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2002 Chevrolet Prizm Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm Review:
1.
2.
Chevrolet Prizm Road Test
3.
4.
Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm includes a full evaluation of the
2002 Chevrolet Prizm from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2002 Chevrolet Prizm help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is right for
you.
2002 Chevrolet Prizm Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat room |
| Automatic transmission performance | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Manual-transmission models feel frisky; acceleration is less satisfying with automatic, which saps lots of engine power and hunts between gears.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Manual-transmission models feel frisky; acceleration is less satisfying with automatic, which saps lots of engine power and hunts between gears.
Fuel Economy
Test Prizms averaged around 25 mpg with automatic transmission, around 28 with manual.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test Prizms averaged around 25 mpg with automatic transmission, around 28 with manual.
Ride Quality
Prizm's ride is nicely controlled, and while small bumps are felt, the suspension isn't harsh.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Prizm's ride is nicely controlled, and while small bumps are felt, the suspension isn't harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering is direct and sharp, better with LSi's larger tires. Stopping power is good, but brake pedal feels rather mushy, especially with optional ABS.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.9 |
Steering is direct and sharp, better with LSi's larger tires. Stopping power is good, but brake pedal feels rather mushy, especially with optional ABS.
Quietness
Road noise is noticed, but no more so than in most rivals; engine ruckus is on low side for a subcompact.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Road noise is noticed, but no more so than in most rivals; engine ruckus is on low side for a subcompact.
Controls
A radio mounted too low detracts from otherwise good dashboard design. Hard plastic dominates cabin, but Prizms we drove were free of squeaks and rattles.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
A radio mounted too low detracts from otherwise good dashboard design. Hard plastic dominates cabin, but Prizms we drove were free of squeaks and rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Front-seaters get supportive buckets and plenty of space. Large door mirrors contribute to excellent outward vision.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Front-seaters get supportive buckets and plenty of space. Large door mirrors contribute to excellent outward vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Head room is adequate, but the already-tight leg and toe room shrink drastically with the front seats moved more than halfway back.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Head room is adequate, but the already-tight leg and toe room shrink drastically with the front seats moved more than halfway back.
Cargo Room
Trunk space is average for class; opening is large and access is bumper-height. The LSi's split folding rear seatbacks thoughtfully incorporate a center pass through.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Trunk space is average for class; opening is large and access is bumper-height. The LSi's split folding rear seatbacks thoughtfully incorporate a center pass through.
Value within Class
Performance is conservative and rear-seat space is tight, even for a subcompact. But fuel economy is good, and overall, the solid and reliable Prizm makes fine use of its Toyota genes. Corolla always outsold Prizm, and now more than ever, Chevy dealers are likely to be discounting their lame-duck small sedan.
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Performance is conservative and rear-seat space is tight, even for a subcompact. But fuel economy is good, and overall, the solid and reliable Prizm makes fine use of its Toyota genes. Corolla always outsold Prizm, and now more than ever, Chevy dealers are likely to be discounting their lame-duck small sedan.
Total Score
| Base, man. | LSi, auto. | Class Average |
| 43 | 43 | 44.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 31 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 61 |
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm Review:
1.
2.
Chevrolet Prizm Road Test
3.
4.
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