Not Your Mother’s Prizm - The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base
Posted: November 13, 2009 in 1999, Chevrolet, Prizm | Tags: 4-Door, Base, Chevrolet Prizm, Sedan, United States market
A high point in the sedan market is the Chevrolet Prizm. In 1999 Chevrolet rolled out an upgraded version of the Prizm with two versions: Base and LSi. Sales for the Prizm, especially the Prizm Base, were brisk during 1999 and 2000. The improved reliability and the updated styling were responsible for the increased interest.
1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base Specs
Standard equipment in the Prizm for 1998 and 1999 includes the 1.8 liter engine by Toyota, weighing in at 4 cylinders and sixteen valves. A 5-speed Standard Transaxle puts the power of the engine to the pavement. The has proven to be a popular configuration for the Prizm.
The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Prizm uses power-assisted brakes, with Non-ABS support. Load balancing is provided by coil front springs and coil in the rear.
For the 1999 Prizm, the fuel configuration is a electronic MPI, using gasoline for fuel. A fuel-injected MFI configuration. The gas tank holds 13.20 gallons.
Statistics
The dimensions of the Prizm Base are 66.30 inches wide by 173.00 inches long. It sits 53.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 97.00 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.
There is a 36,000 mile, 36 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 36,000/36 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.
The listed retail price in 1999 (MSRP) was $14,964, with a dealer invoice cost of $13,797. This price is in line with the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.
MPG Ratings
The 1999 Prizm gets 33 - 37 miles/gallon on the highway and only 28 - 31 in the city. This is below average for a sedan car.
In 1998 and 1999 the Prizm Base was availble in the exterior colors of Canyon Red Mica-Metallic, Cashmere Taupe Mica-Metallic, Dark Beige Metallic, Dark Blue-Green Metallic, Dark Carmine Red Metallic, Midnight Emerald Mica-Metallic, Mist Black Metallic, Silver Metallic, and White. Additional options were available as special orders from the factory.
What We Think of the Chevrolet Prizm
There are several reasons why the Chevrolet Prizm Base sold well in 1999. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Chevrolet, specifically a Prizm.
