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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  Not the Reliability Expected - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Geoyta Owner - November 21 - 10:11 am

  We purchased it used with 77K. Its been driven 42K in 6 years, mostly city. Its been maintained by the book (severe service schedule). The 3-speed automatic transmission makes highway driving unpleasant (noisy at high rpms). Mpg is 25 city/30 highway. Repairs have included a rebuilt transmission with a new differential and rebuilt torque converter ($2400), heater core ($800), two half-shaft axles ($700), and a starter ($300). Repairs are averaging $.1/mile. This vehicle has a Toyota drivetrain. It has not met the Toyota reputation for reliability.

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  Geo Storm - 1993 Geo Storm
  By Courtney - November 19 - 1:17 pm

  I have had the worst luck with this car. When I first bought it, it had no radio, and it did not have the climate controls, someone pulled them out. The first day I got it, it was in the shop for a spark plug being stuck in the motor. Then the exhast system had to be replaced. I was driving it one day and it died, the head block and the distibutor went on it about 4 times. Then I had no brakes or shocks those were fixed, and then my manifold went. Overall I have put in well over 1,600 dollars into that car, it was a bad investment.

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  Keep buying this car - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By arielnh56 - October 4 - 4:08 am

  Ive had two 94 Prizm LSIs - a manual I had from new that died in an impact at 149K and the replacement which I got at 110K and is now at 170K. Both cars needed alternators, replacement CV shafts (cheap $80 each and easy to replace - gets rid of the clunking when you tap the gas), both cars stripped wheel studs, radios died and knobs break. New car distributor at 160K. Old car drank quarts of oil towards the end but I blame my lead foot for that. New one does not drink a drop. I check the valve clearances every 60k when I do the timing belt - no adjustment needed. Front wheel bearings need to be repacked and adjusted occasionally (non-ABS). This car should last forever if not crashed or thrashed.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1994 Geo Metro
  By Steve Miller - September 24 - 2:28 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. By far the most dependable. She has only let me down once and that was my fault. I bought the car used and after a little over 2 years the battery went dead. I roll started it and replaced the battery. Have never had another except the door handles.

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  The best car a woman could have - 1993 Geo Tracker
  By Lucille Leap - September 12 - 4:05 am

  I bought my Tracker with 554 miles on it and it was used. But I would not trade it for any other car. It is light weight which makes it a little hard to handle on ice but it is built to last. It has well over 200,000 miles on it and the only things that I have had done to it is new muffler and a cluch that was just done this year and brakes when needed but it has had only 5 tune ups. And it is running strong. They could give it a little more pick up when taking off but other then that I love it, wouldnt trade it for nothing!

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  Tough as Nails!! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Jerry - August 31 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my Prizm in 1998. Just like the energizer bunny says It keeps going and going and going. Regular oil changes every 3 months and tire rotations make this car a piece of cake to own. I love driving by gas stations as those big SUVs are sucking down the juice!!

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  Geo in Motion - 1996 Geo Metro
  By Gma Gave it to me - August 27 - 8:54 pm

  This little Geo has over 120,000 miles on her and she is still going strong. She has just been handed down to me from my gma as my first car, and I am so excited. This car is older than I am but I know she will keep on running. I used to ride in it when I was a baby, and know I get to drive in it as a "Big Kid." I am so happy to drive the Geo In Motion. I call her GIM!!!

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  My Geo - 1992 Geo Metro
  By harmony - August 16 - 8:27 pm

  Excellent mileage and comfort. Everyone yells "cute car" as I go buy so it always feels very good to be driving this car. Ive owned it since it was new.

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  Best MPG - 1991 Geo Metro
  By GeoownerinTexas - July 20 - 3:05 pm

  This is a red 1991 Geo Metro 4 door hatchback 1.0L 3 cyl 5 speed (with a/c). It starts everytime. Parts are CHEAP! It costs VERY little to maintain. Its not a looker, I wont lie, but if you have a long commute, and can live without airbags, and ABS, I would recommend it. I do not feel super safe in this, but with extra caution, Ive learned to absorb that fear! I do not reccommend this vehicle for more than 60 miles each way, or more than an hour drive with no traffic each way. Its not the most comfortable and its very low to the ground. But with an average of 40-44 mpg, you cant go wrong. Shocks are poor. Overall build quality for a car this old is very good. Has 157000 miles.

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  Cheap reliable and keeps you happy. - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Geo Prizm LSi Driver - July 20 - 2:54 pm

  I bought it with 138K miles. I now have 176K miles, no major repair issues (knock on wood). Just normal oil changes, radiator flush, etc. Had to get a wheel bearing replaced, and one of the pulleys replaced. The Prizm is perfect for a student, first time driver, or just everyday driving. I am hoping to hit 300k before replacing this one. Drives decently through snow in the DC metro areas. If you are looking for something cheap and reliable you cant go wrong with a Geo Prizm.