1994 Geo Prizm LSi 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Quality Toyota engineering at a junkyard price

Faults:

PCV valve replaced at 160,000 miles.

Starter replaced at 180,000 miles.

Nothing more!

General Comments:

This car is remarkable. The quality is amazing. Being a Toyota, it really gives you peace of mind knowing this car is engineered to last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

This car was driven nearly 70 miles a day to and from downtown Chicago 6 days a week for 8 years. Never failed my dad once. I got this car from him in 2003 with nearly 140,000 miles.

Since then, I've replaced a timing belt and water pump (both original), all the original belts and hoses, 2 batteries, original starter & fuel pump, original rotors, original valve cover gasket & distributor.

I had the factory clutch replaced today, and it was in surprisingly good condition once I saw it.

The stereo crapped out on me last week, so I have to figure out something.

I'm not a mechanic, but know my engine pretty well. I replaced all these things because I knew they were original and worn, but this car has NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED.

It is beginning to rust, but I can't say much after 16 Chicago winters.

I plan to drive this car until it absolutely refuses to move another inch. I can't justify replacing it when it just keeps going trouble free.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2009

1994 Geo Prizm Basic from North America

Summary:

Great car, 15 years of reliable service

Faults:

Replaced alternator at about 100,000.

Clutch at about 147,000.

Timing belt at 70,000 (time to replace again) burns a little oil, and the exhaust is noisy but original.

Radio died after 5 years, only disappointment.

General Comments:

Great car, always starts no matter how cold.

Interior looks great.

Very reliable, after 15 years has not cost in repairs outside of routine oil changes, tires and brake pads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th December, 2008

1994 Geo Prizm LSI 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Long lasting and gas saving great car!

Faults:

Well, when I first got the car (98,000 miles) I immediately had to replace the front and back brakes because they were almost completely shot. It didn't both me too much because I had been warned beforehand, and it actually didn't cost too much to replace ($350).

I also had to replace the air filter when I first got the car (98,000 miles), which only cost me like $12. I just bought one at Auto Zone and replaced it myself.

As well, when I first got the car (98,000 miles) I had to get an oil change. So, I took it to a shop and paid about $30 for that to be done. Not a big deal.

Now, my car has 102,00 miles on it and I recently had to replace the power steering belt. It was making the worst squeaking noise ever but I got it taken care of right away. It cost me around $50 to get the belt replaced.

Also at a (102,000 miles) the rear passenger side window is squeaking when I put it up to close it (I have power windows). I'm not sure what's causing the squeaking though. Possibly the window could be off track or it could be an electrical problem.

Just recently (102,000 miles) I had to give the car a tune up. It was definitely in need of one. Ever since I did the tune up, the car has had even better pick up and my gas mileage has gotten even better. It cost me $50 to buy a tune up kit for this car from Auto Zone, and then I did the tune up myself.

Also at a (102,000 miles) I had to finally replace the tires. Luckily my dad has good connections and I got 4 brand new tires for only $100.

General Comments:

This car has great gas mileage! It only takes $30 to fill it up, and that full tank will last me a week, and sometimes over a week, depending on how much driving I do. The tune up really helped with the gas mileage too.

The car picks up really great! It doesn't take much to get the car moving, which makes it super easy to glide through even the heaviest traffic.

The car is really comfy inside. The seats are super padded and there's plenty of leg room. It also has a huge trunk, which I love. There's so much space in the trunk and back seat, I can fit all sorts of things back there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2008