1997 GEO Prizm

315,000 miles, and I still can't scrap it

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: Value Rating:

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.

Really a Toyota Corrola with GM Logo

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Positive+

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Amazing Value

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car because I have a long commute, and needed a reliable, cheap car that was good on gas. I paid $1200 for the car in 2006 and I have put 68,000 miles on the car since I bought it. The car now has 172000 miles and is still running strong. I did no repairs for the first two years I owned the car and have never done anything other than tires, brakes and exhaust. The car has great ac, and is great in the bad weather in western ny. I have no complaints and the car owes me nothing.

Reliable Till the End

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Has there ever been a better car?????

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

still going strong

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car in July of 08, when gas hit about 3.50 a gal. Parked the truck 15 miles per gal. I live in Minnesota, so it gets cold, car sits outside for one week solid it was above 20 below without the wind chill, started always and not only that still got good gas mileage about 32 city. In the summer I was getting 35, but not freeway. On the freeway driving 55 to 60, got 42 eat your heart out Prius, and I didn't need to spend 20 grand or more, car is paid for

built to last

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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

If you ever have the chance... go for it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my second geo prizm and both experiences have been wonderful. My first was a 92 and this one a 97, and I have had no major problems with either. In the 97 there have been a couple problems with the O2 sensor, but it is a mechanically sound car. Also after being around since 97, there has been some recently developing paint peeling. But this car has survived being driven hard, and will take care of you.

big time gas mileage

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I got this car from my mother. It's the 1.8 auto. My gas mileage is incredible. Hwy mileage is anywhere from 40-44 mpg and combined is about 38. Given I'm not a jack rabbit driver and I use synthetic oil in this car. Its the first time I ever got better gas mileage than what is advertised. I will never sell this car.

Best first car for a kid!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This was an amazing little car. I bought it in 2005 because i was sick of not having a car at school. In the 2 and a half years I drove it I put about 75,000 miles on it with out any big issues. I hit a deer and did much less damage to the car then I had expected, and it was CHEAP and EASY to fix. My dad liked this car because we could do a lot of the work ourselves. The only down side was it was hard to find replacement parts for like the body of it. It turned 200,000 miles and that is the only reason I sold it. I bet it has another 100,000 left in it!

Not the Reliability Expected

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2

We purchased it used with 77K. It's been driven 42K in 6 years, mostly city. It's been maintained by the book (severe service schedule). The 3-speed automatic transmission makes highway driving unpleasant (noisy at high rpms). Mpg is 25 city/30 highway. Repairs have included a rebuilt transmission with a new differential and rebuilt torque converter ($2400), heater core ($800), two half-shaft axles ($700), and a starter ($300). Repairs are averaging $.1/mile. This vehicle has a Toyota drivetrain. It has not met the Toyota reputation for reliability.

Tough as Nails!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Prizm in 1998. Just like the energizer bunny says It keeps going and going and going. Regular oil changes every 3 months and tire rotations make this car a piece of cake to own. I love driving by gas stations as those big SUVs are sucking down the juice!!

Ok, but could be better

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

Left outer CV joint/boot failed. Starter failed. Heater core leaked ($800). Wheel covers flew off. Tape deck failed. The 3-speed automatic transmission is beginning to exhibit vagueness/hunting on deceleration/coasting. Overall, this vehicle is a decent, get- round-town appliance. On surface streets its acceleration, handling, braking, and noise/vibration are acceptable. The car is hard pressed to cruise above 65 mph with considerable engine noise. Fuel economy is about 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The engine is tight and does not burn oil. The car has passed every emissions test.

The best car that I've ever owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've been driving for 50 yrs. now, and have owned a lot of cars during this time. My 1997 Geo Prizm, which I have been driving for 9 yrs now, is absolutely the best car that I have ever owned, I have had zero problems, only the starter replaced, after 9 yrs. and a set of tires is all. I love my Geo Prizm. If anyone out there needs to buy a used car, I suggest this Geo, you'll love it

Reliability!!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my Prizm. It has 182,000 miles and has not let me down. It is has withstood lots of wear and tear due to an immense amount of driving. I did have to replace the tires a few times, but that could be due to the amount of miles I put on each year.

Great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car in 1999 and I have driven it almost 90,000 miles. From cold NY winters to hot Las Vegas summers, this car has never left me stranded by the roadside.

Great Mileage

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

I am impressed by the great mileage; with auto and air on, I still had 33 mpg. However, this car takes dents easily. The interior has cheap plastic that breaks. The tailgate plastic under latch is broken as is plastic under vinyl on car door rest. I personally find the car too low for me. But I am 55. Younger people would like the low-slung look and low bucket seats. I did not realize the rear window did not have a wiper until after I purchased it. (May not come with one in any style.)

