1989 Lancia Prisma 1.6 i.e.
Summary:
Just a beast!
Faults:
Shock absorbers and exhaust changed at 160000Km.
Air conditioner doesn't work.
Power windows switches need to be replaced, but no more big problems...
General Comments:
This car is very powerful for an 80's 1.6 engine, top engine rpm's are very high, with 110 hp, this electronic injected engine has a devil soul. The gear box is very short, and that improves a great acceleration. Top speed with down inclination is 200 Km/h.
Another good aspect of this car is the comfort, good seats, good climatization (with air conditioner), soft controls, only power steering is missing.
Brakes have disks at the 4 wheels.
Suspension isn't original, shock absorbers were changed, so I can't have an opinion for the stock suspension, but the car is VERY stable and comfortable with Sachs absorbers.
Electronics are good, the dashboard has a computer with fuel consumption and exterior temperature meter, max speed reached record, with a check panel that includes various warning lights including low brake pads, low brakes oil level, low refrigerant, low engine oil level and pressure etc... The main meter console includes various lights; engine oil pressure meter, voltmeter, and the common meters...
Cheers.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th January, 2010
13th Jul 2021, 19:28
Had a similar experience with a Lancia Thema many years ago. Not the most reliable cars, but fun and unique.
13th Jul 2021, 17:29
I like your review. I bought a Lancia Prisma 1.6 i.e. new in 1986 and absolutely loved the car.
It did have it quality problems. On the day I received it from the dealer and parked when I arrived at home, I could not close the right hand electric window. Unfortunately I lived in the center of Rotterdam and could not afford to leave the window open. So after a quick investigation I found that the window switch in the passenger door panel was fitted the wrong way around (it was actually not properly fitted; the connector is not symmetric). Anyhow, turned around the connector and the window was operating again.
Then after 2,500 km the engine started the behave a bit erratic, so back to the garage and it was established that the camshaft was wearing out (bit early after 2,500 km from new) so cam shafts replaced, but after 6,000 km same thing again. Then it was established that not enough oil was delivered to lubricate the cam shaft. The oil pump was replaced and problem solved.
Next issue was with the front wheel drive shafts, they wore out quickly (15,000 km) started to rattle. All replaced.
In Liverpool I broke the aluminium rims (driving through a pot hole). And worst of all I had a head on collision after one year, after which the car was declared a total loss. Now we are in 2021 and I have had many nice cars since, but for me the car I liked best was this Lancia Prisma 1.6 i.e.