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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  Energizer bunny - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By henrydog - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with about 25k on the clock in 1997. Chose it over the corolla precisely because it was a toyota at a chev price. What can I say, this has been an *insanely* reliable car. Now at 180k, and still going strong. Outside of oil and tires Ive only ever replaced an alternator and power steering pump. I do run 10W40 in the summer or it does burn a little. Still on the original rear brakes and muffler! Im only considering replacing it now because the (original!) front struts have gone south over the last 6 months. The body is still almost rust free after 10 years in Minnesota. Its never left me stranded.

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  great car - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By ctotal - May 11 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best cars i have ever owned. it is great on gas 27+ mpg and now has 130,000 miles on it . and still running strong doesnt burn a drop of oil between oil changes.

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  geo is reliable - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By twright - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been so reliable, has had so few problems. It is hard to believe Ive had it for nine years and 126 K miles. My husband drives a 1999 Prizm which now has more miles but has had absolutely no problems with his either. The only thing Ive had to replace were the alternator once, then the standard stuff, like brakes, tires, battery. Nothing major.

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  born to run - in town - 1994 Geo Metro
  By zbraguy - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Made for city driving, not the interstate. Been driving it on a 55 mile daily round trip sinced January. Makes the trip very inexpensively, but at a cost to comfort.

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  This has been a good car. - 1990 Geo Storm
  By TygarKat - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in December of 1993 and it has been a good little car. It is fun to drive. I have had only your typical minor repairs. It has been very reliable. The only complaints that I have is that it is too small to hold more than 1 passenger and the paint on the car fades.

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  155,000 miles - No major engine problems - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By Br - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is built to last. I began driving a 1994 Geo Prizm in December, 2002. The car had 140,000 miles on it and had never had any major engine problems. The car was driven 80 miles into the city of Chicago and back, 6 days a week for 5 years, and the car is still running strong. 1 fender-bender, no damage.

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  1994 Tracker - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By ejdeno - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Used as a tow vehicle behind a motor home.

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  Super car - 1992 Geo Storm
  By ncctex - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car at an auction for 150.00 in May of 2003 with 147,000 on it. We now have 167,000 and still going. This is a great little car and very inexpensive to maintain and easy to work on. Total investment in this car after 20,000 is 200.00 in struts. Great mileage at 31 p/g with new plugs only!

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  wow what a geat car! - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By debsupermom - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this prism new.I have only done routine maint. I have owned many cars, but this one was a keeper.I would buy another. It has been the best car I have ever owned. A++++

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  Long Haul Quality - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By JShaffer - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow, has this little SUV suprised us. Over 158k miles and no problems. Great gas mileage, 28-30 mpg. Fun on the beach with the top back. With alittle preventive maintenance this is one good vehicle. Just dont expect a quiet ride, or storage for more than two.