1996 to 2002 Chevrolet Prism, Any Chronic problems ?

[clydehowell]

Hi, I am new to this Prism Forum.
I am considering buying a Prism, (between 1996 & 2002) to replace my failing 1985 Monte Carlo. Is there anyone that can tell me of any Chronic problems with these models that I need to be aware of? Is there a certain year between '96 & '02 that is more reliable than the other years? If there is a certain year that is better, what problems should I be aware of in that year?
I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me.
Also, I know nothing about fixing cars, I go to a reliable mechanic.

Thank you,
Clyde Howell

[highlandlake]

I have a '99 that has been very reliable. Only issue in 68,000 miles has been the starter, which was replaced in the driveway after some effort for way less than 200 bucks. All other mechanicals have been perfect. Doh! I hope I didn't jinx the good luck by saying this!

[ronnyvous1]

We are on our second one, have had a '94 and now a '98, reliability never an issue. The '94 used up an alternator, plus normal wear items like brakes and such, in 150K, the '98 is just shy of 100k and aside from the small issue with the automatic drivers window that I have a post on in this forum and the very common resistor pack for the fan control ($20 bucks) it seems to be on the same track as it's predecesor. The resistor pack becomes evident when you begin to lose the lower speeds on your heater/AC fan, and is a 2 screw job that goes in about 5 minutes. All in all, a non-issue. Great little cars, comfortable, good on fuel, and I don't feel quite as much of a bad American for driving this Corolla as long as it's branded as a Chevy!!!

[nypete]

"The resistor pack becomes evident when you begin to lose the lower speeds on your heater/AC fan, and is a 2 screw job that goes in about 5 minutes."

i lost the lower speeds on my 2001 prizm. can anyone explain how to fix it (where to find it)? thanks in advance.

[johnholl]

Had to replace the transmission on my used 99...can you believe that! on a Toyota..unheard of

[jamesmetairie]

Originally Posted by johnholl

Had to replace the transmission on my used 99...can you believe that! on a Toyota..unheard of

1994 prizm,a/t 3 speed with 165,000 miles. . i bought it recently for $925. it drives and feels great. but i am getting steady noise at highway speed.tookj it to transmission shop today. they said differentiasl is all worn out. whole tranny needs to be rebuilt.$1800. i will maybe buy a low mileage used tranny from one of the companys that imports em from japan. i,ve been hearing good things about that deal. i had a 1998 prizm. did,nt like it. the car was falling apart. the plastic around the windows on the inside was peeling away. the head liner was deteriating. car only had 60,ooo miles.
the a/c was out of order. i much prefer the older prizm,s (pre- 1998).

[DeAnNAjUstINe]

Last June I bought a 2000 Prizm from a family member. 60K. NEVER had a problem with it. My uncle...who owned it before had also never had a problem. It runs great, great on gas....sucks in the winter.... but maybe thats because im in ERIE PA..? Anyways.... I have driven mannny many cars and trucks...the way this one drives honestly is one of my favorites. Its comfortable and affordable. Id say..if you find someone you can trust buying one off of...go for it. The only thing i really really hate is...where the cup holder is. its gets in the way of my constantly changing the radio...ha...

[n1ckml007]

Hey I have a 1999 Prizm. I have 90k miles. I had to replace front pads and rotors, a bolt on the exaust gasket (front), sway bar end links (front), muffler, charcoal canister filter (evap)