Faults:

Starter had to replaced at 180k.

Replaced the clutch right below 190k.

Speakers were poor and blew out in rear deck. Replaced radio with aftermarket Xplod Cd player (tape deck went out).

General Comments:

Though I was skeptical to purchase a Geo at first, I wanted to live below my means and avoid financing. Few cars were available in the 1500-2k price range that didn't look terrible and run bad. Notwithstanding, after much prayer to God, I was able to purchase the car for $1750. Unfortunately it was wrecked. The insurance company gave me more than I paid for it! In fact, the repairs total were less than the difference... I made money on the car!

Engine is very quiet; though at high speeds it hits over 3000 rpm. Road noise is moderate. Seats are adequate. A little tight if you are over 6 feet. Rear seat does not fold down. Trunk somewhat small.

No cruise control. No tilt wheel. Paint was just starting to lose clear coat; at a distance the car looked OK though.

Gas mileage was around 33mpg- an excellent way to save money. Handles very well.

This model was a standard- had excellent shifting and suprising power for such a small engine (relatively speaking- you won't outrace a Corvette)

Since it was a base model, there were no power features that went out.

As far as I know, this car started up every single time I tried. I changed my own oil most of the time; either way it was changed every 3k miles.

Great economic car- highly rated by Consumer Reports for reliability.

These are not made any more... Chevy took them in 98, and phased them out in 01. Or maybe 02.

The secret of this car is that it has a Corolla engine... this is one of the few ways to get a cheap Toyota!

Buy one if you can find one.

Faults:

Transmission went out at 175000 miles.

The car is in the shop right now and I am debating about to fix it or to get rid of it. My options of fixing it are between a rebuilt transmission for $1700 and a replaced one from yard for $1000.

Timing belt was replaced around 150000 miles.

One axle (either front or rear) was replaced in the last 2 to 3 years.

One starter, a few batteries, a few sets of tires has been replaced over the period of 11 years.

One collision backs on 1997 and needed minor bodywork. The car also involved in 3 deer accidents, but no repair needed.

General Comments:

Before the transmission went out, the car ran great. The state emission test shows that the readings of my prizm surpass the state emission standard easily. The transmission went out without any warning sign. It happened at a time I was slowing down at highway exit. I felt a sudden down shift and it went downhill from there. Eventually, it is not drivable. The engine can start, but you cannot switch to anything other than P and N.

I appreciate that any comment about if the car worth fixing.