1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm: Road Test

Anyone familiar with prior Prizms should feel right at home in this version. Though not exactly sparkling, acceleration is much better than most competitors. With 5-speed manual shift, a Prizm feels frisky and willing to move through traffic with authority. Performance with either automatic transmission, as expected, is less thrilling. Prizm promises a controlled, but decidedly firm ride. You can expect to feel even small bumps, but the chassis generally does a good job of filtering out most of the harshness. With a standard suspension, the tires quickly run out of grip on twisty roads and allow moderate body lean. A Prizm LSi with the available Handling Package does a much better job of holding the road. Even better, it exacts little penalty in ride quality. Steering is direct and sharp. Brakes, while mushy in feel, do an adequate job in hauling the Prizm down from speed. Road noise is noticeable, but no louder than most of the competition. Visibility is excellent all around, helped by large outside mirrors that fight blind spots to the rear quarters. Roomy and comfortable inside for average-size adults, the Prizm's fresh interior is also familiar. Head and leg room are ample. Two adults can sit comfortably in back, but only if the front seats are less than halfway back. Any farther, and rear leg room becomes tight and foot space is nearly nonexistent. Gauges are easy to see, and the dashboard hides no controls behind the steering wheel. Entry and exit to the rear seats is a bit tight through narrow door openings--a flaw found in most subcompact sedans. Cargo space is about average for Prizm's class, but you get a large trunk opening and handy bumper-height access.

Value for the Money
Prizm is--to put it directly--among the best small cars on the market. New or used, Prizm basically comes across as a lower-cost Corolla, which has been outselling Chevrolet's subcompact by almost a 5-to-1 ratio. That's how it was before, and it's good news again, since the cars are so similar in structure. You can benefit from Toyota's reputation for durability, without paying quite the price that might be asked for a Corolla. Add capable road manners, and this is one small car that looks ready to stand up well to the punishment of daily driving. Don't finish up your subcompact shopping list without making sure Prizm--and Corolla--have prominent spots.