Geo Prizm
| Geo Prizm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | NUMMI |
| Also called | Chevrolet Prizm |
| Production | 1989–2002 |
| Assembly | Fremont, California |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact (1989-1992) Compact (1993-2002) |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM S platform(Toyota AE92, AE102 Platforms) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Nova |
| 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 Toyota MR2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.6 L 4A-GE I4, 105hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto 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 Holden Nova Toyota MR2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6 L 4A-FE I4, 105hp 1.8 L 7A-FE I4, 115hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
| Third Generation (Chevrolet Prizm) | |
|---|---|
| 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1998–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Related | Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota RAV4 Toyota Paseo Toyota Tercel Toyota MR2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4, 126hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
The Geo Prizm (Chevrolet Prizm after 1997) 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 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.