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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  Ive loved this car! - 1997 Geo Metro
  By Amy B - October 23 - 2:54 pm

  This is the 2nd Geo Metro (Chevy Sprint) Ive driven to over 200,000 miles. Ive only had to do routine maintenance and this car is still running on many of the original parts, including engine and clutch. Still gets over 44 mpg. It might be the fastest or most stylish car on the road but Id buy another in a heartbeat if they were still making them. Its ridiculous to have pay over $20,000 to get a new car that equals the fuel efficiency of this old one. Whats wrong with this picture?

• 

  Red - 1993 Geo Metro
  By 1993 Geo Metro Conve - October 4 - 12:04 pm

  I just bought this car and love it. It runs well, a little slow up hills. The air conditioner needs to be fixed, but no rust, body in great & clean condition. I have had this for 1 week and so far so good. It is cute, sporty and fun. Needs a new back window, and the motor makes a little noise. But runs great.

• 

  Great Mileage - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Ringer - August 17 - 4:16 pm

  I am impressed by the great mileage with auto and air on, I still had 33 mpg. However, this car takes dents easily. The interior has cheap plastic that breaks. The tailgate plastic under latch is broken as is plastic under vinyl on car door rest. I personally find the car too low for me. But I am 55. Younger people would like the low-slung look and low bucket seats. I did not realize the rear window did not have a wiper until after I purchased it. (May not come with one in any style.)

• 

  VERY REALIABLE CAR - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By steph - July 28 - 12:15 pm

  I bought this car for less then 2,000 dollars and it has been well worth it. I really enjoy it. Its good in gas too. i drive at least 60 to 80 miles a day so I need a good gas car. This car has really been a good car for me and my family.

• 

  Dependable - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Yak - July 18 - 3:55 pm

  Not a very peppy 105 HP engine but it is easy to work on and pretty efficient. It can get 38 MPG on the highway. Hopefully its good for another 50K miles

• 

  Not much to look at - but its reliable - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By chase - July 13 - 11:32 pm

  I bought this car at about 90K miles, at almost 172K miles 6 or so years later. starting to burn a little oil, but its about a quart every 3000 miles - not bad. Heres the great part - with A/C on - I get 34-35 mpg - with A/C off I get 38-40 mpg. Manual transmission. Make sure you change the timing belt & all bearings along with it every 80K or so!! I had one go at 140K, then we didnt replace a bearing and the 2nd went 6 months later. Otherwise, Ive only done brakes, 1 starter, 1 alternator, 1 clutch. not bad.

• 

  Id Buy It Again - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Cheri Marks - July 7 - 11:55 am

  Most reliable, economical car Ive ever owned. Has 117,000 miles and still going strong. Only replaced starter so far.

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  Great car for the money - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By pleasantly surprised - June 27 - 6:04 pm

  I bought this car 2 years ago and havent regretted it at all. Ive had no problems except Ic had to replace the timing belt when the car hit 176k miles. You can ride this car into the dirt and it will still run great for you. With about 190k miles i get an average of 33 mpg (city and highway miles). This is a great car for the price.

• 

  Amazing Vehicle - 1992 Geo Storm
  By Greatcar69 - June 27 - 11:13 am

  I bought my 1992 Geo Storm in October of 2005 with only 92,000 miles! I could not be happier with my little Geo. Ive had no mechanical problems with my Storm at all and just parted with it at 120,000 miles and it still ran like a beauty. I recommend it to anyone looking for a first car. It will not let you down. The gas mileage is also unbelievable. I used to get about 32 mpg!!!

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  Me & My Prizm II - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By brooktroutchaser - June 11 - 4:36 pm

  I rated this car in 02 and this is a follow up. Now have 107,000 miles. Have replaced the alternator (twice) and starter, a pulley and the timing belt. Runs great, burns no oil, gets 36 mpg highway. Still pokey, still ultra reliable and solid. No rust, even in Michigan. Im a little tired of it, but figure it is good for many more years. :-)