1996 Geo Prizm LSi 1.8L from North America

Summary:

A perfect first vehicle

Faults:

Air conditioner knobs are broken, but continue to function.

Rear speaker blew when listening to music a little too loud.

Red paint has faded over time.

General Comments:

I don't think I could have found a better first car (Thank you Mom for selling it to me).

With the manual tranny on the 1.8, if you can find your shift points the car is quicker than people give it credit for. The car seems to enjoy being driven high into the RPM range. When downshifting to second or third gear to make a pass there's plenty of power there so long as you aren't taking along a car load of people.

Handling is predictable, and has seen me through several years of teenage stupidity on curvy country roads.

I've not treated the car nearly as well as it deserves, and yet it still nothing major has gone wrong with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2004

1996 Geo Prizm from North America

Summary:

The best car you'll find!

Faults:

Nothing at all has gone wrong with my Prizm. I have owned it for 7 years, and it has required only routine maintenance.

It has needed the front brake pads replaced 3 or 4 times. The rear pads have needed to be replaced only once.

General Comments:

Quite possibly the best car on the market. It's the best car I have ever owned. My mechanic believes my Geo will be good for 200,000+ miles!

After 7 years, it has no rust.

My Geo handles well in snow, on ice, and in all types of extreme cold.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2004

1996 Geo Prizm LSi 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Reliability can't get any cheaper

Faults:

Replaced battery at 87,900; thermostat and heater core at 89,000; brakes pads (all) at 91,000. The rest has been regular maintenance (tires, oil, etc.).

General Comments:

Car has performed above and beyond what I expected. Interiors look great for a 96 (no kids). Only regrets I have is that I got the 1.6 rather than the 1.8.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2003

1996 Geo Prizm from North America

Summary:

Cheap, runs for ever, starts every time in any weather

Faults:

Rear tail light recently burned out. Dome light burned out. AC Knobs fall off, but I think the best buy audio installers broke them. Replaced tires at 70K. I'm starting to get a light tremor when I use the brakes as if they're warped, but the car-x guy said my breaks are fine. Some small rust from lack of care and Minnesota climate/salt.

General Comments:

I change the oil half as often as I should and it's still bullet proof. I didn't get A/C which I kind of regret, but I got the sunroof which still works like new. This car and my old metro (which I sold at 70K) never had any problems and were never in the shop for any reason what so ever. The only reason I'm selling it is because I'm in the mood for a more luxury vehicle. I'm considering the VW Passat - in spite of the frequent reliability complaints.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2002

13th Sep 2004, 19:44

Two days ago I purchased a 1996 Geo Prizm base model for my high school daughter to commute back and forth to school (and work next summer!) I certainly hope I get the dependability I've read about on this site. My only concern is the 1.6 L engine that seems to be the only "negative" I read about. The drivers in my area are pretty scary for new drivers. I sincerely hope I've not made a mistake with a smaller engine car.

1996 Geo Prizm LSi 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Best Geo of the all

Faults:

The only thing that has went wrong with the car is the transmission failed at 80,000 miles and it cost quite a bit to have it repaired.

General Comments:

This car is very quite rides great sometimes I think I'm riding in a car that cost a lot more. I love the sound the factory sound system, the large buttons on the cassette player are easy to find and use. The a.c. is wonderful in this car its powerful and cools the car quickly. The transmission failure was unexpected it happened all at once no warning signs at off before it happened.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2002

19th Sep 2002, 22:16

You kinda are riding in a car that costs a lot more... Geo Prizm is the same as Toyota Corolla, just different name and costs a lot less.