1994 Geo Prizm Reviews - Page 8 of 12

Water pump went out around 65,000.

Head gasket went out around 89,000...expensive fix, but I think I was taken by the mechanic.

Knobs for a/c keep falling off (on going situation... I should just glue 'em on).

Driver's side door stopped unlocking with a key around 100,000 miles.

Overall, this is a quality car. The gasket problems were more my fault than anything. I'm horrible at checking/changing the oil, so it was my fault this got out of hand.

It's been two years since anything I'd call major has gone wrong. Normal wear and tear (battery, starter, etc.) situations creep up now and again, but the reliability far out way the occasional problems.

I only wish it held it's value. When I sell I'm not going to get a whole lot, so that's one downer, but, what-are-you-going-to-do?

Replaced alternator 3 times. Toyota alternator was more reliable than GM version.

Driver's seat belt catches.

A/C knobs are cheaply made. They keep cracking.

Overall, the car has been very reliable.

It has good head room for a small car.

It has decent acceleration and gets good gas mileage.

The brakes squeal a bit. I think it may just be there is dirt on the brake pads. The brakes are fairly new, and I do have brake fluid. I have had nothing wrong. I replaced the left corner lamp light in the front, but that is it, and gotten the regular oil changes.

Using the K&N oil filter I have increased my horsepower from 115 to 125 and my gas mileage has gone up two or three miles per gallon. I can go about 400-410 on a tank. My car is not a fan of ARCO, and so it pings a lot when I use it. I am a Shell, Mobil, and Chevron user... and occasionally Texaco. I wash it every one to two weeks and get it professionally detailed monthly. The Castrol, Mobil 1, or Quick State oil is great for this car.

The alternator was replaced shortly after I got the car (120k miles).

Roll-down window knob was broken off by a friend.

Lights for air conditioner controls sometimes do not illuminate (but if I smack the dash in the right spot, they turn back on).

I love this car. It doesn't have great pick-up and it won't go too much faster than 75 mph on the highway, but it moves and it moves around pretty well. It always starts and never fails me even on cold days, has never stalled or given me any trouble (knock on wood). It's pretty good on gas mileage too.

It's a small car, and that's fine with me since I'm not a very big person-- it fits me well. However, I don't think it's very roomy--- it's very comfortable for me when I'm driving it, but when I have a few passengers, it's not so great. Although, this car does have a decently sized trunk.

I can't complain much about this car--if you're in the market for your first car, this is probably one of your best bets. It's reliable, affordable and it moves!

Very little. Replaced the alternator two times in the 200,000 miles. Replaced the seat belt retractor on the driver's side. Had the rear struts replaced. Besides that I had nothing else go wrong with it in the 10 years we had it... even though it was in 5 accidents.

Absolutely an excellent car. We had to total it after a recent accident and since they no longer make it we went to the next best thing... a 2004 Toyota Corolla with almost the same items as the Geo.