Geo Prizm

Geo Prizm, Chevrolet Prizm
Overview
Manufacturer	NUMMI
Also called	Geo Prizm Chevrolet Prizm Toyota Corolla
Production	1989–2002
Assembly	Fremont, California
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact (1989-1992) Compact (1993-2002)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM S platform
Chronology
Predecessor	Chevrolet Nova Geo Spectrum
Successor	Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet Cavalier

First generation
Overview
Production	1989–1992
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Sprinter Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Toyota Tercel Holden Nova Toyota Cressida
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.6 L 4A-GE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	95.7 in
Length	170.7 in
Width	65.2 in
Height	52.4 in

Second generation
Overview
Production	1993–1997
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Tercel Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Toyota RAV4
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.8 L 7A-FE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97.0 in
Length	173.0 in
Width	66.3 in
Height	53.3 in

Third Generation (Chevrolet Prizm)
File:PHOT0023.JPG
Overview
Production	1998–2002
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota RAV4
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97.1 in
Length	174.2 in
Width	66.7 in
Height	53.7 in

The Geo Prizm (Chevrolet Prizm after 1998) was a United States-market entry-level compact car from model years 1989 through 2002. Like the 1985-1988 Chevrolet Nova it replaced, the Prizm was a rebadged version of the Toyota Sprinter, an upmarket version of the Toyota Corolla sold in Japan. All Prizms were built at NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a joint venture plant between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, California that builds General Motors cars with Toyota. The Prizm was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Nova, another NUMMI-built car based on the Sprinter, the Prizm was also said to replace the Isuzu Gemini-based Geo Spectrum. The Prizm was introduced by GM for Chevrolet's new Geo brand of import cars.

The Geo Prizm's 1993 redesign gave it more room, an upgrade to EPA "compact" car status, and a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine optional in LSi trim (most cars had 1.6L engines). The next-generation Prizm's 1998 debut coincided with the conversion of all Geos into Chevrolets that year.

Although Prizms were virtually identical to Toyota Corollas (aside from small cosmetic differences, a GM Delco radio, and the lack of a front stabilizer bar), the market never showed them the same respect. In 2006, NADA put the value of a 2002 Prizm at US$7,300 compared to US$9,150 for a nearly identical Toyota. However, this does make it a good value for an astute Corolla buyer who appreciates the discount that comes with the Geo / Chevy badge.

Another reason for the Prizm's unpopularity might have been in-house competition: it was shorter than the Chevrolet Cavalier yet slightly more expensive. But later on, NUMMI and Chevrolet decided to discontinue production of the Prizm in November 2001 (with 2002 models produced) and retool NUMMI to build the Pontiac Vibe hatchback, a twin of the Toyota Matrix, the station wagon version of the Toyota Corolla. Another version was exported to Japan as the Toyota Voltz. The Matrix succeeded the Corolla wagon, discontinued in 1997.

Engines

All Prizms were powered by the same engine as the then present Toyota Corolla models.

• 1990–1992 Prizms were powered by the 4A-FE or optional 4A-GE engine.
• 1993–1997 Prizms were powered by the 4A-FE or optional 7A-FE engine.
• 1998-2002 Prizms were equipped with Toyota's 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4 engine with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent) technology included in 2000 through 2002 models.

Overall the Prizm was a very economical compact car, able to maintain fuel economy of 32 mpg city / 37 mpg highway.