1990-1992 Geo Prizm: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (GSi)
- Refinement
- Ride
- Visibility
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Passenger and cargo room
- Handling (base)
Vehicle Highlights
Launched in February 1989 as an early '90 model, the subcompact flagship of Chevrolet's Geo line came in 4-door notchback or 4-door hatchback form. Prizms are similar to the Toyota Corolla. Standard engine on base Prizms, and those with the LSi option group, was a 102-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Autumn 1989 brought a sporty GSi model wearing a rear spoiler and body-colored grille and bumpers, halting via 4-wheel disc brakes and propelled by a more potent version of the base engine.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Geo Prizm LSi Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Geo Prizm:
A new stainless steel exhaust system and black bodyside moldings were the only changes for '91.
1992 Geo Prizm:
Only the notchback remained after 1991, as the hatchback disappeared.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Geo Prizm is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Base-engine models actually qualify as quick with that stick shift, and the 102-horsepower engine is smooth. Three-speed automatic isn't too sluggish either, though you'll have to push the gas pedal hard when passing. Engine noise is only really bothersome at high speeds. Gas mileage, on the other hand, is sure to satisfy. For more vigorous motion, look for a GSi. With the more powerful engine, it moves out quickly and returns nearly the same gas mileage. Prizms are agile and responsive in normal driving, though steering can grow twitchy. Expect plenty of body lean and little tire grip around any fast corner on the base model. Fortunately, ride quality is amazingly good as the soft suspension absorbs most bumps with ease. The GSi rounds corners with confidence, exerting little penalty on ride quality. Space in the airy cabin is adequate, though not exactly generous. Front seats offer adequate room, but adults may balk at head/leg space in the backseat. Controls are sensibly laid out, and gauges legible, though lack of a tachometer option on first-year LSi versions is a drawback. Radios are mounted too low for easy operation. Trunk space in the 4-door is skimpy, but the 5-door has an ample cargo hold and a more convenient bumper-height opening.
Value for the Money
A high comfort level, for the subcompact league, puts Prizms just below Honda's Civic for all-around appeal.
A high comfort level, for the subcompact league, puts Prizms just below Honda's Civic for all-around appeal.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Geo Prizm LSi Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Geo Prizm includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Geo Prizm .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The radio/cassette player may have been built with a capacitor installed wrong causing a key-off battery drain. (1990)
Cold-starting problems:
Cars equipped with the 1.6-liter engine may hesitate or stall on hard acceleration when cold because of a problem with the engine control computer. (1990-92)
Engine misfire:
GM will replace the manifold absolute pressure sensor and its wiring harness on cars that surge or buck at speeds above 45 mph. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $560 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $975 |
| Brakes | $243 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $590 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $660 |
| Exhaust System | $445 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $855 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $215 |
Our price chart for this generation Geo Prizm details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Prizm | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Prizm | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Prizm | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Geo Prizm include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 | 95.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.7 | 170.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.2 | 65.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.3 | 52.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2450 | 2435 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 32.2 | 11.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.9 | 40.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.5 | 36.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.6 | 31.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Both 4-cylinder Prizm engines are of dual-overhead-cam configuration, displacing 1.6 liters. Whereas the base engine develops 102 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque, the uprated GSi edition whips up 130 horsepower and 105 pound-feet. Standard transmission was a 5-speed manual, with 3-speed automatic optional on the base and LSi (4-speed for the GSi).
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 98 | 102 | 101 | 5-speed manual: 28/33 3-speed automatic: 25/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 25.1 |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 98 | 130 | 105 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Geo Prizm include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1990 Prizm |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Geo Prizm directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Wheel lug nuts on some cars may have been torqued to lower than recommended specification, so wheel could become loose and fall off, with potential for loss of control.
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