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:

• 

  Geo metro in the world - 1996 Geo Metro
  By Steve Purcell - April 6 - 2:23 pm

  The best car to own, it hugs corners on its lo pro 13 inch rims, and easily modified. My geo has an upgraded performance custom exhaust system and short shift kit. Plans to turbocharge it when time is available. Awesome care, head turner.

• 

  Gave The Big SUV to Mom - Kept the Geo - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By Rockitdoc - March 26 - 8:33 pm

  Fist drove the thing on rocky carribean roads. I was so impressed, bought it as a second vehicle. I have had it for 13 years, and it still runs like a top, and can get out of most any mess I get it into off road. The only car that comes close is the Landrover Freelander for triple the price. I go a long way on a $20.00 bill.

• 

  None Finer - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Carguy - February 21 - 10:36 pm

  Purchased in 97 with 17K miles, drove it 4 years, then daughter #1 drove it 4 years, and now Im buying it back from her with 220,000 miles on it. Repairs: one alternator and one starter (both recently). Problems: cassette died at 125K, chronic problem with low brake pedal. Have done regular maintenance myself. The red paint is faded, but the car is rust-free and still solid. Performance is quite good, although my 02 Neon is quieter and handles better. Prizms dont really wear out--people just get tired of driving the same car year after year. This one will get a new paint job and be passed on to daughter #3.

• 

  Wish they still made them - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Sammy in Yuma - January 1 - 5:11 pm

  I thought I was being pretty smart when I bought this Corolla-in-a-different-dress for $2200 less than the comparably equipped Toyota. I was! At 130,000 miles, it remains comfortable, quiet, and trouble-free. I get 33/37 mpg, no bull. All I do is change the oil and all it does is start up and run every time without fail. My wife wants a new car but I think Ill paint this one and drive it another 130,000.

• 

  Nothing to break - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By mridgwaycan - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  Zero options beyond both hard and soft top. Added CD, hood shield, vent-visors and fog lights later. Paid $12,500 Cdn (about $8000 US at the time.) Great runabout. Easy to park. Still factory exhaust, suspension and rear brakes after 10 years / 200,000 miles. Uses 1 cup oil / 3000 miles. Not a lot of power, but will slowly get up to about 90 mph if necessary. Hauls a surprising weight without bottoming out. Handles like a big go-cart (no p/s). In snow or muck the front goes up and the back digs in. Incredibly easy to do own maintenance. Nearly all parts are cheap and readily accessible. Can lift transmission without a jack! Boy, did they screw up a good thing by changing this design to rounded and then discontinuing it to become the Chevy Equinox for more than twice the price. Closest vehicle now is Kia Sportage.

• 

  great car! - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By aren - December 1 - 4:05 pm

  Ive had my Geo Prism for 10 years and it has been incredibly reliable, fuel efficient, and safe. I wish Chevy were still making Prisms!

• 

  lovin the gas mileage! - 1994 Geo Metro
  By MelissaMo - November 9 - 6:45 am

  Ive had my Metro since Sept 2003 with 81,000 miles on it. It now has 106k on it. I drive it a lot and it has been very dependable. The only thing Ive had to buy for mine was a muffler when I first got it and a new battery, not to mention the regular oil changes and the tune up. I will be doing that again soon as winter is approaching. One thing though ... both windows are off track and the door handles broke off easy ... Im not sure if this is a common Metro problem or not. But, you can still get out of it. I need to buy a new antenna since mine has broken off from parking under a tree and need to possibly buy a new hood because of hail damage.

• 

  Durable - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By Lavern Nall - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Very low maintenance cost. Comfortable ride. Adequate performance for city and country driving.

• 

  95Prizm - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Emily Draper - October 14 - 2:00 am

  95 Prizm, 5 speed. Purchased New, only repair has been the starter. No other problems at all. good gas milage and real comfortble and fun to drive. Last week was T-boned at an intersection, by large full size car, doing about 50 mph. was not hurt at all, of course due to its age and speed of impact, car is totaled. looking for another one, but they are hard to find in my area.

• 

  Excellent for students - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By loaizarayas - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent for students and to ride it with your friends. Its my first car and I love it. I havent had any major problems since I have it. Its small, tall, everybody looks at you, and future collectible car, a "micromachine"!