Used 1997 Geo Prizm Sedan Consumer Reviews
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315,000 miles, and I still can't scrap it
Leslie, 08/04/2015
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I inherited my 1997 Geo Prizm from my father when I was 16 years old (I'm currently 26). At the time it had already been in his possession for 7 years. It was a stick shift. I learned with no RPM gauge, and I attest to date that it is the best car to learn stick on; it's industrial strength, you learn by sound and feel, and the clutch isn't very sensitive. It's now a 19 year old car, and has 315,000 miles on it. It has taken me on multiple round trips from Columbus to Chicago and DC, and I still drive it safely on multi (3 +) hour trips. I have invested very little until these last final two years in repairs. (Most issues are general wear/age issues, the most recent my sad reality check--rusted brake lines). I haven't calculated mileage in a minute, but several years ago it was *still* running over 37 mpg. It is so well loved that I can't stand to trade it in, and will be giving it away to a friend, who says that even at 315k miles it is more reliable than his own vehicle.
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Positive+
Bill Golden, 07/17/2010
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever owned by a long shot. It has almost 194,000 miles on it, and I bought it used in '98 with a little over 5,000. These are some hard earned NJ miles with generally bad road conditions and extremes in weather. I love its reliability! In fact I'm replacing the timing belt this week -- overdue, I know -- with intentions of taking it as far as I can. But a word of advice: if you have an automatic, get the differential oil checked as well as the transmission. I've learned very little about cars since I've had this Prizm, but that was one big expensive lesson.
still going strong
dercpi, 06/30/2009
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Hands down, the best vehicle I have ever owned due to its reliability and cost savings. The styling remains fresh if not fresher today than some of the crap being built now. My first was a 1994 LSi lease. It, too, was flawless. I drove my '97 off the showroom floor with 3/10's of a mile on it. As of today, it has exactly 310,000 miles on it! The engine and transmission remain original as does the exhaust and most of the suspension. The fit and finish remain strong as does the interior. Not bad considering it has never been garaged. It still gets great gas mileage, burns very little oil and has no squeaks. Why this model/line was ever killed off beats me. Wake up GM, you blew it.
The car that raised a family
Janelle Zook, 09/27/2018
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I’m the 2nd owner I have had it for15 years now all my kids learned to drive in it. It was so good in the snow we always seem to drive every one else around. People are always amazed how well it does handle in the snow. Where we live people park at the bottom of our neighborhood and walk home but not us 😀. It had 41000 miles when I bought it and it just turned 168000 the other day. It still sgets great mileage 30/36. I have the 1.6L. The only issue I have had is the exhaust manifold. It gets so hot at times it will crack it. The second time I bought the more expensive one at AutoZone and it came with a lifetime warranty. It has happened three times now. Its one of those cars that you know will start every time unless you leave the lights on.
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built to last
geo prizm, 08/09/2008
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my first Prizm in 97 and put 200,000 miles on it. I then sold it too my sister in law and she still drives it today. At the time I sold it to her it was still on the original everything. Only replaced one cv joint and brake job usual tuneups but everything else is original to the car. She now has well over 250,000 on it and still drives it to school everyday. I bought another 97 at a great price with a 100,000 and am sure to get another 100,000. Can't go wrong with these cars \ 94-97 models
Really a Toyota Corrola with GM Logo
Gil, 07/31/2010
1997 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
8 of 17 people found this review helpful
My wife and I each own a 97 Prizm. I have owned mine for 5 years and she has owned it for 8 years. I have the LSi and she has the standard model. We both have the 1600 standard engine. Both cars extremely reliable. Cost of ownership very low. Both are cars are salvaged and cost under $3,000. Other than normal maintenance have had 1 fuel injector replaced, starter motor. I switched the passenger seat with the drivers seat to increase seat comfort. Negative - Road noise, a little bit louder than other small cars I have owned, but a small issue overall.
Has there ever been a better car?????
Jim, 08/12/2009
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new late in the model year (12 years ago). I have spent a max of $1000 in this time period on minor repairs. It still gets 38 mpg+ with the 5-speed manual transmission. So given this is a 13- year old car, why aren't new cars much better? So far I can't think of any reason for getting a new car.
I love it
Dave111, 06/14/2004
1997 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has caused me no pain. I drive alot and I expect to pay between 400- 500 dollars every 2 years on a used car to keep it running well. ie brakes and inspection and so on. I've had the car for 5 years bought it with 50,000 and now have 130,000 and it's a tough little customer
Reliable Till the End
Fernando, 06/05/2010
1997 Geo Prizm 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have to give this car a 10 on reliability because it is at 173,000 miles and i have not had to make many repairs. I have driven this car from NY to FL twice and NY to Chicago round- trip. It hits its max at 175,000, but what car that you have can you say the same. If you find it in low mileage, buy immediately because it will last a long time. It's too bad they discontinued the brand because I would have definitely bought another one.
My little Red Prism
Gene Rager, 07/28/2005
1997 Geo Prizm LSi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I presently have 178000 miles on my Prizm and it runs as good today as the day I bought it. I have not sufferred any major problems at all. I am 6'4" tall and I can wear my western styled hat while I drive. I routinely get 37 miles per gallon. This is a combination of city and hiway driving. I manage this milage on midrange gasoline. Based on the foregoing I do not understand why the car was discontinued. My next car shall be as close to the Prizm that I can get. Thank you
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