1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1998 Chevrolet Prizm
2002 Chevrolet Prizm
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1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm ▼

  • Price Range:  $1,800 - $4,200
CG Rating

42

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Optional antilock braking
  • Fuel economy
  • Ride
  • Optional side airbags

Cons

  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Rear-seat room

Vehicle Highlights

Similar to Toyota's Corolla, the Prizm is a front-drive subcompact sedan. Both makes were all new for 1998. Prizm had previously been a Geo product, but that name disappeared after 1997, so Prizms now wore the Chevrolet badge. Both Prizm and Corolla again were built on the same assembly line in California, at a joint GM/Toyota plant. Appearance was similar to the previous Prizm/Corolla generation, but all sheetmetal was new. Although the car's wheelbase was virtually unchanged, the 1998 Prizm measured more than 2 inches longer, and was also slightly wider and taller. Interior space grew only fractionally, however. Base and LSi models returned, both with 5-passenger seating. Front side airbags now were available in the Prizm--a rarity in the subcompact league. Antilock braking also was optional. Standard safety items included dual airbags, daytime running lights, and front-seatbelt pretensioners. A single twin-cam 4-cylinder engine, producing 120 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque, now powered all Prizms. Prior models had a choice of two lower-powered engines. A manual transmission was standard, with either a 3- or 4-speed automatic optional. Rivals included the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda Protege.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Chevrolet Prizm base Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 8
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 42
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm.

Year to Year Changes


1999 Chevrolet Prizm: Except for some new color choices, little was new for Chevrolet's subcompact sedan. The LSi handling package departed from the option list. However, its front stabilizer bar now was installed on all Prizms, and its 14-inch wheels and tires became optional.
2000 Chevrolet Prizm: Variable valve timing helped give the Prizm's 4-cylinder engine 5 extra horsepower this year. The base sedan gained standard air conditioning like the LSi, along with a 4 speaker AM/FM stereo and full wheel covers. LSi standard fare expanded to include slightly wider 185/65R14 tires, power windows, a rear defroster, tilt steering wheel, and a tachometer with outside temperature gauge.
2001 Chevrolet Prizm: Lower anchors for rear child seats and an in-trunk emergency release handle were the only additions for 2001.
2002 Chevrolet Prizm: There were no significant changes in Prizm's last year.

Our road test for the 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Chevrolet Prizm base Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 8
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 42

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 Chevrolet Prizm includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet 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.

Rough idle: Fuel injectors on 1.8-liter engine may cause rough idle and the check-engine light to illuminate. Revised injectors are available. (1999)

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 $405
Alternator $535
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $690
Brakes $220
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $390
Constant Velocity Joints $910
Exhaust System $200
Radiator $405
Shocks and/or Struts $1,000
Timing Chain or Belt $160
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Prizm details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2002
Prizm $4,400-5,100 $3,700-4,200 $1,500-1,800
2001
Prizm $3,700-4,300 $3,000-3,500 $1,100-1,200
2000
Prizm $3,200-3,700 $2,500-2,900 $800-900
1999
Prizm $2,800-3,300 $2,100-2,500 $600-700
1998
Prizm $2,500-3,000 $1,800-2,200 $500-600
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 Chevrolet Prizm include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 97.0
Overall Length, in. 174.2
Overall Width, in. 66.7
Overall Height, in. 53.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 2403-3330
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 12.1
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 13.2
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.5
Rear Head Room, in. 36.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All Prizms got the same dual-overhead-cam 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Three transmissions were available: 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, or 4-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 1.8 / 110 120-125 112-125 5-speed manual: 31/37
3-speed automatic: 28/33
4-speed automatic: 28/36		 5-speed manual: 29.2
3-speed automatic: --
4-speed automatic: 24.8

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 Chevrolet Prizm include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 1999 Prizm
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

: None

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