I bought this car August of 2003 and it is by far one of the biggest lemons that I have encountered. I would seriously be relieved if a tree fell on it and it was totaled out. Right away I had problems becasue the car upon starting would sometimes shake violently and then die. This happened more in the morning and times were it was not used for a few hours, but it did do it at other times. I had it checked out and nothing was found. In the winter of 03/04 I started to get a sulfur smell that was disgusting. Nothing was found again. This past July, I was driving home and I started to here something of a ticking sound. It was the engine. It hasd blown because of a lack of oil. It was only 4000 miles since my last change. Little longer than I am supposed to be at, but my previous car, which would get a 6 on a scale of five for a review, my Toyota Corolla, was fine when I forgot to change the oil for 6000 miles. My did is sitting at 10000 miles since his last oil change, so don't say I broke it. The engine was a piece of junk. Oh yeah, in Febuary, the check engine light came on. It has been on since, even since I got the new engine. Nothing has been found. I noticed a squeak in the brakes as another reviewer mentioned. I noticed it in July. So I know what happens after it progresses. The brakes start to grind a little bit. It progressively gets and sounds worse. Soon it feels like it starts slipping. Another problem that I have since May is that when I am at speeds of 65-80 miles an hour. I vibrates violently. If I wanted a massage, then I wouldn't mind it doing this. At speeds above and below those it is smoother than at the other speeds. I wouldn't buy this car again and the next car I get is going to be a toyota Corolla

RELIABILITY, fuel efficiency, upkeep of the vehicle, and low price tag--$8,000 for a 1998 Prizm LSI that was 4 years old when we bought it.

Back seat kind of small for adults, but great for kids. If I had to find a fault it might be with the small gas tank. Since my husband drives 750 miles a week it takes over 2 tanks every week for him to get to work and back. Actually, it's not really a small tank, it's just that one does not usually have to drive so many miles in a week consistently and a larger tank would make it more convenient.

Bought our 1998 Prizm almost 2.5 years ago when it had about 34K miles on it. Researched it with Consumer Reports, Auto Check, and NADA. Has an EXCELLENT track record SEVERAL years consistently. Husband commutes 150 mi. each day (that's 3000 miles a month-EVERY MONTH-for OVER 2 YEARS). We also used it as a family car. Have put over 110,000 miles on this car in 2 years. Only problem we have EVER had was in the beginning when the dealership had to fix the motor mounts because they were loose, which never affected the engine. Othewise, HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR!!!! Oil changes and tires are all we've ever had done. I don't even think we've ever changed the brakes yet. But, I think I'm starting to hear a squeak in the brakes, so that'll be the first real repair job in over 100,000 miles and that's standard maintenance. We LOVE this car!!! My daughter has now graduated from college and is needing a dependable car. We're thrilled to have located a 2001 Prizm with only 37K miles on it. The best thing about this car is EVERYTHING. The worst I can say about it is its association with GEO (though the GEO name was dropped from the 1998 lineup everyone still associates it). I love that it's the best bargain on the road - a well kept secret that underneath that understated hood lies a TOYOTA engine. Nothing has fallen off in the car, everything is still intact. My other daughter drives a 92 Prizm and we have no problem with the engine on that either; however, it does need CV joints now, but hey the car is 12 years old and that's maintenance, not an engine problem. Actually, there is one other problem wtih my '98 Prizm; the paint has started to chip on the hood in the front, from the wind I suppose. Since my husband travels on the interstate every day at 80 mph for 150 miles I suppose that much time in the wind has affected the paint. Otherwise, we are TOTALLY satisfied with this car. CURRENTLY HAVE 2 PRIZM'S (daughter's & husband's) IN THE FAMILY AND ABOUT TO BUY ANOTHER (other daughter) - NEED I SAY MORE!!!

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92 Chevy Prizm (still own/run), 95 Toyota Camry (still own/run), 97 Ford Escort (still own/run). About to purchase a 2001 Prizm for daughter who is relocating. That will make 3 Prizms in the familY - TALK ABOUT RELIABILITY.

Gas mileage Runs forever with no problems

Interior trim and door handles are cheap plastic.

I traded in a 1990 Geo Prizm on a used 1994 Prizm. Both of the vehicles were unbelievable. The 1990 had 170,000 miles on it when traded. The ONLY repair in all of those miles, was to replace a window crank. Everything else were mantenance items. The 1994 was almost as good. I was at 196,000 when sadly, a person turned in front of me and it was totaled. I hit the other person at about 35 mph. The entire front end collapsed, as it is supposed to do. The air bags deployed, I opened the door, and got out. Everything in the passenger compartment was intact. I almost cried when they towed it away. The car got great gas mileage, and just kept going and going and going. Replaced the brakes at 150,000 miles. The only complaint I have is with the starter motor and alternator. I replaced the starter and 2 alternators. Not surprisingly, they were manufactured by Delco, and not Toyota. I am in the process of buying a used 2001 Prizm at the present time. I noticed that they went back to using Toyota alternators. At the time of the accident. the car still had the original exhaust system, appeared to be stainless steel, but I'm not sure. Never had a wheel alignment. It's too bad that GM quit selling these great cars. The obvious reason is that it was cutting into the Chevy Cavalier sales. So they discontinued the good car and kept selling the throw away Cavalier that they can make more profit on. I guess that's just business.

Toyota build quality at a Chevy price.

Undeserved "Geo" reputation. Like my son-in-law sneered, "A Prizm. Isn't that a Geo?"

