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1999
Chevrolet Prizm

Starts at:
$12,393
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New 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $12,393
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LSi
    Starts at
    $14,964
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1999 Chevrolet Prizm review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

One way to get a fix on what’s happening in the world of small sedans is to look through a Prizm — a Chevrolet Prizm.

What we see is a car that feels like a scaled-down version of a mid-size sedan, boasts good fit and finish and provides a lot value for the money.

This compact sedan shares both its basic structure and mechanical components with the Toyota Corolla. Both are produced in the Fremont, Calif., plant that is a joint operation between General Motors and Toyota.

Prizms are available in two models, and our test car was the upscale LSi whose standard equipment includes air conditioning, power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM stereo cassette and a 60/40 folding rear seat.

Driving the front wheels is a 1.8-liter, 120 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine that has four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. This new all-aluminum engine performs with the vigor of a larger engine, even when mated to the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

It weighs 64 pounds less than the previous 1.8-liter, uses a serpentine belt to drive accessories and has excellent throttle response because it has been tuned to supply its torque, or pulling power, at fairly low engine speeds. Mileage is about 10 percent better, too.

This engine is devoid of bothersome noise and vibration; so much so, in fact, that on cool mornings the whine of the transmission was the loudest thing I heard for the first few miles.

To improve this engine’s exhaust emissions, it has been repositioned in the vehicle so the exhaust manifold sits closer to the catalytic converter. A fast-warming converter reduces emissions and enables the Prizm to meet California’s tough Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.

Like its Corolla cousin, the Prizm rides on a 97-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 174.3 inches, which puts it in the same category as the Honda Civic, Mazda Protege and Nissan Sentra.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, three-point safety belts for all passengers, including the one in the center of the rear seat. All belts have pretensioners and force-limiters to improve their effectiveness.

Side airbags ($295) and four-wheel anti-lock brakes ($645) are both optional, and our test was equipped with both.

Sound-absorbing foam and asphalt panels located strategically throughout the body cut down on the amount of wind, road and engine noise that finds its way into the passenger compartment. Special seat foam and a special alloy in the steering column isolate the driver from unwanted vibration.

The instrument panel has large gauges and switches that glide with a satisfying smoothness. Cupholders and storage nooks are plentiful.

While the Prizm and Corolla share basic body dimensions, the Prizm’s styling is more lively and youthful.

Competing effectively in the small car segment requires a serious commitment, and it looks like Chevrolet has made one with the Pri zm.

Price: The base price of our test car was $14,839. Options included side airbags, electric sunroof, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, 4-speed automatic transmission and the LSi package. The sticker price was $18,914.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The Prizm is a tight, well-built small sedan with an efficient and responsive 4-cylinder engine that sips gas. There is space for four (five in a pinch) and a good-sized trunk.

Counterpoint: A transmission that whined when cold was my only gripe.

SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 1.8-liter, 4-cyl.
TRANSMISSION: automatic
CONFIGURATION: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
WHEELBASE: 97 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 2,403 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $14,839
PRICE AS DRIVEN: $18,914
MPG RATING: 28 city, 36 hwy.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm review: Our expert's take
By

One way to get a fix on what’s happening in the world of small sedans is to look through a Prizm — a Chevrolet Prizm.

What we see is a car that feels like a scaled-down version of a mid-size sedan, boasts good fit and finish and provides a lot value for the money.

This compact sedan shares both its basic structure and mechanical components with the Toyota Corolla. Both are produced in the Fremont, Calif., plant that is a joint operation between General Motors and Toyota.

Prizms are available in two models, and our test car was the upscale LSi whose standard equipment includes air conditioning, power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM stereo cassette and a 60/40 folding rear seat.

Driving the front wheels is a 1.8-liter, 120 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine that has four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. This new all-aluminum engine performs with the vigor of a larger engine, even when mated to the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

It weighs 64 pounds less than the previous 1.8-liter, uses a serpentine belt to drive accessories and has excellent throttle response because it has been tuned to supply its torque, or pulling power, at fairly low engine speeds. Mileage is about 10 percent better, too.

This engine is devoid of bothersome noise and vibration; so much so, in fact, that on cool mornings the whine of the transmission was the loudest thing I heard for the first few miles.

To improve this engine’s exhaust emissions, it has been repositioned in the vehicle so the exhaust manifold sits closer to the catalytic converter. A fast-warming converter reduces emissions and enables the Prizm to meet California’s tough Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.

Like its Corolla cousin, the Prizm rides on a 97-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 174.3 inches, which puts it in the same category as the Honda Civic, Mazda Protege and Nissan Sentra.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, three-point safety belts for all passengers, including the one in the center of the rear seat. All belts have pretensioners and force-limiters to improve their effectiveness.

Side airbags ($295) and four-wheel anti-lock brakes ($645) are both optional, and our test was equipped with both.

Sound-absorbing foam and asphalt panels located strategically throughout the body cut down on the amount of wind, road and engine noise that finds its way into the passenger compartment. Special seat foam and a special alloy in the steering column isolate the driver from unwanted vibration.

The instrument panel has large gauges and switches that glide with a satisfying smoothness. Cupholders and storage nooks are plentiful.

While the Prizm and Corolla share basic body dimensions, the Prizm’s styling is more lively and youthful.

Competing effectively in the small car segment requires a serious commitment, and it looks like Chevrolet has made one with the Pri zm.

