| Also called | Chevrolet Prizm |
|---|---|
| Production | 1997–2002 |
| Model years | 1998–2002 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Engine | 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4, 120–125 hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 97.1 in (2,466 mm) |
| Length | 174.2 in (4,425 mm) |
| Width | 66.7 in (1,694 mm) |
| Height | 53.7 in (1,364 mm) |
| Related | Toyota Corolla Toyota Sprinter |
The Prizm's 1998 redesign 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 (instead of a belt), and featured more power (yet the same fuel economy) than the engines from the Geo years. The new all-aluminum 1ZZ-FE engine powered all Corollas, Sprinters, and Prizms, making this generation lighter than its predecessor. This new engine incorporated laser etched valve guides directly in the block, rather than the old shrink to fit valve guides in the predecessor Corolla motor (4A-FE & 7A-FE). This prevented oil burning and valve guide failure in the future. The Prizm with the Corolla became the first cars 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 five extra horsepower (to 125). The last Prizm was built on December 13, 2001, resulting in a brief 2002 model year.
Due to decreased sales, low popularity, and being in competition with the also compact Chevrolet Cavalier and GM's more direct competitor to the Corolla the Saturn S-series, the Prizm was replaced by the Pontiac Vibe starting in 2003. The Vibe was also made in tandem with a Toyota model, the Toyota Matrix, at the NUMMI plant.
In any generation, the Prizm's distinctions over its Toyota twin mostly came down to minor cosmetic differences, a GM Delco radio (except on first-generation cars), and the non-availability of a wagon (and the availability of a hatchback early on). The third generation Prizm also featured a Delphi air conditioning system instead of the Corolla's Denso air conditioning system.
The Prizm along with its Geo siblings suffered severe sales loss when the brand denomination changed from Geo to Chevrolet in 1998. The Geo models outsold the rebadged Chevrolets 3 to 1.
Read more about this topic: Geo Prizm
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