Geo Prizm

Geo/Chevrolet Prizm
Overview
Manufacturer	NUMMI
Also called	Geo Prizm 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
Successor	Pontiac Vibe

First generation
Overview
Also called	Geo Prizm Toyota Sprinter Toyota Corolla Seca
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 MR2
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.6 L 4A-GE I4, 105 hp
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
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Height	Template:Auto in

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Geo Prizm
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, 105 hp 1.8 L 7A-FE I4, 105-115 hp
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
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Prizm
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, 120-125 hp
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/Chevrolet 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.

The Prizm was introduced in 1989 for GM's then-new Geo brand of import cars. The hatchback version sold through 1991 was a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla Seca. The sporty GSi model of 1990-1992 was notable for its 130-horsepower twin-cam engine, sport suspension, disc brakes, and 14-inch wheels.

The Prizm's 1993 redesign gave it more room (resulting in an upgrade to EPA "compact" car status), a driver airbag, and a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine optional on LSi trim. With the larger engine came a rear stabilizer bar, slightly wider tires, and an optional automatic transmission with 4 speeds instead of 3. A second airbag became standard in 1994; leather seats were an option on the LSi between 1995-1997. In contrast with the Corolla, this generation Prizm lacked a front stabilizer bar in its suspension, resulting in somewhat twitchier (some say "sportier") handling.

The next-generation Prizm's 1998 debut coincided with the conversion of all Geos into Chevrolets. The most notable change was the new 1.8-liter engine, which was now all-aluminum, driven by a timing chain, and featured more power (yet the same fuel economy) than the engines from the Geo years. Along with the Corolla, the Prizm also became the first car in the compact class to offer optional side airbags. 1998 Prizms without the LSi's optional "Handling Package" (containing a front stabilizer bar) were singled out by Consumer Reports for having sloppy emergency handling; Toyota addressed the problem for 1999 by making the Handling Package standard. For 2000, the engine gained variable valve timing for 5 extra horsepower (to 125). The last Prizms were built in December 2001, resulting in a brief 2002 model year. The Prizm was effectively replaced by the Pontiac Vibe, a twin of the Corolla-based Toyota Matrix hatchback.

In any generation, the Prizm's distinctions over its Toyota twin mostly came down to minor cosmetic differences, a GM Delco radio, and more substantially, the Prizm's consistently lower perceived value. The bluebook value of a six-year-old Prizm stands roughly $1,600 below an equivalent Corolla.

Engines

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

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

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