Geo Prizm
26.5 MPG The 1997 Geo Prizm is EPA-rated at 26.5 MPG combined (24 city / 30.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 566 gallons, $1811 a year in fuel, or $0.121 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–1997 run it averages 25.4 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.094 | $943 | $1415 | $1887 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.113 | $1132 | $1698 | $2264 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.121 | $1208 | $1811 | $2415 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.132 | $1321 | $1981 | $2642 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.151 | $1509 | $2264 | $3019 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.170 | $1698 | $2547 | $3396 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.189 | $1887 | $2830 | $3774 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 30.3 | $2350 | 337 | 4 |
| 1996 | 26.8 MPG | 24.3 | 30.3 | $2338 | 333 | 4 |
| 1995 | 26.3 MPG | 23.8 | 30 | $2375 | 339 | 4 |
| 1994 | 25.5 MPG | 23.3 | 29.3 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
| 1993 | 25.5 MPG | 23.3 | 29.5 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
| 1992 | 24.3 MPG | 22 | 27.8 | $2888 | 367 | 4 |
| 1991 | 24.5 MPG | 22.3 | 28 | $2863 | 364 | 4 |
| 1990 | 24.8 MPG | 22.3 | 28.5 | $2525 | 360 | 4 |
| 1989 | 24.5 MPG | 22 | 28 | $2550 | 364 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Geo Prizm ranks 58 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Eagle Summit (26.8), Audi A5 Cabriolet quattro (27), BMW 230i Convertible (27), Chevrolet Cobalt (27), Hyundai Excel (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 337 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Geo Prizm get?
The 1997 Geo Prizm is rated at 26.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 30.3 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 25.4 MPG, ranging from 23 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Geo Prizm cost in fuel per year?
At 26.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 566 gallons — roughly $1811 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.121 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $2350.
Has the Geo Prizm become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24.5 MPG in 1989 to 26.5 in 1997 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 8% across 9 model years.
Is the Geo Prizm efficient for its class?
It ranks 58 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 2.3 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.