1994 Geo Prizm 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Invincible little 4 banger

Faults:

Things that gone wrong... um to be honest, in the 14 years this car has been in the family, I can only recall one thing ever wrong, and it was a hole in the exhaust haha, and well normal wear and tear. Every single knob is missing haha, and speedometer stopped working, and well that's um it. This car is invincible.

General Comments:

I love it, love it, love it, it won't die haha, I even tried to kill it and it won't die, it's simply amazing. This car has been to hell and back, and is still running fine; just keep shoving oil down its throat and away it goes.

The inside is roomy and the trunk space amazing. I got so much junk in there at once it was like a little pick up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th March, 2008

1994 Geo Prizm LX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Great value for money

Faults:

Nothing has ever gone bad.. driven from 130 K to 200K.

Sometimes I would wish it would break so I can have reason to get another car.

General Comments:

It is stick shift, and I love stick shift. Though the ride quality not as great, but good enough.

Drive however you want; you don't need to take any care.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st January, 2008

1994 Geo Prizm Lsi 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Best car for the money

Faults:

Driver's side outside door handle broke.

ABS sensor failed.

General Comments:

By far the best value for my money ever spent. I have done general maintenance on the car, but all of it was at normal intervals for any car. Nothing has broken or failed on this car except the items mentioned above.

The engine and tranny deliver flawless lively performance for everyday driving. I get 27/33 mpg on city/highway driving. All of the power accessories still work. This car has a much more confident, substantial feel than my Mazda Protege. Overall a great car. If you find one under 2K buy it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2007

1994 Geo Prizm 1.6 from North America

Summary:

I love this car. It has been reliable and efficient

Faults:

Since purchasing the 94 Geo Prism in 1996, I have replaced the brake pads and rotors, the clutch master cylinder and the alternator, twice; a timing chain at 150,000 miles; and CV joints on the front. I have had regular oil changes, tune-ups, and three sets of tires (with balancing and rotation).

At 265,700 miles a vibration started that rattled my teeth. The diagnosis called for new motor mounts (all four). Then it was determined that all four struts should be replaced. (I had never replaced the mounts or struts until this month.) The rattle continued. I had the tires adjusted out (four new ones) and re-balanced.

Well, the vibration has turned into a wobble on the front driver's side. After installing mounts and struts, and brake pads and rotors and bearings on the front, and a clutch master cylinder, it appears that the axle rod into the transmission may be loose. Help.

General Comments:

Aside from the tire-wobble problem on the front driver's side the car runs great. Anyone got any ideas about what it will take to stabilize the axle-rod? I'm broke.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2006

19th Jan 2009, 02:36

Sounds like the same problem that I had with my 94' Corolla. CV shaft fixed it. The rubber boots on the shaft looked fine, but the grease had somehow came out of the inner boot. Good luck.

11th Aug 2010, 22:17

Timing chain?... The 1994 Prizms have a timing chain instead of the rubber timing belt? Nice... I'll have to research this.

12th Aug 2010, 21:53

I don't believe they do. Many people get "timing belt" and "timing chain" confused. If it were a timing chain, then it wouldn't need to be changed at 150,000 miles.

1st Oct 2011, 17:01

TIMING BELT. The 1.6L 4afe and 1.8L 7afe in these Prizms/Corollas have rubber timing belts. Also, fortunately, these Toyota engines are NON-INTERFERENCE. If the belt breaks, not a big deal, just put a new one on. We have a 96 Prizm that hasn't had a belt change from at least 160k-215k. I don't plan on changing it 'til it breaks.