First Impressions of the Chevrolet Prizm for 1998
Posted: November 14, 2009 in 1998, Chevrolet, Prizm | Tags: 4-Door, Base, Chevrolet Prizm, Sedan, United States market
Several things can be said about the Chevrolet Prizm series: including the polarizing reactions most buyers have towards their car. The four-cylinder engine is at the heart of the strong emotions, it is powerful for its class and delivers a large amount of torque.
Chevrolet Prizm Engine Specs
The Prizm Base is equipped with a Toyota 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that utilizes 16 valves. The engine is mated to a Borg Warner 5-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Chevrolet.
Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Prizm comes equipped with power-assisted brakes, with Non-ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.
The 1998 Prizm’s exceptional fuel system runs on gas. The fuel is regulated electronically, with a fuel-injected multi-port fuel injection style of design. The fuel capacity of the car is 13.20 gallons.
Vehicle Statistics
The Prizm is 174.20 inches long, 66.70 inches wide, and 53.70 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 97.00 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.
A powertrain guarantee is provided (50,000* miles/36* months), and a 50,000* mile, 60* month guarantee also comes with the Chevrolet Prizm. This is standard for the price range.
The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $14,714, with a dealer invoice cost of $13,566. This price is on target the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.
MPG Ratings
The 1998 Prizm gets 33 - 37 miles/gallon on the highway and only 28 - 31 in the city. This is subpar for a sedan car.
In 1997 and 1998 the Prizm Base was availble in the exterior colors of Apricot Ice Mica-Metallic, Canyon Red Mica-Metallic, Cashmere Taupe Mica-Metallic, Lavender Pearl Metallic, Midnight Emerald Mica, Mist Black Metallic, Pacific Blue Mica, Ruby Pearl Mica, and White. Additional options were available as special orders from the factory.
What We Think of the Chevrolet Prizm
The 1997 model began the promise of the Chevrolet Prizm. The 1998 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Chevrolet hopes that the Prizm Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.
