Ask the Car People.SM


Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm

1443 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2013 at 9:56 PM

You are in the Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Prizm, Geo Prizm, Sedan

Messages Page 129 of 145

#1273 of 1443 Re: 1997 Geo Prizm vs. Toyota Corolla [lhy] by geoblue

Mar 21, 2009 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: lhy (Mar 21, 2009 12:30 pm)
Ihy,
 
Some model years of Saturn Vue has Honda engines/transmissions on them.
 
'Hold it! This is basically the same cast aluminum VTEC variable-valve-timing-equipped mill and five-speed automatic Honda drops into the $36,200 Acura MDX and $27,560 Honda Pilot LX, as well as the Honda Odyssey. Bolted into the $24,810 Saturn Vue (base price is $24,185, plus $395 for curtain airbags, $150 for an upgraded stereo, and $80 for floor mats), doesn't this new Vue represent a "roaring" value?
 
Well, more of a growling value. The Vue is no Honda, although it now sounds and accelerates like one. Compared with the weak jabs of last year's British-built 181-hp, 3.0-liter iron-block V-6, the 250-hp Honda 3.5 delivers a solid right hook. The new Vue's 7.0-second scoot to 60 mph is a substantial 1.4-second trimming of the old time, and the quarter-mile shrivels from 16.6 seconds at 83 mph to 15.5 at 89. Flat-foot the pedal, and the Vue squats on its buns and lunges like a stink bug in heat. On the freeway it zooms by tractor-trailers as if they were rolling on square wheels. '
 
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/suvs_family_haulers/s- aturn_vue_v_6_awd_short_take_road_test

#1274 of 1443 Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k by gus2005

Mar 24, 2009 (8:14 pm)

Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k
Hi - I am looking at a 1998 base model Prizm w/ 127k, auto. Is this a corrolla basically? And do they last for 200k+ ?

#1275 of 1443 Re: Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k [gus2005] by mcdawgg

Mar 25, 2009 (4:51 am)

Replying to: gus2005 (Mar 24, 2009 8:14 pm)
It is a Corolla, except for some trim pieces and a few other non-essential parts. It was built right beside the Corolla at the same factory in Fremont, CA. With proper maintenance, you can get lots of miles out of these cars.
 
The Prizm is always recommended as a great used car, because it is a Corolla with great reliability and efficiency but with a lower price

#1276 of 1443 Re: Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k [gus2005] by geoblue

Mar 25, 2009 (9:46 am)

Replying to: gus2005 (Mar 24, 2009 8:14 pm)
Hi gus,
 
Prizm was made in Fremont, CA by NUMMI, a partnership b/w GM and Toyota.
Prizm is not fully identical with Corolla. The ABS system is GM's AC Delco which is crap. It breaks down fast. Radio is AC Delco brick. Paint is lower quality compared to Corolla's painting. Sound and heat insulation lacks in Prizm but exists in Corollas.
But the engine and the transmission are the same in both vehicles.
 
I would suggest a 93-97 Prizm/Corolla instead of 98 because of the better quality found in earlier model years. However 2001-2002 engines are VVT-i (variable valve timing intelligence) type which helps further increase MPG.
 
Is it manual transmission that you are looking for? If so it is OK. If it is A/T, then try to find a 4 speed one (with O/D) because 3 speed auto is not preferred by drivers.
 
Carfax it, ask for maintenance records, check the crankcase if it is clean or not, check all the fluids, especially A/T fluid's condition. Make sure the car did pass all emissions tests.

#1277 of 1443 Re: Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k [gus2005] by billb60

Mar 25, 2009 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: gus2005 (Mar 24, 2009 8:14 pm)
Our '99 Prism just turned over 240,000 miles. We bought is used with about 36,000 miles on it. We've never had a problem with this car, but do keep it maintained with frequent oil changes at about every 2500 miles.

#1278 of 1443 Re: Considering purch of 98 prizm w/127k [gus2005] by glenpointe

Mar 25, 2009 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: gus2005 (Mar 24, 2009 8:14 pm)
I have a 1996 prizm (4sp with 1.8L engine) with 151,000 miles on it as of today. It always starts on the first crank and runs beautifully. I think it will last another 100,000 miles. I get on average 30MPG. There are few times I wanted to buy a new car, but this car is so good, that I don't want to sell it. Great little car!

#1279 of 1443 1998 Chevy Prizm transmission by keithh1

Apr 01, 2009 (12:44 pm)

I'm looking to buy a 1998 Chevy Prizm with an auto trans. I thought this was a 4spd, but it appears to be a 3spd and doesn't appear to have a locking torque converter. Is this correct? Thanks.
Keith

#1280 of 1443 Re: 1998 Chevy Prizm transmission [keithh1] by geoblue

Apr 01, 2009 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: keithh1 (Apr 01, 2009 12:44 pm)
There are 3 speed a/t, and 3 speed+O/D a/t for this car.And both transmissions (A131L and A245E) use a lock-up torque converter. I would suggest you get a 2000 or newer Prizm with 1.8 lt engine and 4 speed auto or manual transmission. Because these have VVT-i engines which save gas. However older Prizms/Corollas are more reliable than newer ones. If I were you I would find a nice 1995-1996-1997 model year Prizm/Corolla.

#1281 of 1443 Re: 1998 Chevy Prizm transmission [geoblue] by mcdawgg

Apr 01, 2009 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: geoblue (Apr 01, 2009 1:18 pm)
However older Prizms/Corollas are more reliable than newer ones My experience has shown that my 89 and 99 are both super reliable. My relative's 04 and co-workers' 05 and 07 have been perfect, and Consumer Reports agree that all Corollas are extremely reliable. Go with any Corolla/Prizm that has been well-maintained, and it will be fine.

#1282 of 1443 2000 geo prizm by joyce22

Apr 10, 2009 (5:00 am)

I have a 2000 geo prizm that has a serious problem that 4 mechanics can't figure out. The engines skips and wants to stall all the time. it sucks up gas and has no power going up hills. I have been told it is the fuel injectors or the computer. The cel has been on constantly and will blink on and off when I am stepping on the gas to go up any hill. Can anone help me?
tjjxs

Messages Page 129 of 145

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement