1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems
The Geo Prizm and Chevrolet Prizm were compact cars that were rebadged versions of the Toyota Sprinter, a vehicle that the Japanese automaker Toyota never directly sold in the North American market. The Sprinter itself was derived from the Toyota Corolla. The Prizm was marketed under the Geo nameplate until it was discontinued after the 1997 model year. After that, the vehicle was marketed under the Chevrolet nameplate. General Motors (GM) referred to this and other Toyota Corolla derived vehicles as the GM S platform. The cars were produced from 1988 to 2001 (the last ones being sold for model year 2002) alongside the Corolla at NUMMI, an assembly plant operated as a joint venture of GM and Toyota. The Prizm was sold exclusively in the United States and succeeded the 1985–1988 Chevrolet Nova, which was also derived from the Sprinter and produced at NUMMI.
Production
All Prizms were built at NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.), a joint venture company between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, California. The NUMMI plant at Fremont had manufactured the Prizm's predecessor, the Chevrolet Nova, and would later manufacture the Pontiac Vibe, one of its replacements.
Production of the newly-rebadged Chevrolet Prizm began in late 1997 as the Geo brand was phased out, alongside the newest North American generation of the Toyota Corolla. The last Prizm was built on December 13, 2001, resulting in a brief 2002 model year.
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Common 1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems
The Chevrolet Prizm, particularly the 1998 model, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:
- Check Engine Light Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor: The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps the car's computer adjust the fuel mixture. If it fails, the check engine light will come on. This problem is common in various model years of the Prizm.
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue: If the gas cap is not properly tightened or if it's damaged, it can cause the check engine light to come on. This is a relatively inexpensive fix but can be frustrating for owners.
- Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations: This issue is related to the front brake system. As the brake rotors wear down, they can start to pulsate, causing the brake pedal to vibrate. This can be a safety concern and should be addressed promptly.
- Window Regulator or Motor Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the window regulator or motor, particularly on the driver's side. The window may only roll up a little bit at a time, requiring the button to be pressed multiple times to fully close the window. This could be due to a faulty regulator or motor.
- Clunking Noise on Left Front: This issue is often attributed to the half shafts, motor mounts, or a loose lug nut. It can occur when taking off, especially if the car has been sitting for a long period of time.
- Noise When Engine is Cold: This issue is often due to a vibration noise that occurs when the engine is cold, particularly at idle. It can be caused by various issues, including worn spark plugs, leaking spark plug wires, clogging injectors, or water in the fuel.
- Crank Pulley/Damper Issue: If the car has not been used for an entire winter, the crank pulley/damper may be shot. This can cause a noise at idle, and it may be related to the timing belt installation.
These issues are not exhaustive and other problems may also occur. However, these are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Chevrolet Prizm, particularly the 1998 model year.
Is Chevy Prizm a good car?
In short, the Prizm is one of the best compact cars money can buy. It does everything well, and looks good too. Better yet, it is essentially a reskinned Toyota Corolla, which bodes well for reliability, but not necessarily resale value.
How many miles does a Chevy Prizm last?
Properly maintained a Prism should be good for 200+K miles.
Did the Chevy Prizm have a Toyota engine?
All Prizms are powered by engines from their contemporary Toyota Corolla models: 1990–1992 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 4A-GE engine. 1993–1997 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 7A-FE engine.
Is the Chevy Prizm the same as the Toyota Corolla?
Others are built for Geo, and they're called Prizms. There are some cosmetic differences: different headlights, taillights, upholstery, etc. But mechanically, they're the same car, because all Geo Prizms and four out of five Corollas come off that very same assembly line.
Is Chevy Prizm a good car?
In short, the Prizm is one of the best compact cars money can buy. It does everything well, and looks good too. Better yet, it is essentially a reskinned Toyota Corolla, which bodes well for reliability, but not necessarily resale value.
Does Chevy Prizm have Toyota engine?
All Prizms are powered by engines from their contemporary Toyota Corolla models: 1990–1992 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 4A-GE engine. 1993–1997 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 7A-FE engine.
How many miles does a Chevy Prizm last?
Properly maintained a Prism should be good for 200+K miles.
When did they stop making Chevy Prizm?
This generation of the Prizm ended production in late 2001 as GM had decided to discontinue the model.
