want to spend much money, and get more than what paid for. This car is great for a beginning driver, with plenty of room for the driver, and with Toyota quality.
Lasted longer than I thought
Williamsjc12, 06/12/2007
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car. I bought this Prizm used at 142,000 miles 3 years ago. It's at 166,000 now and I haven't had a single problem with it. I put a new battery in it because the one in it was a 6 year battery and the car was almost 10 years old. I bought it for $1600 and expected it to only last me a year or two because it was getting old. I drive over 50 miles a day and it's never done anything funky, very reliable car. It's on its down side now because it's getting old. But I would recommend this car to anyone. Oh and it has a Toyota Corolla engine and transmission so that's why it's so great :-P Great first car for anyone!
Cheap reliable and keeps you happy.
Geo Prizm LSi Driver, 07/20/2007
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it with 138K miles. I now have 176K miles, no major repair issues (knock on wood). Just normal oil changes, radiator flush, etc. Had to get a wheel bearing replaced, and one of the pulleys replaced. The Prizm is perfect for a student, first time driver, or just everyday driving. I am hoping to hit 300k before replacing this one. Drives decently through snow in the DC metro areas. If you are looking for something cheap and reliable you can't go wrong with a Geo Prizm.
Dependable
Jane Newman, 03/13/2008
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had it 10 years, it is 13 years old. Very few repairs, most of them recently. Great gas mileage, easy to handle, ride is smooth.
Prizm in Ohio
Moose, 05/30/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the reliability of the Prizm. The interior is great, too. I am 6'4" and have plenty of headroom. And all the switches are within reach. My complaints after 6 years is the slow pick up from a dead stop and the angle of the back window. Vision diminishes quickly during heavy rain/snow. After a rain storm, all the windows QUICKLY fog up completely making it very hard to see. Bad news on the highway.
I love this car!!
wf415, 03/14/2002
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best values I've ever seen, and a privelege to own and drive. The combination of efficiency, features, reliability, looks, user-friendliness, and fun to drive make it ABSOLUTELY unbeatable.
Very Reliable
JoR, 07/07/2003
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great reliability - I've put very little into this car and never had any problems.
Fantastic and Fun Vehicle!
Justin Case, 12/02/2016
updated 12/04/2017
1996 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a '96 with only 193,000 miles on it. I feel that the engine is just barely broken in. It runs great and will start in sub-zero weather after sitting for two weeks. My much newer Ford is not nearly as reliable. I would take it across country in a heartbeat. It has been very reliable and a low maintenance vehicle. The gas mileage is amazing! I get 28 mpg in town and have gotten as high as 36 mpg on the highway. This car is extremely consistently reliable. Unfortunately my 16 y.o. daughter does not want this amazing vehicle---so it will benefit someone else. I know she will regret it later on in life when she is stranded by the side of the road waiting for AAA to come and tow whatever used vehicle she gets. She pointed out that her older brother didn't want it either, however, there were several times when his Honda was not working and he needed to use the ever reliable Prizm. UPDATE Dec. 2017: 199,000 miles. It needed a transmission ($1,000 repair). I did it with the idea that it would be cheaper and better than finding a used vehicle that is good. My daughter finally agreed to take the car and she is enjoying the benefit of driving a reliable car back and forth to college (she is now 17 years old and will be an engineer). The only times she hasn't been able to get the car to start right away is when she has locked her keys inside it. It starts right up once someone comes with a spare key for her to get in. It would have been nice if Prizms had been made with a keyless entry....
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Excellent value!
Mike Dyszel, 04/27/2019
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got my Geo as a cheap commuter car to save gas and had it for 6 months. Excellent reliability and fuel economy. Great value based car, and easy to work on without prior automotive skills. 160,000 miles and engine and manual transmission were working in top condition. Unfortunately with the car being in the rust belt after a short time of ownership, the rear quarter of the unibody frame had rotted to a point that would not pass inspection. I had to pass the car on as I was not willing to have the unibody frame redone. I still miss the car, it was really great.
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Immortal
Henry Cook, 02/07/2023
1996 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car when I was 16 in 2020. The car I got was beat up it had so much aesthetic issues I had a hard time thinking this car could do anything. It had 77,000 miles on it and was sunburnt from sitting in the Hawaii sun to long. But man this car can handle anything I’ve driven up the side of a mountain in this thing cruised at 110 mph and even did quite a few burnouts and this car handled it all like a champ. Even all the girls enjoyed riding in it! I named him Cletus and he was with me for 2.5 years. Until he was hit a second time by a idiot who didn’t know how to drive! During my time with this car he was hit twice but that didn’t change a thing he was still dependable and didn’t leak a drop of anything. It was sad to see him go and he will be remembered in my heart till the day I die. But I’ll tell you what, I am going to find another one of these cars and buy it again because this car was immortal.
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