1990-1992 Geo Prizm: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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. |
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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%.








