Toyota Corolla & Geo/Chevrolet Prizm (93-02) Haynes Repair Manual

The problem I have with Haynes manuals is that they are not super clear. The few diagrams and pictures they do have are too small and /or don't relate to the exact repair you need.

One good example is the directions for the Valve Cover Gasket replacement. In the two paragraphs that explain the process, it tells you TWICE to install the new rubber gasket. This leaves the reader wondering where/when to apply the sealent. Do I apply it before putting the new rubber ring on or after, putting the glue on the rubber ring??

These manuals I feel are rushed to market and not thoroughly researched and clearly edited however, as I stated in my title, they are better than nothing and can give you a general sense of what is needed to make the repair.

Good luck.

Well, as I said in the review title, I do not know anything about car repair, and still don't know much. My first "DIY" project was replacing the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. I managed to get that done with the assistance of YouTube videos and it wasn't too bad.

Then I started hearing a grinding noise coming from one wheel. Took it off, and shook the brake disc (rotor ... but not to be confused with the rotor in the distributor). Down on the ground fell half of a brake pad, okay, that's not good, so how do I fix it?

At first I went to YouTube again, found a video of a Camry that claimed to be the same as the Corolla (as far as brakes go) but when I ordered parts here on Amazon (new pads, and new rotors) I was also seeing kits of parts for the break system ... I had no idea if I needed them and they didn't look familiar to what I saw in the video.

So... now to the point of this review, I went ahead and bought the Haynes repair manual. I figure if I'm going to try and do these kinds of repairs on my own, I really ought to own a book on it. I'm glad I did, as it did indeed show there was more to it than in the video. Not a lot, but enough that I would have been concerned otherwise if I hadn't gotten some advanced warning. Turns out there are some anti-squealing springs and plates that the video had made no mention of. Well, with the help of the book I managed to finish the job AND it even told me the torque to use when tightening the bolts.

I'm giving this only 4 stars though because the book isn't perfect, even in my ignorance of car repair I can see some shortfalls. One is, while it has pictures, they are not the most complete. For example I also have a loose belt for the power steering. The 1995 Corolla has three belts instead of a single serpentine belt. Well, it says to loosen a couple bolts to rotate the power steering pump to tighten up the belt ... but it only shows in the exploded view of parts one of the bolts. I've no clue where that second one is. I'm still trying to figure it out, so for now my car squeals a little on cold mornings until it gets warmed up. (And yes, the belts are fine, they're actually only a year old.)

My other minor complaint is it has you jump around a lot. Go to this chapter, then go to that chapter ... why can't they put all the information you need for the repair together? Granted it would mean repeated information but it would be so much easier to follow. For my break job an example would be it listed the torque for the caliper bolts, but I had to flip to chapter 1 for the wheel lug nuts.

Oh well, in any case this book is certainly helpful and gives me lots of ideas for preventative maintenance I probably should be doing as I never have in several years (like transmission fluid and anti-freeze).

If you want to save a few (hundred) bucks doing some of the more basic repairs, but don't know much about cars I'd say this book is certainly worth owning.

I've got 95 Toyota Corolla. Well, you know, covering 93-02 model years in one book is not enough. 50% of the book is not for my model year, so it's quite confusing and useless.

It's a book, so it's not like it has any moving parts that can break. With that being said, I've been a fan of Haynes manuals for 20 years. Every time I buy a vehicle, I immediately buy the appropriate Haynes manual. My library has grown over the years. When using the manual, along with YouTube videos, I have almost completely eliminated the need for a mechanic shop.

If you look for the right seller with the right pricing, it can definitely be a better deal through Amazon, than the local stores.

GOOD FOR GENERAL ENTRY, HOWEVER YOU WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL AND PAUSE IN SEQUENCE WHILE DOING A JOB BECAUSE THE BOOK DOES NOT TELL VERY PERTINENT DETAILS, ONCE YOUR ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF CHANGING STRUTS IT DOES NOT TELL YOU TO CLAMP THE BRAKE LINE HOSE WITH VICE GRIPS AND RUBBER. uSE WITH CAUTION AND CONSULT WITH ONLINE MECHANICS LIKE SCOTTY KILMER.COM AND ERIC THE CAR GUY.COM BEFORE DOING A JOB LEARN IT WELL AND THESE MECHANICS GIVE YOU THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE THEY ARE A TREASURER IN HEAVEN AND ON THIS EARTH BETTER PREPARNESS TO TACCLE THE UNKNOWN WHEN WORKING ON YOUR CAR.

I bought this just to have a reference in case I wanted to look something up. I hadn't had it two weeks when I ran into a problem that the shop couldn't figure out. After reading the appropriate section I figured out what was wrong and fixed it myself!

It would be more useful as a book if it had more pictures showing details.Covering 2 car brands for a 10 year period is one of the prominent drawbacks of this book. However it gives you enough information to get to know your car and its parts and do the periodic check-ups.Worth the money but not enough to be the only source for the home mechanic.

The Haynes Repair Manuals are well worth the money. Keep in mind these are not as detailed as the auto manufacturer's service manuals, but of course you are only paying a fraction of the cost as the manufacturer's service manuals. These manual include most anything a weekend mechanic needs. They include several photos of repair procedures, tune-up specifications, torque specifications and electrical wiring diagrams for your vehicle. There are times the Haynes manuals lack some detail of your vehicle, but overall they are a good buy. I would recommended these manuals for most people. I always buy one for every vehicle I own.

Said it covered my 2002 Corolla... but it's old good to 2001. I doubt much changed, but still sucks a bit

It already saved $115.00 by showing me how to change interior door handle, by showing how simple to do/ without taking interior door panel off!!!! Yeppeee! I already love it. Hint, don't buy Toyota, Geo, or, Chevy Prizm interior handles from dealer at dealer for $115.00 each, they can be bought for $15.00 at most junkyards as after market product for, really $15.00.
UNBELIEVIABLE BUT TRUE!!
CHECHED OUT REPAIR MANUAL,THOUROUGHLY ITS GREAT!!!! TOM A.