Comments: 1-15, 16-24
I had to have a headlight replaced about a week after getting the car. Under warranty so it didn't cost a thing. Just a minor manufacturing problem.
We replaced the alternator at around 85,000 miles.
Replaced the third brake light once.
Other than this just the general servicing, IE: oil changes, tires, rotations, balancing, etc...
For a 4 cylinder this car has amazing power. I have the 5 speed manual transmission and have never had a problem. Quick on take offs and accelerations. Does not lag at all.
The car is sporty to be a compact coupe. Very stylish, makes me look good.
The inside is roomy, even in the back seat you don't feel cramped up.
I have the 3-speed automatic and it's a slug, powerless and without a over-drive gear it revs the engine up way to high on the open highway.
We bought the Geo Prism 1994 automatic car 1.6 when it had 95,000 miles and we are now at 110,000 miles. so far the only major changes that had to be done were 2 tire changes and front rotors change. overall, the GEO is a great car, however that on uphills, the car slows down to about 45-50 mph.
I have just purchased a 1994 Geo with 125,000.Runs excellent however the suspension bottoms out.Shocks, springs are very costly. Anyone else had this problem?
No, my 1994 Geo Prizm has about 140,000 miles on it and the shocks and struts are fine--- it's never bottomed out and it doesn't bounce like crazy either. Usually, I can tell if a car has bad shocks/struts because of my driveway; my friend has a Toyota Camry that he really beats up, it nearly bottoms out when it gets into my drive way--also, one of my family members has that same exact car (Camry) and it also doesn't do the same thing that my friend's car does.
No complaints at all. I have the Geo Prism LSi automatic 1.8L and I have done a 100mph through Santa Barbara and the RPM's are like 2800. I know when I bought my car a new engine and transmission was put in and they turned the odometer back to 0 when it happened. I am at 80,000 miles and nothing wrong. get the oil changed. Replaced the corner lamp light bulb. Nothing else. I get Chevron Gas and put fuel injection fluid in the tank every other oil change. I can do about 75-80 uphill, (not on huge steep grades though... then only 60ish), but it is smooth. I love it.
I have owned my 94 Geo,prism with 196,000 miles for about 2 years and we just put in the third transmission as well as the 2nd axle I was wondering if anyone else had this kind of problem?
I agree that it's a great car. But, I also had my alternator go at 85k. Look at the other reviews---there is a definite alternator issue with the '94 Prizm. Good luck replacing the alternator. The part was only $100, but it was a real pain replacing it. The bolts are located in a very confined area and you have to blindly loosen/tighten the adjusting/locking bolts because of the limited space. Also, the pivoting bolt on my alternator was only able to be backed out 3/4 of the way before running into my AC lines. I had to loosen those lines up just to get another 1/2" of clearance so that I could completely remove that bolt. Even though an easy one hour job unfortunately became a three hour pain in the butt, I still love the car.
Why the heck (wouldn't want to use profantity...) would you buy a car with a small 4 cylinder engine and equip it with a 3 SPEED AUTO? I know its cheaper, but CMON. Automatic tranny's reduce engine power a bit and since it's a 1.6 or something, it doesn't have much to begin with. Always go for a stick or 4 speed for the extra overdrive. 3...why...
Just found out at 155,000 miles I need a new trans. The price is ridiculous since rebuilders won't even touch them since they are made from junk. Needs to be a new dealer item.
I have a 1994 1.6L and when the cops are not looking, I can do 85mph on the highway (with the feeling I have room for more). So I do not understand about lack of power. I do oil changes every 3000 miles, tire rotation, and nothing much else.
The design is perhaps a little outdated for me (I am young), but then, in spite of that, I wouldn't trade this car for another.
Well, your "outdated" design is probably what is saving you from being picked up by the police. Be happy you have a sleeper car that doesn't scream "look at me, officer!'
Just found this bulletin board. I have a 1994 Geo Prizm with 207,000 miles. Had a new transmission around 185,000. It is burning oil like crazy without any obvious leaking, so I assume the engine is getting pretty well worn out. I'm inclined to put a remanufactured engine into it. No rust at all, and I don't want the expense of a new or late model used car. Any tips on what to do or what to avoid if I decide to do this? I am in Indianapolis, IN.
I have a 1994 GEO PRIZM LSI with 147,000 miles showing on the odometer.
The sticker from the window shows a TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE of $18,025.00. The car cost me $15,548.12 and had a vehicle security on it. If you add the Document fee, Registration fee, State taxes, Finance fee and subtract a down payment of $6175.00, the GEO still cost me $18,100.12.
It will be twelve years old in October.
I put two set of new tires - $600.00.
I put new struts and shocks - $450.00.
I had both window regulators replaced at the dealer - $900.00.
I had the rear view mirror replaced twice for $100.00.
I had replaced rotors twice and front brakes three times - $200.00.
I replaced knobs on the blower switch twice - $30.00.
I replaced rear brake cylinders once, back brakes twice for $50.00.
I changed oil 49 times at $10.00 for a total $490.00.
I replaced wiper blades 5 times at $25.00.
I changed bulbs rear lamp, dome, stop, at $40.00.
I had the trans flushed for $89.0.
I had replaced hoses at $50.00.
I replaced the battery twice at $140.00.
I had the coolant flushed for $85.00.
I put $10,000 in gas over 12 years.
I paid $900.00 a year for insurance for 7 years and $580.00 for 5 years totaling $9,200.00.
The total for driving the GEO for 12 years is $40,549.00 or $3379.08 a year.
I JUST TRADED IT IN FOR A 2006. THEY GAVE ME $200.00 DOLLARS. NO CAR IS GOOD VALUE.
I'd just like to state that most of those are general repairs, and you'd pay somewhere around 10k over 12 years in gas for any car, as well as that much on insurance, if not more... overall I personally think that was a horrible assessment, since no one in their right mind buys a brand new car anyway since it depreciates in value by half the second you drive it off the lot...
I have a 1997 geo prizm. The car has 245,000 miles and runs strong no oil leaks and no burning oil either. The only problem iam having is with the blower motor not working. I'm not sure where to look first. Where is the blower motor? the
other problem is the brakes they squeal after a rain, but when dry there is no problem.