1998 Chevrolet Prizm car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Prizm problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Prizm vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
The NHTSA has received 47 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER LOOSE GRAVEL, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT ENDED UP OVER STEERING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RECEPTACLES FAILED AND THE SEAT BELTS COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE RECEPTACLE WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECEPTACLE WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1JC1249W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. AT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154000.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-08
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY 98 CHEVY PRIZM IN OCT. 1999. WITHIN A COUPLE YEARS THE DOOR HANDLES STARTED TO BREAK, ONE AFTER ANOTHER. I TRIED TO GET CHEVROLET TO REPAIR THEM WHEN 2 HANDLES WERE BROKE, AND WHEN 5 WERE BROKE, SAID I NEED DIAGNOSIS, COSTS MONEY, I DONT HAVE, NOW 8 ARE BROKEN. MY CAR IS A DEATH TRAP!!
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-12
- VIN: 1G1JC5249W7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. TO DATE IT HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES. THERE IS AND HAS BEEN "SOMETHING WRONG" WITH THE FRONT-END OF MY CAR. IT SEEMS THE "CLUNKING" SOUND THAT ONE CAN FEEL AS BEEN THERE FOR QUITE AWHILE. WHILE DRIVING(ON FLAT, STRAIGHT FORWARD, PAVEMENT)(BETWEEN 32 AND 37 MPH) MY CAR WILL VEER, "BOUNCE" TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVING(AS IN TURNING). I HAVE DESCRIBED THE/THIS SITUATION TO A CERTIFIED MACHINIST/MECHANIC, WITHOUT HESITATION PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN RACK AND PINION STEERING. I HAVE FOUND IT NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL, IN REGARDS TO SAFETY, TO RENT A VEHICLE IN ORDER TO LEAVE MY SMALL AND SOMEWHAT ISOLATED HOME TOWN. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-02
- VIN: 1G1ND52M7W6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I CONTACTED GM CORP WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF THE RECALL ON RACK AND PINION ON THE 1998 CHEVY MALIBU BECAUSE I HAD MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE AND WAS CONCERNED I WOULDN'T GET THE NOTICE. THE YOUNG MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID IT WASN'T ON MY CAR, HOW CAN THAT BE. I TOLD HIM I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AND HITTING THE BRAKES. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND I STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE WHAT SHOULD I DO? *JB
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-03
- VIN: 2GCEK19RXW1
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE TENDS TO CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING EVEN AFTER THE STEERING COMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE SWERVES UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH. *AK THE STEERING VEARED TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. BRAKE POWER BOOSTER PUMP WENT OUT LEAVING THE VEHICLE BRAKELESS. *TC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-26
- VIN: 2C1MR5226W6
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 1998 CHEVROLET METRO 4 DOOR - DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS DO NOT STAY ON TRACK WHEN ROLLING UP OR DOWN. PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 2002, USED, FROM AN INDIVIDUAL. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1YY22G3W5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CORVETTE C5 BOUGHT ON JUNE 12TH, 98. 1G1 YY2 2G3 W51 229 86. MILES ~ 20.000: TWO CRASHES DUE TO A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AT FULL THROTTLE. FIRST ACCIDENT: APRIL 26TH, 02. I WAS STOPPED AT THE ENTRY OF A PARKING, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE CAR PLOUGHED AHEAD, ALTHOUGH I CONTINUOUSLY APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE C5 ACCELERATED AT A TERRIFIC SPEED AND STOPPED ONLY AFTER I APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE AND CUT THE IGNITION. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. THE HEAD MECHANIC, ASSURED ME MY CAR WAS IN ORDER WHEN I TOOK IT BACK. I REQUESTED THE GARAGE CONSULT A GM EXPERT ON THAT SORT OF ACCIDENT. HE DID NOT COMPLY WITH THAT REQUEST.THE DYSFUNCTION OCURRED AGAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT : MAY 7TH, 03. I PARKED. I HAD, AT THE END OF THIS MANEUVER, THE RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, (TO SLOW THE CAR WHICH AT THIS TIME CRAWLED), WHEN THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. THE C5 STOPPED AFTER I JAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND CUT THE IGNITION REMARKS AND CONCLUSION. THE C5 SUDDENLY TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN, THE THROTTLE IN A FULL OPEN POSITION, WITHOUT THE DRIVER STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE SOON ENOUGH TO AVOID THE ACCIDENTS. ONLY SWITCHING OFF THE IGNITION WAS EFFECTIVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE GEAR LEVER WAS IN DRIVE. AS ANY ENGINEER KNOWS, GIVEN THAT ELECTRONIC LOGIC IS SENSITIVE TO INTERFERENCES AND THE C5 COMPARTMENT IS FLOODED WITH VIOLENTS SIGNALS; IT WAS IMPERATIVE, AFTER THE FIRST SERIOUS INCIDENT, TO INSTALL A BLACK BOX OR TIMESTAMPING RECORDING DEVICE, FILMING AND RECORDING THE ACTUAL FOOT POSITION OF THE DRIVER, THE THROTTLE AND BRAKE POSITIONS, ENGINE RPM AND VEHICLE SPEED IN ORDER TO ANALYZE A POSSIBLE RE-OCCURENCE OF THE EVENT. BEING A SURGEON, CONSIDERING THE GRAVITY OF THIS DOUBLE AND IDENTICAL ACCIDENT, NOT ONLY TO RENONCE USING THIS C5, BUT ALSO TO ASK THAT ALL THE C5 BE SUBJECT TO A FACTORY RECALL TO CONTROL ALL THEIR ELECTRONIC, TO CORRECT THE DEFECTS AND ORIGIN OF SUCH DYSFUNCTIONS AND PREVENT SUCH ACCIDENTS.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-05
