One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 1997 GEO Prizm. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The exhast manifold is cracked. I went to an used auto parts dealer and found that there where 4 vehicles from the same production line that had cracked exaust mainifolds in the same location. When the vehicle is not in motion exaust fumes enter the inside of the car. Toyota corollas come from the same production line.