[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]A high comfort level, for the subcompact league, puts Prizms just below Honda’s Civic for all-around appeal.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
Launched in February 1989 as an early ’90 model, the subcompact flagship of Chevrolet’s Geo line came in 4-door notchback or 4-door hatchback form. Prizms are similar to the Toyota Corolla. Standard engine on base Prizms, and those with the LSi option group, was a 102-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Autumn 1989 brought a sporty GSi model wearing a rear spoiler and body-colored grille and bumpers, halting via 4-wheel disc brakes and propelled by a more potent version of the base engine.
1991 Prizm
A new stainless steel exhaust system and black bodyside moldings were the only changes for ’91.
1992 Prizm
Only the notchback remained after 1991, as the hatchback disappeared.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]Both 4-cylinder Prizm engines are of dual-overhead-cam configuration, displacing 1.6 liters. Whereas the base engine develops 102 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque, the uprated GSi edition whips up 130 horsepower and 105 pound-feet. Standard transmission was a 5-speed manual, with 3-speed automatic optional on the base and LSi (4-speed for the GSi).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]
Base-engine models actually qualify as quick with that stick shift, and the 102-horsepower engine is smooth. Three-speed automatic isn’t too sluggish either, though you’ll have to push the gas pedal hard when passing. Engine noise is only really bothersome at high speeds. Gas mileage, on the other hand, is sure to satisfy. For more vigorous motion, look for a GSi. With the more powerful engine, it moves out quickly and returns nearly the same gas mileage.
Prizms are agile and responsive in normal driving, though steering can grow twitchy. Expect plenty of body lean and little tire grip around any fast corner on the base model. Fortunately, ride quality is amazingly good as the soft suspension absorbs most bumps with ease. The GSi rounds corners with confidence, exerting little penalty on ride quality.
Space in the airy cabin is adequate, though not exactly generous. Front seats offer adequate room, but adults may balk at head/leg space in the backseat. Controls are sensibly laid out, and gauges legible, though lack of a tachometer option on first-year LSi versions is a drawback. Radios are mounted too low for easy operation. Trunk space in the 4-door is skimpy, but the 5-door has an ample cargo hold and a more convenient bumper-height opening.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 1992 Geo Prizm LSi[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 7″ percent=”70″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
Cold-starting problems
Description: Cars equipped with the 1.6-liter engine may hesitate or stall on hard acceleration when cold because of a problem with the engine control computer. (1990-92)
Engine misfire
Description: GM will replace the manifold absolute pressure sensor and its wiring harness on cars that surge or buck at speeds above 45 mph. (1990)
Audio system
Description: The radio/cassette player may have been built with a capacitor installed wrong causing a key-off battery drain. (1990)
1991
Description: Wheel lug nuts on some cars may have been torqued to lower than recommended specification, so wheel could become loose and fall off, with potential for loss of control.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1990″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1990[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1991″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1991[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1992″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1992[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]