Overview & Reviews

As the market for import automotive brands became dramatically larger in the late 1980s, the Detroit automobile companies created their own import-style sales divisions. In 1989 General Motors introduced its Geo division, which became the most successful of these attempts before the division was discontinued in 1998.

Geo re-badged various GM cars made for world markets. Its most notable success came with the Geo Prizm, a version of the Toyota Corolla then being built cooperatively in a California assembly plant by Toyota and GM. The Geo Metro compact car began life as the Suzuki Swift, while the Geo Tracker sport-utility vehicle was derived from the Suzuki Sidekick. The Geo Spectrum sedan was an Isuzu I-Mark and the Geo Storm coupe was an Isuzu Impulse.

The experiment ended because the Geo division was unable to establish a stronger identity than the brands from which its products were taken. Moreover, GM quickly realized that Geo was simply funneling its brand loyalists into the import brands of other companies.

User Reviews:

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  Too much fun - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Colkoch - April 9 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with a hard top. I have had so much fun with this vehicle I sold it and then bought it back. I have put Jeeps to shame with the ability of this Tracker in 4WD. You can park it in a dumpster, its so small and agile. Due to its center of gravity I would not recommend this for new drivers, but experienced off road drivers will have a fun economical time with it. In a 117K miles I have had to replace the battery, other than that its been maintenance free, and it has very few computer chips, which is an asset as far as Im concerned. This is perfect for someone who wants to tow a vehicle behind an RV and doesnt need room for more than two.

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  I love this car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Gizz4mo1 - March 30 - 6:07 pm

  My parents bought this car in 1995 used with 10k miles on it. I grew up in this car and now I drive it. Its a great machine. It now has over 350,000 miles on it. It needs some repairs, but it still gets me from point a to point b with little trouble. Its kinda a pain in the summer though... I cant use the a/c or the car will stall, and it has problems starting in the summer. Also, if I come to a complete stop, I have to hold the gas down a bit and keep it flowing or the car will stall. Ive also had to replace the timing belt, tensioner, dist. Cap, door handles, oil pump, fuel pump, fuel line, and I had to weld a hole shut in the gas tank. Even with all these problems, I still love it.

• 

  93 Geo Storm - 1993 Geo Storm
  By pictureperf9 - March 21 - 2:16 pm

  This is a great car, mine is a 5 speed manual trans. It does better than the stated mileage. I average 33 mpg. Mix of of city and Hiway. It is fun to drive

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  best kept secret on the planet - 1990 Geo Metro
  By ZAKEN1 - March 18 - 1:14 am

  I bought my 1990 Geo Metro from the original owner in 1992, with 58,000 miles on it. It was used daily for a 100 + mile freeway run the easiest possible type of driving. The owner had been using Castrol Syntec 5W-50 synthetic oil, and had added an Amsoil bypass oil filter. I continued using the same oil and changing oil and filters regularly. The car is now 19 years old, and has run nearly 300,000 miles. Ive replaced two timing belts, a water pump, an alternator, an oil seal, two sets of front brakes, tires, batteries, and tune up parts. The engine never had any internal repairs, has the original clutch, and runs better today than it did when I bought it (I am a professional mechanic).

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  1990 Geo Metro LSI Convertible - 1990 Geo Metro
  By Metro Man - February 8 - 12:34 am

  Using 93 Octane, Full tire pressure, and a top notch Air Cleaner.. My Metro Gets 50 + MPG !!! Garage kept buy the one owner "Retired old lady" Never seen a hint of salt. Great car, Convertible, It might have a 1.0 liter Three Cylinder. But she has plenty of get up and go around the winding roads of Watkens Glen. Top speed Clocked at 108 MPH. Not too Shabby.

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  Great car - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By RON - January 29 - 1:04 pm

  Bought this car in July of 08, when gas hit about 3.50 a gal. Parked the truck 15 miles per gal. I live in Minnesota, so it gets cold, car sits outside for one week solid it was above 20 below without the wind chill, started always and not only that still got good gas mileage about 32 city. In the summer I was getting 35, but not freeway. On the freeway driving 55 to 60, got 42 eat your heart out Prius, and I didnt need to spend 20 grand or more, car is paid for

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  Geo Prism - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By mike c - January 22 - 5:04 pm

  My wife has driven this car for 7 years, she bought it with 135k miles on it, now it has 218k on it, it just keeps running, no problems, best money ever spent on a car. Only only major item that needed replacing was the starter. It doesnt look very good, the rocker panels are completely rusted out but hey that happens in Michigan, even on the coldest winter morning it never fails to start, I really respect this car and the folks that designed and built it.

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  A Bucket of Fun - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By gottatracker - January 13 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my Tracker 5 years ago and I would never sell it. It has 158,000 miles on it and the only thing that ever went wrong were the hubs, so I just had them replaced. I give it regular oil changes and it just goes and goes. I have taken it rock crawling and it loves the mud. Any chance I can get to go off road, I do. It is great in the snow as well. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned! I love my tracker, but I see rust appearing here and there. Living in the northeast is taking its toll. I have replaced the top twice since I owned it. Each top had a different quality and I noticed this last one is lasting so much better. When this Tracker rusts away, I will be sad!

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  Great little car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By umr70 - January 6 - 2:25 am

  When I got this car I wasnt sure what to expect. I have been more than pleasantly surprised! Very dependable, great mileage, low maintenance, low insurance rate, and fun to drive. It now has over 192,000 miles on it. It will comfortably cruise at 75 mph with ease and as long as i keep the speed and rpms up it maintains very good speeds even on long hills. Besides basic maintenance, I have replaced the tires once, brakes once, and alternator twice. Unfortunately, it is starting to use more oil. Otherwise, I absolutely love the little guy.

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  Very Reliable/ Great Mileage - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By MacBob - December 27 - 4:06 pm

  Bought it used in 2001 and still running strong. No leaks, still cold a/c, great mileage. Wife gave it to me after she bought Ford Focus last year. Geo has been more reliable than her Focus. Getting old but couldnt let go of it so just had new paint job. Looks great. One of best cars ever owned.