29th May 2008, 16:06
Today (5/29/08), I purchased a '94 Prism, auto with 158,000 miles on it for $3,400. Bought for gas mileage to "run around" town with, since gasoline cost have risen to nearly $4.00 per gallon. Only had 2 owners of record. Hope it proves to be as reliable as most of the listed on here.
15th Jun 2008, 17:30
I have a 1994 Geo Prizm. I got the car in 2007 for $500 with 236000 miles on it. Now it has 278,000 miles on it.
This car has been the most reliable car ever thanks to Toyota building it. I would never get rid of this car. I bought it just to have, but I drive it more often than my other cars, which are much newer and nicer.
18th Oct 2008, 09:34
I have a 1994 Geo Prizm LSI. I bought it in 2001 with 111,000 miles on it. I didn't have to do any work on it until last year.
Replaced Ball joints, tie rods, tie rod ends, bearings, brakes, 2 brake lines, rims, and tires.
This year I had to replace CV shafts, ball joints AGAIN. Bearings again. The bearings went bad after a year time. Not under warranty so I have to pay for them to be repaired total cost for one is 250 with alignment.
The radiator leaks.
It burns and leaks oil.
The transmission is starting to make a knocking noise.
It has 183,000 miles now. The car is only worth 1200.00 Kelly Blue Book. I asked how much to trade in and I can't even get 500.00. I put over 2000.00 dollars in the car so far. I should have looked at the value of the car before I put all the money into it.
I don't want to sell it now since I put so much into it, but my husband just doesn't want me to put more money into it, when I won't even get 500.00 for trade in... This bites...
20th Oct 2008, 23:25
I myself own a 94 Prizm LSI. It has 125,000 on it, and I do regular maintenance. No leaks of any sort. It has been a great little car for myself. I would never sell it because it has a Toyota engine in it that will go 300,000 or better with regular maintenance.
4th Dec 2008, 14:27
I have a 1994 Geo Prism 1.6l, with a 5 speed manual transmission. It currently has 287,000 miles, I'm the original owner, bought it in October of 1993. It's had the timing belts changed every 55,000 miles, I've replaced the alternator twice, front brake job twice, rear once, still original rotors and drums. Shocks and struts have been replaced, and I've gone thru about a half dozen CV joints in the drive axles. Front passenger window crank has been replaced, as well as a radio knob and door lock bezel. The out the door cost for this car was $12,000, and it's been worth every penny. I still drive it 70 miles round trip to work everyday, in January it will be handed down to my son, who starts driving then. It burns a little oil, but still has plenty of go left in it, I've been very pleased with this car! I'd buy another in a heartbeat!
15th Apr 2009, 00:55
I have a 94 Prizm Lsi with 183,000 miles. Had to replace the alternator twice. The first time left me stranded on the side of the road. The second time, it wouldn't start.
It is a good car and runs great. Climate control knobs broke but still work. Door handles cracked and broke and barely work. Be aware of these issues and keep the sun exposure to a minimum! I've read about these problems from many owners.
Also, change your timing belt! I was told every 100K but it should be every 60K. I changed mine at 120K along with the water pump. The belt and water pump are fine. But guess what? I had no idea you should also change the timing belt tensioner. So at 183K, my tensioner seized, the friction melted the belt, and it broke! Now I am faced with $350 in repairs for a $1200 car. I would keep driving it but I've been stranded too many times. It is a good car though. I can't really blame the car for my negligence to change a $40 part.
The folks at corolland forums are very helpful and friendly if you ever need advice on your Prizm. Cheers!
23rd Feb 2010, 22:26
I have a 1994 Geo Prizm with a 1.6 litre. The car used to run very nice; now at 229499 miles I have a rod knocking.
I have never changed my timing belt or my tensioner.
The handles are broken inside and out of all but two doors inside of one, and the outside of the other. Locks stick when it's cold. Rear main and front main seals are leaking.
If you have a car you will be willing to give me or sell me, I would definitely take it off your hands. b_radical2006@yahoo.com
17th May 2008, 00:03
I bought a new 1994 Geo Prizm w/a manual transmission. I replaced the alternator at about 75,000-80,000 miles. I've replaced the starter twice with several years in between. The starter had a life time warranty so it only cost $90 in labor for the 2nd one. The dash vent slats broke and fell into the car and blocked the defrost knob. Easy fix. I have never replaced any of the brakes and I have them checked regularly. At 110,000 miles, the battery light started to randomly blink. I'm in the process of trying to figure it out. Overall, besides oil changes, air filters, new tires: I LOVE this car. I love how it handles and I will keep this car for as long as it makes economic sense.