Chevrolet Prizm

Geo/Chevrolet Prizm
Manufacturer	NUMMI
Parent company	General Motors
Also called	Geo Prizm Chevrolet Prizm
Production	1989–2002
Assembly	Fremont, California
Predecessor	Chevrolet Nova
Class	Subcompact (1989-1992) Compact (1993-2002)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM S platform(Toyota AE92, AE102 Platforms)

First generation
Also called	Geo Prizm Toyota Sprinter Toyota Corolla Seca
Production	1989–1992
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine(s)	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.6 L 4A-GE I4, 105 hp
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	95.7 in (2431 mm)
Length	170.7 in (4336 mm)
Width	65.2 in (1656 mm)
Height	52.4 in (1331 mm)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Sprinter Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Toyota Tercel Holden Nova Toyota Cressida Toyota MR2

Second generation
Also called	Geo Prizm
Production	1993–1997
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	1.6 L 4A-FE I4, 105 hp 1.8 L 7A-FE I4, 115 hp
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.0 in (2464 mm)
Length	173.0 in (4394 mm)
Width	66.3 in (1684 mm)
Height	53.3 in (1354 mm)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Tercel Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Toyota RAV4 Holden Nova Toyota MR2

Third Generation
Also called	Chevrolet Prizm,Toyota Corolla
Production	1998–2002
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4, 126 hp
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.1 in (2466 mm)
Length	174.2 in (4425 mm)
Width	66.7 in (1694 mm)
Height	53.7 in (1364 mm)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota RAV4 Toyota Paseo Toyota Tercel Toyota MR2

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 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 hatchback version sold from 1990 to 1991 was a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla Seca.

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 rear 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.