Geo · model year 1997
1997 Geo Prizm
Subcompact · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Subcompact Cars
Where it places
The CarCody take
The 1997 Geo Prizm is a subcompact car with front-wheel drive, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and a five-speed manual transmission. Its EPA figures are 26 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined. The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400, with tailpipe emissions of 317.39 grams per mile.
Good to know
- 28 MPG combined EPA rating
- 31 MPG highway EPA rating
- Front-wheel drive
- Five-speed manual transmission
- 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
Watch for
- 26 MPG city is lower than the highway rating
- Gasoline fuel
- 317.39 grams of tailpipe CO2 per mile
- EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400
Who it suits. Drivers seeking a subcompact with front-wheel drive Manual-transmission buyers comparing EPA fuel figures Highway drivers using the 31 MPG estimate
The 1997 Geo Prizm offers a clear, modest fuel-economy target: 28 MPG combined, with a 31 MPG highway estimate and 26 MPG city estimate. It is a gasoline subcompact with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. The EPA puts annual fuel cost at $2,400 and tailpipe CO2 at 317.39 grams per mile. It makes sense for a buyer comfortable with a manual car who wants to use the EPA fuel-cost estimate when judging running costs.
What it is
The 1997 Geo Prizm is a subcompact car powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It sends power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Its defining EPA chart figure is 28 MPG combined. That single number blends the 26 MPG city estimate with the 31 MPG highway estimate.
The numbers
Expect 26 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway under the EPA ratings. The combined figure is 28 MPG.
The Prizm uses gasoline and produces 317.39 grams of tailpipe CO2 per mile.
What it costs to run
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400. That is the published yearly fuel figure for this gasoline Prizm.
How it compares
The 28 MPG combined rating is the number used to place this Prizm in a fuel-economy chart. Its city and highway figures show how the estimate changes with driving conditions.
For other models from the same make, see Geo cars.
Who it suits
This Prizm suits a driver who wants a subcompact gasoline car with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, while keeping the EPA combined rating at 28 MPG.
Its 31 MPG highway estimate gives highway commuters a clear figure to use when planning fuel use.
Trade-offs
The Prizm's highway estimate of 31 MPG is higher than its 26 MPG city estimate, so the rated result depends on where you drive.
It uses a manual five-speed transmission and gasoline fuel. The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400, and tailpipe CO2 is 317.39 grams per mile.
Verdict
The 1997 Geo Prizm is a straightforward subcompact defined by its 28 MPG combined EPA rating. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and five-speed manual transmission set the basic layout.
Choose it when those drivetrain details fit your driving and the EPA fuel-cost estimate works for your budget. Keep the 26 city and 31 highway figures in view, because your route determines which number matters more.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 28 MPG
- City MPG
- 26 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,400
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 317 g per mile
- Model year
- 1997
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Subcompact Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 1.6 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 1997 Geo Prizm's combined MPG?
Its EPA combined rating is 28 MPG.
What city and highway MPG does the Prizm get?
The EPA estimates 26 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway.
How much does the 1997 Geo Prizm cost to fuel each year?
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Is the 1997 Geo Prizm front-wheel drive?
Yes. The Prizm uses front-wheel drive.
How much tailpipe CO2 does it produce?
The listed tailpipe output is 317.39 grams per mile.
What type of car is the Geo Prizm?
It is a subcompact car from the 1997 model year.
Where can I see other Geo models?
Browse [[list:geo-cars|Geo cars]] for other models from the make.
More Geo model years
1997 Geo Metro
40 MPG · $1,700 fuel a year 1997 Geo Metro
28 MPG · $2,400 fuel a year