The Prizm was basically a California-built Toyota Corolla with a Chevy bow-tie. Because of the Chevrolet brand, resale values for these cars deteriorated faster than Corollas', but that's good news for buyers.
Versions after the 1998 model year have improved suspension for better emergency handling, Consumer Reports notes.
"The Prizm's exemplary reliability record is a major advantage," the magazine's Web site says, "but the interior isn't as well trimmed as the Corolla's."
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