1997 Geo Prizm LSi from North America - Comments

The right rear window seal separated from the door frame at 52,000 miles because of insufficient glue being applied during assembly at the factory.

Repair cost: $2.50 for a tube of rubber cement.

The oxygen (O2) sensors needed to be diagnosed and replaced at 72,000 miles because the "Check Engine" light started coming on. Repair cost: $536.00 ($375.00 for the sensors; $160+ for labor)

This car is very easy to drive, especially with power steering, cruise control, automatic door locks and power windows.

The fuel economy is outstanding: 35 mpg in local driving; 40-42 mpg on trips.

At 77,600 miles, it still has the original brakes and tires and has needed no repairs except for replacement of the O2 sensors.

Routine servicing is easier to perform and is required less often than on my previous vehicles, a 1969 VW and a 1964 Chevrolet Suburban.

However, service and repairs involving the smog controls and central engine computer can be very expensive, as they can best be done only by a Chevrolet or Toyota dealer.

The air conditioning and 6-speaker factory stereo radio/CD sound system work flawlessly.

Factory new parts are readily available at both Chevrolet and Toyota dealers, plus some independent automobile parts stores.

24 July 2001 Additional comment by L. S. Paulsen, Livingston, CA, who submitted the review of 21 July 2001:

In a nutshell, I would best describe my 1997 Prizm as a "Little Lexus". In fact, I wish Toyota had designed the new small Lexus, the IS300, to be a front-wheel drive 4-cylinder model instead of a rear-wheel drive model with an in-line six. Only when climbing mountain grades at freeway speeds do I wish my Prizm had a little bigger engine such as the 2.2 liter engine available in the Camry or the 2.7 liter sold with the Tacoma pickup. A six-cylinder power plant would definitely be "overkill" in a car this size designed for economy and compactness. Also, I wish the standard transmission had an extra low "granny" gear, as I have to be extra careful not to slip the clutch or stall the engine when starting on hills like those in San Francisco. Likewise, an extra low low gear would help avoid wear on the brakes on steep downhill descents.

October 15, 2001 Addendum by L. S. Paulsen, author of initial statement and previous "comment". At 80,250 miles, I had to replace the starter at a cost of $230 for a rebuilt unit because the carbon brushes in the solenoid housing wore out and fouled the Hotchkiss drive assembly so that its operation became intermittent. At the same time, I replaced the battery with a heavy-duty model, at a cost of $75. Currently, my Prizm has 82,000 miles and is still running on the original brakes and tires, although I finally plan to replace all 5 tires the next time I rotate the wheels (at 87,500 miles.).

I love the 1997 Prizm, I bought mine new and still have it. The car has been used for business and pleasure, it currently has 225,000 miles it.

I have only had to replace tires, brakes, oil and tuneups. The car has a manual transmittion and I still have the original that cam with the car. Bad news... I think that I may have to replace it, but this is the first major repair.

This is the best car that I have ever had and I would buy another one if this ever gives out.

I bought my 1997 Geo Prizm LSI in July 1999 with only 14,000 miles on it. It now has 129,000 miles on it. I just replaced the water pump, both hoses and theromostat. The work was performed by a toyota dealership. I love using toyota parts for my Prizm. They are high quality parts. This car is a little Lexus. I replaced my struts with monroe sensa trac struts (The Best). I also have replaced all belts including the timing belt with goodyear gator back belts. I am sad that this car is no longer being made. I will soon look for another Geo prizm lsi to add to my stock. Again, this is a wonderful, well made, trouble free car. I love it.

Hey, the oxygen is easy to replace for this car. My engine light was on, then I went to my local autozone shop. they do the reading free, and it turns out oxygen sensor gone bad. I bought is for about 130 buck at the shop and they let me borrow a special wrench for it. the whole job took about 10 minute. afterward the autozone folks reset my check engine light and turned it off.

I own a 1996 Geo Prism, it has never been to the shop once, except for tires (I do my own oil changes) I now have 209,000 miles on it and it still gets 36 mpg! My husband wants me to get something newer, but I'll never sell it! Why would I chance getting something else with less mpg and not half as reliable. Even here in Minnesota it starts up on the first try on our coldest winter days. When I first bought it I was getting around 42 mpg, now if a car gets that it's called a Hybred! I wish they still made this nice little car.

I have a 1994 Prism with 197,000 miles on it...although the odometer hasn't worked for the last 5 months, so I am sure it is well over 200,000. I love this little car! It just goes and goes. I have the 5 speed and just bought a 1997 prism with only 60,000!!..but it is an automatic. I really was looking for another 5 speed, because mine is such a pleasure to drive, but I HAD to buy this other Prism because of the super low mileage. It will probably last 10 more years! I hope the 97 automatic is as reliable as my 94 5 speed. These are great little machines!