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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  $ for $ best car ever built - 1994 Geo Metro
  By dave - September 22 - 11:29 am

  This was my second car as my previous and first car (a catty cimeron) couldnt handle my type of driving (it blew up). I have driven this car extremely hard, i.e., heavy acceleration, severe weather, and been involved in several minor to medium accidents. This car never broke, always started and drove reliably anywhere I wanted to go. Always got 44+mpg. I got 55 mpg on a long trip. This car did a great job accelerating and cruising on interstate at 75 to 80 mph. My only regret is how poorly I treated this car for 15 years and although mechanically its still great, the body and other things I inflicted on the vehicle are making me think its time to move on. Im sad.

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  95 Metro - A real work horse - 1995 Geo Metro
  By Joe Porter - September 18 - 12:11 am

  I purchased my 95 Geo second hand from the dealer. The car was first sold in 3/96 and I purchased it about a year later. I think that the purple color had something to do with the slow sale. It never got the 49MPG that the five speed 3 cylinder was supposed to get but with air on I got 38 MPG regularly. I have had the clutch replaced and one set of tires replaced. I just had it repainted this week and I am planning to drive it for another 130,000 miles. I drove it from San Diego CA to Riverside CA every day for five years and it never caused me any problem.(150 miles round trip-70+MPH) I can recommend this car to anyone provided it has been maintained per the manual - great car.

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  Lil Mule wont quit. - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By Lil Red Mule - September 12 - 10:45 am

  On a daily basis this vehicle continues to impress me. It is trouble free, (scheduled maintenance notwithstanding)is peppy when you get the engine into the power band, and handles well in the city. It is fun to drive and tackles snow covered streets with ease. The engine and drive line appears to be almost bullet-proof. This little car has a very strong cult following. Compare prices of Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book and then see what people are actually paying for these little 4X4s. The cost difference between what the auto appraisers say they are worth and the actual price that people are paying for a decent Tracker with under 100,000 miles can be as much as $2,000.00 more. Very significant!

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  living within your means - 1992 Geo Metro
  By livin large life - September 10 - 8:55 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. They quit making this car because it was to economical and reliable. 16 years and 230,000 miles with less than 200 dollars in parts, that is what I call having your cake and eating it too. I only wish that I could buy a new one today. This is my primary vehicle, which I own several new ones that cannot compare all around.

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  I cried when my Geo Tracker died. - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By Mitzi The Tracker - September 7 - 5:06 pm

  My Geo Tracker, lovingly nicknamed Mitzi, was my first car and baby. I got her used for $1600 in 2002 and she was worth tenfold that. I ran her ragged but she was always faithful, though often in need of some sort of work due to my own lack of car savvy, and felt like a member of the family. She served me well for 6 years until her brakes began to fail and it was no longer worth the cost of replacement. I literally cried when Mitzi died and I hope that I can find another car I love as much.

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  built to last - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By geo prizm - August 8 - 9:56 pm

  Bought my first Prizm in 97 and put 200,000 miles on it. I then sold it too my sister in law and she still drives it today. At the time I sold it to her it was still on the original everything. Only replaced one cv joint and brake job usual tuneups but everything else is original to the car. She now has well over 250,000 on it and still drives it to school everyday. I bought another 97 at a great price with a 100,000 and am sure to get another 100,000. Cant go wrong with these cars \ 94-97 models

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  If you ever have the chance... go for it - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By iloveprizms - August 8 - 5:42 pm

  This is my second geo prizm and both experiences have been wonderful. My first was a 92 and this one a 97, and I have had no major problems with either. In the 97 there have been a couple problems with the O2 sensor, but it is a mechanically sound car. Also after being around since 97, there has been some recently developing paint peeling. But this car has survived being driven hard, and will take care of you.

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  big time gas mileage - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By mike - July 24 - 7:19 am

  I got this car from my mother. Its the 1.8 auto. My gas mileage is incredible. Hwy mileage is anywhere from 40-44 mpg and combined is about 38. Given Im not a jack rabbit driver and I use synthetic oil in this car. Its the first time I ever got better gas mileage than what is advertised. I will never sell this car.

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  the bestest - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By cp - July 20 - 12:17 pm

  This car is the most reliable Ive ever had and I have had a lot of cars. Now has 215,000 and burns no oil. Never had the exhaust changed. Starts every time even in sub zero temps. Great gas mileage 36 MPG local. Only changed tires twice. Love this car.

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  The Best I Ever Had - 1992 Geo Storm
  By Downhill - July 14 - 4:35 pm

  When I bought my little "monster" Storm it had a whopping 124,000 miles on it everyone I knew said get a good car. I loved it now it has 210,000 miles and the water pump has gone out in it, if this is not a good car then bring one on! I have no complaints about the car of course except the standard back seat complaint. Everyone I know will tell you I drive my little monster like there is no tomorrow and pedal to the metal, I figure if I can take it so can he (the car). I live in the SF bay area I have driven it to WA State 3 times & Reno 4 or 5 times. This car is the best I have ever owned and the best any of my friends have ever seen. I wish they still made them.