Faults:

So this car has the infamous oil-consuming Toyota 1zzfe engine. Basically the piston skirts don't have enough holes for oil to drain, so the engine might* use oil. I say might* because some people seem to have no problem at all.

This is my 2nd Prizm, had a 2002, bought this 2000 cheap around the time my 2002 threw a rod. This engine is more likely to use oil if you rev it high a lot... like I do. I have a long commute and beat the tar out of the car. Both started using oil at ~110k. My 1st one used 1QT of oil every week or two... hood latch stopped working, so I neglected to check oil one week... HUGE mistake, heard the slight sound of metal-on-metal, pulled over and got oil in, then took it to the shop for an immediate oil change and detergent engine cleaning. 3 weeks later threw a rod doing 75 on the highway, end of car. Super embarrassing for someone who has been driving/maintaining old cars since I was 15... bottom line, if you buy this car, treat it with kid gloves. My 2nd one uses about 1QT every 1000 miles since I switched to synthetic. I have 130k on the 2nd one, just going to run it into the ground, only have had to do basic maintenance.

General Comments:

Basic, cheap, treat it well.....

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car, and trust me, it's been through hell and back. At almost a quarter million miles, I'm surprised it starts up and drives like a brand new car.

General Comments:

I'm a teenager, and I own this car, and it's been the best car to me.

It has about 228,000 miles on it, and it's had less problems than my mom's 2007 Aveo.

It's so comfy to drive, I love it!

It's faster than you think it would be! Don't underestimate it.

Through mud, rain, and hail, it never ceases to get through it all.

Faults:

It is leaking oil slowly (leaking, NOT burning).

It needed new brakes at 99,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has a lot of pep.

It's fun to drive.

It gets great gas mileage -- 34 to 36 mpg highway.

It handles very well in snow and on ice.

It has zero rust (and I live in a northern climate).

It's smaller than our 1996 model, making it not so comfortable on long trips with a family of four.

Faults:

Nothing yet!

General Comments:

I bought this to replace the piece of junk 1995 Chrysler Cirrus just donated to charity (see my posting.."I was a dope...").

The Prizm is the same car as a Toyota Corolla, except with the Chevy name tag and a lower market value. I admit we have only had it for 3 weeks, but so far feel this may be a real sweet little car.

Not much in terms of excitement or power. But the car runs great, is very comfortable, easy to drive, and gets excellent MPG.

Everything works perfectly. For 112000 miles, it appears to have been well cared for. Oil was clean when we bought it and brakes were good. I had the trans serviced and bought two new front tires for safe measure. My college aged daughter drives it, and she loves it.