Since its introduction in 1990, the Geo Prizm has been popular among those consumers looking for an affordable, modern compact car. The Prizm's redesign in 1993 improved its status: A frequent winner in greatest-value comparisons, the 1994 Prizm was rated greatest in class by AAA,
Consumer Digest and
Intellichoice, and was named an All-Star by
Automobile magazine.
Perhaps even more important to a prospective buyer, the Prizm was at the top of its price category in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, and scored in the top 10 of all models in initial quality, as measured by that same study.
For 1995, the Prizm remains essentially unchanged, adding only fashionable new paint colors, improved interior fabrics and a new wheel-cover design. For its buyers - predominantly value-conscious families with kids - it remains on the shortlist of intelligently designed, high-quality transportation.
Our test model, the upscale LSi sedan, came with a number of features including anti-lock brakes (ABS), a 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, air conditioning, power door locks/mirrors/windows and cruise control, bringing a base price of around $12,000 up to a more sobering $15,655.
The Prizm is the domestic twin of the
Toyota Corolla and shares most of its hardware, including the platform, suspension, mechanics and base engines. Both the Prizm and Corolla are built at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., plant in Fremont, California, a General Motors/
Toyota joint venture.
Although each make has its own exterior styling and personality, there is a strong family resemblance. The Prizm is nice looking, with a rounded, functional shape. The hoodline is low, the nose inoffensive and the rear deck high for maximum cargo space and aerodynamics.
The model line consists of two sedans. The base Prizm has a 1.6-liter engine and a short feature list with less expensive items such as a 3-speed automatic transmission instead of a 4-speed. The Prizm LSi has a few more standard amenities: upgraded interior fabrics, a tilt steering wheel and a rear pass-through to the trunk. The LSi also has access to a better class of options, including a 1.8-liter engine, a sunroof and a CD player.
Lending a little verve this year are four new exterior colors called Diamond Blue, Misty Teal Mica, Tropical Green Mica and Twilight Purple Mica.
The base Prizm inherits last year's LSi wheel covers as an option, while the LSi gets sportier new covers in addition to optional alloy wheels.
One of the prizm's greatest refinements is its quiet interior, resulting from the union of Toyota's signature silent engine and clever engineering. Doors formed from a single piece of metal extend into the roofline, reducing wind noise. Sound-deadening materials in the roof, floor and A-pillars mask engine, wind and road noise. A hydraulic torque-axis engine mounting system uses the engine's internal forces to help cancel noise and vibration. And a structural cross-car beam behind the instrument panel adds rigidity, which reduces squeaks and rattles. In total, these elements create one of the quietest cars in its class.
Several features highlight the car's easy-maintenance qualities. The exhaust system has been converted to stainless steel, reducing corrosion. Under the hood, access to engine oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer and coolant fillers is convenient and well-marked. These extra touches make it easy for owners to take care of essential routine tasks themselves. Add GM's 24-hour Roadside Assistance program, standard on all Geos, and the ownership experience is made that much more pleasant.
