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1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base

The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base is a 1.8-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $12,698 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Prizm measures 174.3 inches long on a 97.1-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,403 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$12,698 ($24,771 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L inline-4, naturally aspirated
Displacement1.8 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City26 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14 in
Wheels Rear14 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length174.3 in
Width66.7 in
Height53.7 in
Wheelbase97.1 in
Curb Weight2,403 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.3 in
Headroom Rear36.9 in
Legroom Front42.5 in
Legroom Rear33.2 in
Shoulder Room Front52.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear52.2 in
Hip Room Front50.5 in
Hip Room Rear50.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 4-DR. w/SAB
Other tested variants (1)
  • 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 4-DR.: overall not rated

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Chevrolet PRIZM. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 11, 2010 · SUSPENSION

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

NHTSA campaign 10E002000

43 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1999 Chevrolet PRIZM

Owner Complaints

43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Chevrolet PRIZM (8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags11
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Electrical System5
Exterior Lighting5
Hydraulic5
Service Brakes5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Dec 3, 2018 · Steering, Exterior Lighting, Structure Crash
“AT 70 MILES/HOUR MY GENERAL MOTORS POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS ON FULL ASSIST AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GENERAL MOTORS SECRETLY REMOVED THE POWER ASSIST, REPLACED IT AND THEN JIMMIED THE ENTIRE CAR TO…”
Sep 8, 2018 · Wheels
“HI, I AM WRITING TO REPORT A TIRE BRAND, SOLD BY WALMART THAT COULD BE ILLEGAL FOR SALE IN THE U.S. THE DOT INFORMATION IS COMPLETELY MISSING ON THESE TIRES. THEREFORE, ALL THE CLAIMS MADE IN UTQG…”
Feb 25, 2016 · Tires Crash
“THE TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID THROUGH THE NORTHBOUND LANES AND THEN INTO THE DIRT MEDIAN AND FINALLY BECOMING CAUGHT ON THE CABLE…”
Aug 17, 2015 · Electrical System
“MY CAR TURNED OFF WHEN PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL. WHEN MY HUSBAND AND DAD TOOK THE CAR TO GET CHECKED, THEY WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS ELECTRICAL. THE COMPUTER BLEW OUT TWICE. THEY WEREN'T CHARGED…”
Mar 11, 2015 · Suspension, Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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