Is the Prizm really the same as a Toyota Corolla?

Answer 1

The Prizm is a clone of the Toyota Corolla with minor styling and equipment differences; but despite its close kinship, the Prizm has never been as successful as its Japanese cousin. Since 1985 with the Chevy Nova and Corolla FX16, both cars have been built at New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, CA. Toyota shares the plant with General Motors, however Toyota manages it. When Toyota switched to the new version of the Corolla, Chevrolet dropped the Prizm. Taking its place on the production line was the Pontiac Vibe, built off the new Corolla/Matrix platform. Exterior Available only as a four-door sedan, the front-drive Prizm is 174 inches long, about an inch shorter than the Honda Civic sedan and 7 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Cavalier. Interior The Prizm comes in base and more-expensive LSi price levels. Air conditioning is standard on both, but the LSi has several other standard features, including power windows and locks, cruise control, a rear window defogger, tachometer and tilt steering column. Both models seat five, but only the LSi comes with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Chevy lists trunk capacity as 12.1 cubic feet without the rear seat folded. Under the Hood The Prizm used the same 125-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as the Corolla. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and three- and four-speed automatic transmissions are optional. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and antilock brakes are optional. Driving Impressions Because it is a Corolla in disguise, the Prizm offers the same quality, reliability and smooth, refined performance. But because the Prizm wasn't as popular as the Corolla, new or used, it has a lower resale value.