- VIN: 2G1WL52M8W9
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RE: 1998 CHEVY LUMINA-LS - RECALL, VIN# [XXX], STEERING PROBLEMS. *AK UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-15
- VIN: 1GNDX03E2WD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING. DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING INTO THE 3.4L ENGINE. REPLACED INTAKE GASKET.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-18
- VIN: 1Y1SK5281WZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1ST TIME: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TOTAL INTERNAL, AT AROUND 63000 MILES, EARLY SUMMER 2000. CALLED CHEVROLET FOR REQUEST ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIR, REQUEST DENIED. MAINTENANCE DONE PER SCHEDULE. REPLACED WITH USED TRANSMISSION WITH 6000 MILES ON IT. 2ND TIME: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, INTERNAL. REVERSE AND NEUTRAL GO FORWARD. ABOUT 132900 MILES ON CAR. NOVEMBER 2003. CAR SET IN NEUTRAL NEARLY HIT CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. MAINTENANCE DONE PER SCHEDULE. OVERHAULED/REBUILT AT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. *LA
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY 1998 CHEVROLET METRO LSI WAS TOTALLED YESTERDAY IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A SCHOOL BUS. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE, AND JUDGING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ACCIDENT, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR MUTILATED. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-05
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN IS INOPERATIVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKED.*AK *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT IN A REAR END COLLISON BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS ON IMPACT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Y1SK5288WZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS LIGHT WENT ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COMPUTER CHECK AT QUA BUICK-PONTIAC IN SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH 216 561-1177 IN OCTOBER 2001 REVEALED THAT THE PMV VALVE HAD FAILED. MILEAGE AT TIME WAS 52,836. PART LISTED WAS $1,046. ISN'T THIS EARLY TO HAVE AN ABS FAILURE? ARE THERE OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS? PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-27
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WITHIN STARTER WHICH CAUSED A ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT TO OCCUR ,CAUSING ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-21
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THEN, VEHICLE FROZE UP/ NOTHING WOULD WORK. STARTER BURNED UP EVERYTHING IN THE DASH. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-19
- VIN: 1G1N52M5W62
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE, AFFINITY, P21560R15; WHILE LOOKING OVER TIRES NOTICED ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES GROVE HAD CRACKS AROUND TIRES.*AK CONSUMER STATED UPON LOOKING AT TIRES, HE NOTICED THAT THEY CONTAINED CRACKS IN ALL 4, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMERS T HAT TIRES WERE OK.*SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-20
- VIN: 1Y15K5428W2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND FLASH. DEALER WOULD THEN REPLACE AIRBAG MODULE. LIGHT HAD COME ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ON SECOND INCIDENT AIRBAG WAS RESET. ON THIRD INCIDENT DEALER REPLACED AIRBAG COMPUTER RELAY.*AK *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 1GNCG18W3WK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DURING INSPECTION FOUND CRACKS ON TIRES NEAR OF RIMS WHERE COULD HIT TIRES AND AIR WILL LEAK.*AK CONSUMER STATES THERE WERE STRESS CRACKS ABOVE THE LETTERS ON ALL FOUR TIRES, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P215/75/R15.*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Y1SK5489W2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD FLASHES ON AND OFF, INDICTATING A DEFECT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER SHOP, AND INFORMED THAT AIR BAG MODULE HAS SHORTED OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE TIRE BAD, ONE SPEELING AND ONE NO GOOD, RIM IS BENT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1Y1SK5286WZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE BLEW & BURSTED. CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. CAR PULLED TO EXTREME RIGHT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W17J FL6 TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)
1998 Chevrolet Prizm recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm.
- Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
- Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Negative 1998 Chevrolet Prizm car reviews
Positive 1998 Chevrolet Prizm car reviews
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I bought my '98 Prizm in 2005 for $4000. It had about 60,000 miles on it then and now has 130,000 miles on it. It has been the best buy, the most reliable car. It's interesting to read the other reviews about the door handles snapping off. Unfortunately, mine has done the same and I am unable to find the replacement part. The Chevy dealer is asking $200 for it. The A/C recently went out so I may consider selling as I live on Maui, although I'm tempted to see how long I can keep it running! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I have loved it and it has been very good to me!
