Geo Prizm

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Geo Prizm, Chevrolet Prizm test

Manufacturer	NUMMI
Parent company	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Prizm Toyota Corolla
Production	1988–2001
Assembly	Fremont, California
Predecessor	Chevrolet Nova
Successor	Pontiac Vibe
Class	Subcompact (1989-1992) Compact (1993-2002)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM S platform
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Sprinter
Similar	Ford Escort Nissan Sentra Plymouth Sundance

First generation (Geo Prizm)

Production	1989–1992
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.6 L 4A-GE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	95.7 in
Length	170.7 in
Width	65.2 in
Height	52.4 in

Second generation (Geo Prizm)

Production	1993–1997
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	1.6 L 4A-FE I4 1.8 L 7A-FE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.0 in
Length	173.0 in
Width	66.3 in
Height	53.3 in

Third Generation (Chevrolet Prizm)

Production	1998–2002
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.1 in
Length	174.2 in
Width	66.7 in
Height	53.7 in

The Geo Prizm (Chevrolet Prizm after 1997) was a United States-market small 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. All Prizms were built at NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a joint venture plant between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, California that only builds Toyota products test.

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. 2002 was the Prizm's last year and a short one at that; production ended in November 2001.

Although Prizms were virtually identical to Toyota Corollas (aside from small cosmetic differences, a GM Delco radio, and the lack of a front 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. Still, while the Prizm name has retired, GM's longtime tradition of cloning Corollas lives on to this day in the Prizm-replacing Pontiac Vibe, a twin of the Corolla-based Toyota Matrix.

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.