2002 Chevrolet Prizm: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Prizm is unchanged for 2002, its final model year. This sedan is a slightly retrimmed version of the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla, but will not carry over to the redesigned 2003 Corolla model. It uses a Toyota-designed 4-cyl engine. Manual transmission is standard, 3- and 4-speed automatics are optional. Air conditioning is standard. ABS and front side airbags are optional. An integrated rear child-safety seat is optional on the uplevel LSi model.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.