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I purchased my 98 Prizm LSI used in August of 1999 and it has been the best car purchase I ever made! With 102,000 miles on it, it has never let me down. I've replaced a couple of door handles and some front suspension parts due to wear, but nothing out of the ordinary. Although I had to replace the headliner, the rest of the interior still looks great. Chevy/Toyota really hit the nail on the head with this one. I plan to continue driving it for a long time!
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You have over 108K miles and your car is still going strong. You have only had to replace brakes, clutch, tires, and oil changes, among other things. You have not had to do any major repair work. Your prizm is loaded with a moonroof, alloy tires, and a 5-speed manual transmission that compensates for the 4-cylinder engine and sluggishness expressed by automatic transmission owners. You get 38 mpg and drive 18k per year, so this car saves you money on gas and maintenance. You can open the moonroof, crank the CD player, and enjoy the ride because this baby can fly...
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Bought from a car rental. It's been working great ever since!
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Your Little Prizm sounds great! I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any major issues with it, besides a little bit of arching in the main battery terminal. You bought it with about 140,000 miles last year and have already put almost 40,000 more miles on it this year. The owner mentioned that everything was original except for the Cads. It sounds like it just needs a throw out bearing for the transmission. It's still a fun little car and I'm excited for you to reach 300,000 miles!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems:
1998 Chevrolet Prizm Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Chevrolet Prizm? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Chevrolet Prizm.
Problems with '98 Prizm - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
Jan 10, 2006 ... 1. Fan Speeds-When I first bought the car all the different fan speeds worked however they very quickly stopped working. · 2. High Oil ...
Chevrolet Prizm Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Chevrolet Prizm Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause ...
Common 2002 Chevy Prizm Problems - Q&A for Engine Issues ...
Mar 24, 2013 ... I have a 2002 Chevy Prizm LSI with a P0171 engine code. Based upon what I've read here and elsewhere, I decided to give - Answered by a ...
Other years of Chevrolet Prizm
Are you having problems with your 1998 Chevrolet Prizm?
Marshall Johns 2024-10-21
The car's reliability was pretty good, but unfortunately, the interior did not wear well and started to fall apart after about 5-6 years. This included problems such as the stripping around the doors peeling off and all of the interior door handles breaking. The air conditioning went out at about 6 years too, which was a pain. However, the engine never gave me any trouble, which I assume has to do with it being a Toyota engine. It's worth noting that while the Chevy Prizms are made by Toyota, much of the body is made and assembled by Chevy.
Andrew Brown 2024-10-13
It's great to hear that you've been able to rely on your 1998 Prizm despite not being able to take care of it as much as you'd like. It's impressive that you've managed to keep it running without any major problems. With your plan to drive it until it dies, it's clear that you've found a car that suits your needs. It's also great to hear that you were able to get a good deal on it with the end of year rebate and GM card accumulation. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and we hope that your Prizm continues to serve you well!
Nickolas Heaney 2024-05-17
This 98 Prizm came with 95k miles, of which 90% were highway miles. The car has been well-maintained, with the auto trans fluid, coolant, and serpentine belt all recently replaced. It's a great commuter car, with comfortable seating and a surprisingly spacious trunk for a compact vehicle. However, I did notice that the dealer had installed the wrong spark plugs, which was affecting the car's performance. Overall, the Prizm is a reliable car that lives up to Toyota's reputation for quality. While it may not be as solidly constructed as a Dodge Neon, it has proven itself to be dependable. Although Chevy no longer offers this model, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a practical and reliable car.
Webster Collins 2024-01-23
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car. After my old Hyundai got totalled, I decided to buy a used car with 73k miles on it. I chose a Prizm/Corolla because of its reputation for reliability, and it has definitely lived up to that expectation. It has never stranded me anywhere and always gets me where I need to go. However, I did have a bit of trouble with the A/C shortly after purchasing the car. Unfortunately, the A/C compressor had gone bad and the whole system needed replacing, which cost me $1800. Despite this setback, I still think it was a safe bet overall. Let me know if you have any questions!