2000 Chevrolet Prizm: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet's version of the Toyota Corolla gets a little more power and added standard features for 2000. Prizm returns with base and uplevel LSi sedans powered by a Toyota-designed 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that now gains 5 horsepower with the addition of variable valve timing. Manual transmission is standard, 3- and 4-speed automatics optional. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners remain standard, too. Antilock brakes return at extra cost, as do front side airbags.
Also for 2000, the base Prizm gains standard air conditioning like the LSi, plus 4-speaker AM/FM stereo and full wheel covers. LSi standards expand to include slightly wider 185/65R14 tires, power windows, rear defroster, tilt steering wheel, and a tachometer with outside temperature gauge, all of which had been options. Despite their design similarity, Prizm is outsold by Corolla 4-1.
The 2001 edition of the Prizm began trickling into showrooms this past spring, but unlike the Toyota Corolla on which it's based, Prizm received virtually no changes. Prizm's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparable Corolla models.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.