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Walkaround
The Prizm is the domestic twin of the Toyota Corolla and shares most of its hardware, including the platform, suspension, mechanics and base engines. Both the Prizm and Corolla are built at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., plant in Fremont, California, a General Motors/Toyota joint venture. Although each make has its own exterior styling and personality, there is a strong family resemblance. The Prizm is nice looking, with a rounded, functional shape. The hoodline is low, the nose inoffensive and the rear deck high for maximum cargo space and aerodynamics. The model line consists of two sedans. The base Prizm has a 1.6-liter engine and a short feature list with less expensive items such as a 3-speed automatic transmission instead of a 4-speed. The Prizm LSi has a few more standard amenities: upgraded interior fabrics, a tilt steering wheel and a rear pass-through to the trunk. The LSi also has access to a better class of options, including a 1.8-liter engine, a sunroof and a CD player. Lending a little verve this year are four new exterior colors called Diamond Blue, Misty Teal Mica, Tropical Green Mica and Twilight Purple Mica. The base Prizm inherits last year's LSi wheel covers as an option, while the LSi gets sportier new covers in addition to optional alloy wheels. One of the prizm's best refinements is its quiet interior, resulting from the union of Toyota's signature silent engine and clever engineering. Doors formed from a single piece of metal extend into the roofline, reducing wind noise. Sound-deadening materials in the roof, floor and A-pillars mask engine, wind and road noise. A hydraulic torque-axis engine mounting system uses the engine's internal forces to help cancel noise and vibration. And a structural cross-car beam behind the instrument panel adds rigidity, which reduces squeaks and rattles. In total, these elements create one of the quietest cars in its class. Several features highlight the car's easy-maintenance qualities. The exhaust system has been converted to stainless steel, reducing corrosion. Under the hood, access to engine oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer and coolant fillers is convenient and well-marked. These extra touches make it easy for owners to take care of essential routine tasks themselves. Add GM's 24-hour Roadside Assistance program, standard on all Geos, and the ownership experience is made that much more pleasant.
Interior Features
As with the exterior, the interior of the Prizm is an exercise in usefulness rather than stylishness. Even on a heavily loaded LSi, the instrument panel is simple and plain, consisting of a large oil temperature gauge, speedometer and fuel gauge, plus warning lights. A tachometer is optional.The rotary dial knobs for climate control are large and easy to use. Lights, wipers and cruise control are stalk-mounted. Not so handy are the dual cupholders that pop out of the center console - they obscure the ashtray when in use. A neutral interior color is new for 1995, as is an optional leather seating package for the LSi. The carpet and all interior fabrics are treated with Scotchgard fabric protector, as befits a family car that is vulnerable to numerous spills. The seats are firm and supportive. Those accustomed to softer seats may find them uncomfortable, but we found them excellent over both short and long hauls. The whole interior feels spacious and has lots of elbow room. And the roomy, flat-bottomed trunk offers a generous 12.7 cu. ft. of storage. There are many safety features on the Prizm, which is not surprising for a car in which two-thirds of the drivers are women, many of them with children. The seat belts and head restraints are height-adjustable, and the outboard seat belts have an automatic locking mode to permit the use of a child seat without a clumsy locking clip. Dual airbags are standard. And, new for 1995, the horn has been redesigned so you can sound it by pushing anywhere on the steering wheel hub, even with the presence of the airbag.
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