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 gasoline subcompact car with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine returns 28 combined MPG, with 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. The EPA annual fuel-cost figure is $2,400, and tailpipe CO2 is 317.39 grams per mile.
Good to know
- 28 MPG combined fuel economy
- 32 MPG highway rating
- Front-wheel drive
- Five-speed manual transmission
- 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
Watch for
- 25 MPG city rating is lower than highway economy
- Annual EPA fuel cost is $2,400
- Gasoline powertrain
- Subcompact car class
- Manual transmission may not suit every driver
Who it suits. Drivers wanting a small front-wheel-drive gasoline car Highway commuters who value the 32 MPG rating Drivers comfortable with a five-speed manual
The 1997 Geo Prizm is suited to someone who wants a subcompact with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Its fuel ratings are 28 MPG combined, 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. Budget $2,400 a year using the EPA fuel-cost figure. This choice favors drivers comfortable with gasoline power and a smaller car rather than those seeking an automatic or a different body class.
What it is
This 1997 Geo Prizm is a subcompact car powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It sends power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Its defining EPA figure is 28 MPG combined. That number blends city and highway driving into one estimate for comparing fuel use.
The numbers
The Prizm is rated at 25 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. A driver whose miles are mostly highway can expect the higher figure; stop-and-go city travel uses more fuel.
Tailpipe emissions are listed at 317.39 grams of CO2 per mile.
What it costs to run
The EPA annual fuel-cost figure is $2,400. That estimate gives the 28 MPG combined rating a yearly dollar measure for fuel planning.
How it compares
Use the Prizm's 28 combined MPG when lining it up with other cars. Its 25 city and 32 highway ratings show how the result changes with driving mix.
Who it suits
The Prizm suits a driver seeking a small gasoline car with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission. Its 32 MPG highway rating fits regular highway travel, while the 25 MPG city figure sets expectations for urban driving.
Trade-offs
City fuel economy is 7 MPG lower than the highway rating, so frequent stop-and-go trips will not match the 32 MPG highway figure.
The powertrain uses gasoline and a five-speed manual gearbox. The car's EPA class is subcompact, which indicates a smaller car category.
Verdict
Choose the 1997 Geo Prizm if a subcompact class, front-wheel drive and a manual transmission fit your plans. Its 28 MPG combined rating gives it a clear fuel-use benchmark, while the $2,400 annual estimate helps set a running-cost budget. Highway-oriented drivers have the stronger 32 MPG figure; city-heavy use should be planned around 25 MPG.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 28 MPG
- City MPG
- 25 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 32 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
- 1.8 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 1997 Geo Prizm's combined MPG?
The EPA combined rating is 28 MPG.
What city and highway MPG does it get?
It is rated at 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
How much fuel cost is listed for a year?
The EPA annual fuel-cost figure is $2,400.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Is the 1997 Geo Prizm front-wheel drive?
Yes. The listed drive layout is front-wheel drive.
What type of car is the Prizm?
It is a car in the EPA subcompact-car class.
What are its tailpipe CO2 emissions?
The listed tailpipe output is 317.39 grams of CO2 per mile.
More Geo model years
1997 Geo Metro
40 MPG · $1,700 fuel a year 1997 Geo Metro
28 MPG · $2,400 fuel a year