2001ChevroletPrizmChevrolet Prizm2001 Chevrolet Prizm LSiSedanSedanFWDFremont, CAThe Prizm remains relatively unchanged for 2001. An emergency trunk release becomes standard issue and Medium Red Metallic is added to the color palette.Reliability, zippy powertrain when equipped with a manual transmission, optional side airbags.Ho-hum personality, ABS not standard, options force prices too high to remain a bargain.In short, the Prizm is one solid economy sedan. It does everything capably, and looks good too. Better yet, it is essentially a reskinned Toyota Corolla, which bodes well for reliability, but not necessarily resale value. To top things off, the Prizm has earned very high marks in past initial-quality studies, scoring better than the Infiniti G20 and Honda Accord. But there is a problem, and that problem is price. Slotted between the Cavalier and Malibu, the small Prizm is no bargain once options are added. A well-equipped Prizm can be more expensive than a similarly loaded Malibu. For 2001, Chevrolet is trying to boost Prizm's value by offering an emergency trunk release and a defroster logic system to the HVAC system in the base price. Bottom-rung models get air conditioning, a four-speaker stereo, floor mats and wheel covers this year, while LSi buyers receive standard power windows, rear defogger, tachometer with outside temperature gauge, tilt steering column, dual reading lights within the rearview mirror and larger tires. Despite the price of entry, there are compelling reasons to choose the Prizm. Its excellent reliability record, coupled with tasteful styling and outstanding assembly quality, goes a long way toward selling consumers on the Prizm. The car feels substantial, conveying the impression that it will last quite a long time. In contrast, the Cavalier feels somewhat cheap, flimsy and unrefined. The solid Malibu doesn't appeal to buyers looking for a smaller package. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all Prizms, which benefits from variable valve timing technology that certainly didn't come from GM. Toyota's VVTi system helps boost power to 125 horsepower and 125 foot-pounds of torque. Interestingly, side airbags are optional on this economy sedan. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard to improve handling response from the four-wheel independent suspension. All interior fabrics feature Scotchgard stain protection and a power sunroof is available. As on last year's model - and in a break with GM tradition - antilock brakes are optional rather than standard. Interior accommodations are rather sparse in base Prizms, but LSi's come with uplevel fittings and trim. Either model offers decent ergonomics; all the switches and controls fall readily to hand and the gauges are clear and legible. The seats are rock hard and lacking lumbar and lateral support. The clutch is a joy to work and the five-speed manual snicks fluidly from gear to gear. Prizm is strictly econo-issue in base trim, but add aluminum wheels and a premium equipment package to an LSi and the Prizm transforms itself into a mini-Camry. Also available are a CD player and extended-range speakers that sound great. Truly, a fully loaded Prizm is a fine package. However, a Prizm LSi with every available option closes quickly on $20,000. For that kind of cash you can buy any number of larger and more substantial sedans. Keep a lid on the options, though, and the Prizm makes much more sense. Ford FocusHonda CivicHyundai ElantraToyota Corolla336,000336,000336,0006100,000NANANA41.8 litersInline125 hp @ 5800 rpm125 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm174.2 in.66.7 in.53.7 in.2403 lbs.97 in.39.3 in.36.9 in.52.8 in.52.2 in.50.5 in.51.2 in.42.5 in.33.2 in.12.1 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedAcceptableGood13.2 gal.32 mpg / 41 mpg30 mpg / 40 mpg422 mi. / 541 mi.396 mi. / 528 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$14,807$16,0607.35%$485N/ABASE (5M): 1.8L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 390 amp battery; 80 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.72 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 13.2 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; class I trailering; front and rear body-colored bumpers; black bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's manual remote black outside mirrors; 14" x 5.5" steel wheels; P175/65SR14 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, 4 speakers, fixed antenna; child-safety rear door locks, remote hatch/trunk release, remote fuel door release; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s),driver's foot rest, smoker's package; instrumentation display includes water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows, manual front and rear windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment; rear bench seat with fixed headrests; front height adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light with delay; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; blackgrille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
LSI (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE (5M) equipment): Driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; P185/65SR14 BSW A/S tires; cassette player, 4 performance speakers; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry; instrumentation display includes tachometer, exterior temp; power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; rear window defroster; center armrest with storage; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center pass-thru armrest; premium cloth seats; interior lights include front reading lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment and 2 seatback storage pockets.