Despite its relatively modest pricetag, the Prizm boasts some sophisticatedfeatures, such as its all-independent suspension. You'll find that translates into a
smooth, composed highway ride. The suspension is firm enough to feel the road, but
not so harsh you'll shudder through every pothole. It's interesting to note here that
the Corolla's ride is a trifle softer, and its handling not quite as sporty.
Power steering is an option, even on the upscale LSi, but one you'd be
well-recommended to consider. We did find that the car wanted to continue straight
ahead in hard cornering, a condition known as understeer that's present to some degree
in virtually all front-drive cars. Reduce speed, however, and the Prizm settles back
to the intended line without drama.
As we noted, there are two powertrain packages. The basic 1.6-liter 4-cylinder,
with its optional 3-speed automatic transmission, is an acceptable choice, but it's a
package we'd only recommend to someone on a tight budget. It's buzzy and you'll
actually get less fuel economy than you would with the larger engine mated to a