After doing much research of small cars, I chose this one, because it has a history of few or no problems, and here in Indy, it's priced two to three thousand dollars less than a comparable Corolla. I like the Corolla's tail lights better, but other than that, I've got the same car. Since it's been twenty-plus years that I owned another small car, I have nothing with which to compare this Prizm. I am pleasantly surprised. It's quiet, comfortable (grippy cloth seats with good lumbar support), and pretty peppy. I like the tactile feel of the switch gear and the steering wheel, and I like the overall look of the interior. The light grey fabric and sunroof lend a bright cheerfulness to the cabin. The HVAC controls and stereo are easy to see and use, and they both work very well. I do wish that Toyota/Chevy had placed the stereo above the HVAC, though. That's my only complaint with the interior. That little 1.8 liter engine is SMOOTH and rev-happy! Without the A/C on, that engine, coupled with the four-speed slush box, is delivering 30-32 M.P.G. around town. Holy Cow! But, I have to say, I bought this car for good fuel mileage, and I drive it conservatively, so that I do get good fuel mileage. At 47,000 miles, it doesn't leak any fluids, and it doesn't burn any oil. What's not to like? The trunk is large and usable, the back seats fold in a 60/40 split, it has rear-seat head rests and shoulder belts, and remote fuel-door and trunk releases. It has storage galore. It's a great car. Now, I wonder if those Corolla tail light modules will plug right into the Prizm?

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None.

Reliability! Fun to drive! GREAT GAS MILEAGE - TAKE THAT, OPEC!

Watch out for timing belt replacement.

What a great car! I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants reliable, low-cost transportation. I bought my Geo Prism in October, 1998 with 50,000 miles on it. It was in immaculate shape - well maintained, strong engine, great handling (the Prism of that year came standard with the upgraded Corolla suspension). It now has 112,000 miles and it is still going strong. I have had to replace the alternator at 100,000, the front brake pads at 75,000 (they were the originals!) and the starter at 85,000. That's it excluding tune ups, oil changes and other maintenance. It still has the original struts and shocks as well as the original exhaust system. One note: although Toyota engines are virtually indestructable, YOU MUST CHANGE THE TIMING BELT EVERY 60,000 MILES or else you risk blowing your engine. This is part of regular servicing and must not be missed. BTW, I'm laughing all the way to the bank - the car's paid for and gets around 30 miles per gallon on regular gas.

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1999 Honda Accord (great car); 1992 Buick Century (OK car); 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix (transmission went bad at 98,000)

Gas mileage, reliable, roomy for its size, just plain great.

No

I have had this car for 3 years now and I love it as much as I did the first day. Great gas mileage, cute, comfy for being so small. I took it in to get oil changed the other day and mentioned it was on lease and my lease is almost up, the guy told me I would be an idiot to get rid of this car as the oil, tranny fluid, air filter all looked brand new. I was shocked, none of those things are ever changed! Even the oil I have really not kept up on like I should...yet it still was like new. This car has driven me through snow storms, started when it was -40 degrees out, and I love it.

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1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme 1984 Mercury Topaz

Engine reliability Great handling in the snow Just about everything!!

Cheap plastic interior (who cares! I love this car!)

I have had this care for a long time. I LOVE this car! I wish it were possible to keep it forever. This is my first car and could not be more satisfied. I have had no real problems except for the normal wear and tear problems. when the time comes to buy a new car, I am hoping that I will be able to find a car even HALF as good as this one. I have about 200k on it and it just keeps going and going! I will not get rid of this car until I absolutely have to. I definately recommend this car for anyone looking for a reliable car. It has gotten me from school to work for the past coulple of years without a single worry of being stranded. It maneuvers WONDERFULLY in the snow and ice. I have even gotten up hills that trucks couldn't. I am usually the driver that goes and gets friends during snowstorms because their hondas and fords can't make it. Great car!

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Reliable Good gas mileage Tight turning circle Handles well Good A/C

Noisy on highway (wind, road noise) Cheap radio (base model, no CD,cassette)

Bought my current Prizm in '94 after my '91 Prizm got totalled by a reckless truck driver. I also looked at the Corolla but at the time that car was an additional 3K for a less-plain interior and a few extra bells and whistles. Great car. Ten years and 90,000+ miles and all I've had done is routine maintenance except for a new starter at 65,000 miles. I still have the original battery and exhaust. I guess GM stopped selling them because it made their own stuff look like junk. Great car.

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'91 Prizm '00 Nissan Altima

gas mileage--35 mpg engine--runs quiet few repairs great air conditioner and heat

outside noise when on the highway cold air comes through the door on the highway

I bought this little car after I saw good reviews of it in Consumer Reports. I couldn't afford a new car, so I bought it when it had 45,000 miles on it and to date, six years after I bought it,(it is ten years old) I have NEVER had any major problems and it now has 122,000 miles. I have done the usual maintenance, belts, oil changes and tires, but never even a muffler. I am going to sell it to my oldest daughter so she will have a reliable car to drive to LA! That's right...122,000 miles and I am not afraid to send her accross the country in it. I am buying another Prizm..the last year they made them and plan on driving it at least another ten years.

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gas mileage--35 mpg engine--runs quiet few repairs great air conditioner and heat

outside noise when on the highway cold air comes through the door on the highway

I bought this little car after I saw good reviews of it in Consumer Reports. I couldn't afford a new car, so I bought it when it had 45,000 miles on it and to date, six years after I bought it,(it is ten years old) I have NEVER had any major problems and it now has 122,000 miles. I have done the usual maintenance, belts, oil changes and tires, but never even a muffler. I am going to sell it to my oldest daughter so she will have a reliable car to drive to LA! That's right...122,000 miles and I am not afraid to send her accross the country in it. I am buying another Prizm..the last year they made them and plan on driving it at least another ten years.

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