Faults:

Had the alternator replaced after 13 years of owning it.

The door handles break, but that's classic.

General Comments:

I love my GEO Prizm.

This is the most reliable car.

I got this car on my 16th birthday, and would recommend it for any 16 year old.

It handles well in the snow because it's front wheel drive.

Gets wonderful gas mileage.

Faults:

Gas gauge varies, and provides incorrect reads.

Gas light will not activate.

Temperature gauge is inaccurate and provides false reads.

Passenger interior door handle snapped off.

Little bit of rattling noise when driving, and when starting. I know it's nothing serious, because I can put my hand on the dash and make it dull or even stop, so it's probably some loose wire thwacking the inside of the dash, probably a line to one of the broken gauges! LOL.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable, and I really think it is comparable to my old Honda Accord. I used to own a 1990 Honda Accord LX; while old, it was sporty and boasted a quick acceleration and quality performance. I eventually sold it at 206k Miles and purchased this Geo.

I feel that all the good reviews for this car are well deserved, IF you find one in good condition. The key here is to find one in good condition, and keep it that way. In turn, the car will last a lifetime. If you find one abused however, the car will fall apart quick fast and in a hurry.

I have been told that this car gets amazing fuel range, however it seems to only be getting 22-26 MPG, the same as my old Honda. While this is not poor, it is not quite what I expected, and I am generally a gentle driver. It could also be that I am still a new driver to this car, and just need to get used to it. Also, remember my gauge is not working correctly.

Faults:

Normal wear and tear after 15 years...

Steering wheel finally fading - need a cover.

Radiator replaced after 13 years.

Timing belt finally gave after 15 years.

Muffler/exhaust replaced after 10 years.

Air vents eventually breaking away (overuse of Armor All).

General Comments:

I truly love my car!

After 15 years, I am finally looking to buy another car, but I'm keeping the Prizm for old time sakes.

I upgraded the tires on my car during the first years, so handling has always been great.

Acceleration has been great for this 4 cylinder ride.

My air conditioner and heater have always worked very well and very quick.

The inside of my car still looks like it did 10+ years ago (I kept it clean and smoke-free) and still transports 5+ at any given time.

Trunk space was always adequate.

Faults:

One studded winter tire went flat.

The exhaust manifold was cracked when I bought it. New exhaust manifold summer 2006, cracked again in winter 2006.

Sprays black stuff from exhaust when starting.

New cat-back exhaust at 128,000 miles.

Hole in exhaust flex pipe at 130,000.

Hood vibrates and makes rattling noise January 2008.

Original suspension worn out, but too expensive to replace, so it rides a little rough, since summer 2007. Before that it was better, but it is 14 years old, so I guess that is understandable.

General Comments:

Always has started for me, even at -40.

Gets around 26-28 mpg in town.

Good defroster, good heater.

Just regular maintenance I.E. oil changes, air filter, spark plugs, and it keeps running.

Good deal for $2000.