Dependable

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Not a very peppy 105 HP engine but it is easy to work on and pretty efficient. It can get 38 MPG on the highway. Hopefully it's good for another 50K miles

love this car!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

First brand new car I ever bought and still pleased! Over 9 yrs old and approaching 160,000 miles. Have done all regular maintenance and going great! good acceleration even at high speeds. fun for motoring! :) easy to drive in rain/snow--corrects easily from a skid. sturdy build--I can't believe the stuff I've run over or hit with this car over the years and it's still driving fine and looks great!

Great econo-box

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Great little car - got it 1 year ago w/80K, now has close to 100K. Handles and drives nice for a compact. Seems to be well-built and reliable. No problems other than routine maintenance- this is surprising considering that it seems like the previous owner beat up on it pretty good. Perfect car for getting around town, not as ideal for highway cruising. Good gas mileage. Buy one if you want a Toyota Corolla, but are looking for something a little cheaper.

The Awesome Prizm (My baby)

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is one of the best reliable cars that I have ever owned. It has outlasted a Toyota Camry and a Honda Civic. It will probably outlast my brand new Hyundai Santa Fe!!!

My little Red Prism

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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

no-frills transport

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

When you admit to yourself what a car is really supposed to do, this one is fantastic. When are you going to *need* 120 mph, or to go 60 in less than 6 seconds? The Prizm gets us around town and from state to state without any trouble. It may not be the fastest ride on the road, but you can't beat it for reliability. Also, we got japanese engineering for an american price. We'll drive this thing well over 200K miles.

I love it

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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

Long Term Owner of Geo Prizm

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car new. The only major item I have had to ever replace was the altenator. Other than that, it's been just typical maintenance that any car has(new tires, oil, batteries). I'm looking for another one with less miles than mine has now, as I need another car for my daughter and I would really like to own another Geo Prizm.

Excellent Value

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Overall- 4 stars out of 5, considering it's class. There are a few things it's surprising to see in this car's class, chiefly the tremendous upholstery work. I was very impressed with that, as well as the trunk space, and the lively response I get from the 5-speed manual. Improvements are listed below, but overall it has been a pleasant experience.

It Just Keeps Going......

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is the second Prizm I have owned. Traded the first at 184,000 miles. The 97 has 186,000 miles and just won't quit. The salesman at the dealership was right "You'll get sick of looking at it before you need to replace it". Most reliable, fuel efficient vehicle I have ever owned. Fun to Drive!

Point A to B Guaranteed

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned this car for 4 year and 60k miles. It has started every time. Only new things were tires, brakes, and oil changes. If you want a boring car, that will get you there every time, and not cost anything in gas or maitenance, this car is for you.

So nice!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I just bought this car from a friend. It had been in an accident and was considered totalled by the insurance company but it wasn't a hard it just a minor hit. The car was fixed and you can't even tell. The ride is great, only problem is acceleration, but with the manual tranny it makes it a little easier to bear. I am a former Ford owner and even though I got 200k miles on my escort (and it's still running) I would never buy a ford again. Too bad they stopped making the prizm, it's a great car and I would consider buying a newer one once I am out of college.

Old Reliable

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought the Prizm after my wife wrecked my previous commuter car, a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. As far as utilitarian, this car has been great. It always starts and gets an average of 30 miles per gallon and 42mpg on the highway. The acceleration is sluggish but it is an otherwise great little car. I've always had Corollas and this is definitely not a disappointing "Corolla".

I miss you, Prizm!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is, quite simply, a great buy. It is reliable, one of the most stylish compact cars ever, and fun. It doesn't feel at all like an economy priced vehicle. I strongly recommend the LSI with 1.8L engine over the smaller, 1.6L version. I miss my Prizm very much.

The Toyota Legend Continues

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I looked for a long time before I found this little guy. Toyotas are legendary for reliability, and I have yet to be disappointed. Zero to sixty? You need a sundial, but who cares. My kids love it because it has a stupendous aftermarket stereo.

Keeps On Runn'in

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This vehicle has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. A real work horse.

i love it!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Great car! Nothing wrong! The only thing is the radio is weak. My brakes grind occasionally, but we just got new ones, so maybe they're being broken in. (?) Also, it's not too powerful, but like someone else said, plain city driving is wonderful. Everyone that's seen me in my new Prizm has told me how cute it is, so that's a plus.

how can you go wrong - it's a toyotta

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

i would definitely buy this car again. i only wish i got the auto vs. man (knee problems) and the fold down rear seats. this car rides great in the snow and ice, rain, excellent car.

Good solid car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is safe, convenient and reliable. Those are not sexy words and this is not a sexy car. I do have a few quibbles with the manufacture of the Prizm -- one of the inside arm rests' was not well attached and frequent comes off when grabed and one of the heating dials came loose a while ago. Again, annoying but rather minor. It has never broken down or had major problems.

97 geo prizm review

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Kinda boring to look at, but it's never once broken down or run into any problems whatsoever. Only problem I've found is you have to floor it to accelerate (on ramp to the highway) and inclines. Not very powerful, but for local driving or long distance reliability it's a great car. Great mileage too.