Shift Speeds - Chevrolet 2002 Prizm Owner's Manual

REVERSE (R): To back up, press down on the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving could damage your transaxle.
Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking brake
for parking your vehicle.

Shift Speeds

CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don't shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
This chart shows when to shift to the next gear for the
best fuel economy.
Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds
1 to 2 or 2 to 3 or
ENGINE 2 to 1
3 to 2
1.8L 15 mph 23 mph
(Code 8)
(24 km/h) (37 km/h)
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
3 to 4 or 4 to 5 or
4 to 3 5 to 4
40 mph 45 mph
(64 km/h) (72 km/h)
2-23