1998 Chevrolet Prizm Standard review from North America
"Fantastic reputation and reliability in the past that may be now jeopardized"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The Chevrolet Prizm was built in Fremont, California (USA) at the same facility that built the Toyota Corolla. This was an arrangement made with Toyota and Chevrolet.
The engine used in the Chevrolet Prizm is actually a Toyota engine! From what I have been told, Toyota insisted on installing some type of filter screen near the oil pan. When this screen gets "plugged up", the oil pump begins to malfunction. If this issue is not addressed, the oil pump will fail, causing the engine to overheat. If not addressed for a period of time, this will cause the engine to "burn up", requiring extensive engine repairs or costly replacement.
General comments?
If there is anyone with mechanical experience on the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm or the 1998 Toyota Corolla, please post on the internet WHERE this filter screen is located. I am hopeful that it can be "punched out", and avoid any future issues or problems.
It is my understanding that Toyota has refused to acknowledge this issue, and refuses to "recall" these vehicles.
Recommended reviews
| This Prizm gets good mileage and is reliable, with some small issues |
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| This car is a steal, for efficient, inexpensive, and extremely reliable transportation |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 ? Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 56226 miles |
| Most recent distance | 56417 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 18th March, 2003 |