Price: The base price of our test car was $14,839. Options included side airbags, electric sunroof, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, 4-speed automatic transmission and the LSi package. The sticker price was $18,914.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The Prizm is a tight, well-built small sedan with an efficient and responsive 4-cylinder engine that sips gas. There is space for four (five in a pinch) and a good-sized trunk.

Counterpoint: A transmission that whined when cold was my only gripe.

SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 1.8-liter, 4-cyl.
TRANSMISSION: automatic
CONFIGURATION: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
WHEELBASE: 97 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 2,403 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $14,839
PRICE AS DRIVEN: $18,914
MPG RATING: 28 city, 36 hwy.

Safety review

Based on the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.9
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.1
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • Extremely Reliable

    I just bought this car at the end of 2018. The interior was messed up and handles have to be replaced but the car only had 103972 original miles. It runs great and is reliable. I was not looking at it because I wanted a newer year however it was the only car on lot without a service engine. Best choice I’ve made. It is a great car and no rust for a vehicle that is 20 years old. It currently has 104288 miles. I paid a little more than blue book but it has been great. Absolutely recommend this vehicle as a first car for young drivers. It handles well and doesn’t give much issues.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Faithful Companion

    I bought this car used in July of 2013 with 209k miles on it. The miles had me leary, but I needed a car for work. At the time I looked at it, I wasnt too enthused. The car next to it was a shiny red 2000 ford focus, and I loved the color (as compared to silver with a gold underhue). But the focus was a standard, and my knee wouldn't handle the shifting. Plus, it was close to $1500 more in price. Not expecting much, I drove the Prizm. And fell in love. Oh, my gosh. I bought the car on the spot and started calling it my mini rocket. This thing will absolutely launch off the line. So nimble. I can turn on a dime, and the steering is almost telepathic. If you even think about turning, that's where youre going. I love it. Plus, living in Iowa, we can get a ton of ice and snow. This little car xxxxxxthrough it better than the 4 wheel drives everyone around here insists you have to have in the winter. Sometimes, I can't help but laugh driving past as people are digging out a mighty 4 wheel drive truck (They're not stranded. Several people stop to help pull them out.) 4 years later, it is still going strong with 230k miles and (sadly), a good deal of rust on the back fenders (it's out in the weather 24/7). We've replaced the factory fuel pump. An ancient battery. Rear drums/breaks. The left rear strut. Next on the list is front brakes and right rear strut. The front door handles broke (I just roll down the Windows and exit by popping the exterior latch), which is a nuisance but dealable. My biggest complaint is the sheer amount of oil the engine burns. I cant run above 60 mph for any length of time without checking the oil levels. Beyond that, though, everything is great. I can get up to 43 mpg on the highway, and average about 35 mpg mostly city driving. What can I say beyond all that? I seriously love my car, and wish I could get a brand new copy of it unaltered (old Corolla might be next on my list. Something with a geared transmission and not a CVT.)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Prizm gets me to work

    Bought this car from a friends sister real cheap when I needed a vehicle. It has suffered sun damage, and the cloth on the ceiling is falling, but otherwise the car seems to be doing pretty decent for its age.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • geart little car

    i owned a green 1999 chevy prism for 2 years with no problems, except to replace 2 front axles, it's been a great car, i drove it back and forth to nashville, tn working for tdot, and it preformed great, i sold it to my ex-wife's nephew when i bought another car, and i'm proud to say that he's still driving it today, i financed it from a dealer in nashville with 98,000 miles on it, and sold it with over 170,000 miles, it has over 200,000 miles on it, and is still going strong.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • chevy prizm

    so far it seems to be a nice little car. The car is LITTLE SMALL BUT GETS GOOD GAS MILEAGE. eXCELLENT CAR TO GET AROUND TOWN
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love my Prizm

    Just love this car. Can't believe how reliable it is for a car that is 13 yrs old. Pretty good on gas too I looked at a lot of older model used car in the same class and the Prizm was by far in the best overall condition, no significant rust anywhere, not even on the undercarriage. If you are in the used car market and can't spend a lot of cash I'd look for a Prizm
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 1999

    Good car, No too much power but great on gas. The inside is a bit small but , great driver space. Yes you should buy this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Ol' Reliable

    Bought the LSI version of this car used in 2002. I have been happy with it thus far. I have had to just worry about routine maintenance and replacing original parts, as necessary. My only complaint is that some of the inside door handles have begun to break, but I have easily replaced them as well. The mid-console latch broke, but I barely use. This car has paid me back tenfold. Bought with 70k miles. It currently has 212k miles and ticking.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I made the right choice

    Bought this car in 8/10, it has 87k on it and have been pleased so far. I did extensive research on Honda, Toyota and others. Prizm is as most know, Toyota Corolla in GM clothing. It is a less pricey version though but all the reliability. Engine has surprising pick up and passing power with 30+ mpg. I probably saved $2000 by purchasing this car instead of the 2 mentioned earlier. I would say drive it, check the carfax and buy it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I Love this little car

    I have had my 1999 Prizm for almost 5 yrs now. This car has gotten my family across the US many times! I am greatful that the only thing I have had to fix on the car was the starter! The door handles have also had to be replaced, they break easy. Great car!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • great value

    This car had great value for the money it cost me. A real deal! It's the same platform as the Toyota Corolla and handles just like its sister brand. No problems with the engine and just usual maintenance and replacement (like brakes, muffler, tires). I did my part by keeping it maintained on schedule and cleaned regularly. One of the sweetest cars I've owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm?

The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Lsi (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm?

The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?

The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1999 Chevrolet Prizm owners.

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.7
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