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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  Reliable commuter - 1996 Geo Metro
  By JohnKMiller - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4-door Geo Metro Sedan used in 1998. Since then, I put over 86,000 miles on it and never had to do any repairs other than standard maintenance (brake pads, tires, tune up, etc.). Although it is a small car, there is a surprizing amount of room on the interior, and the rear seats fold down for large loads. At 112K miles, I was rear-ended by a 88 Lincoln Towncar that was travelling about 20-30 mph. I have had a lot of people tell me how these cars would crumple like a tin can if they were in an accident, and I was surprized how little visible damage was caused.

• 

  Go Metro - 1997 Geo Metro
  By Ted Gauss - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I think these little cars are the ultimate comute car. I put in 30-40K a year and they keep on going. They are a great low maintenance car. I have 142,000 miles and Ive done nothing to fix this car yet. Just new plugs (twice), tires, brakes (twice). I dont even change the oil but every 3-6 mos (9k-18k miles for me) this is my 2nd hatch back but my third metro and I just bought a 2001 for $3800 w/ only 28,000 mi on it. I figure it will go at least another 100,000 miles (thats only 4 cents a mile to own) Its just too bad that chevy stopped making them. Im currently looking for low mileage 2001 to park / store until I need them.

• 

  not bad - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By not bad - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i got my prizm new in 1993, i always thought it looked better than its corrola counterpart. my biggest mistakes were that i didnt get the power window and locks option, and the bigger 1.8 engine. besides two alternators and a starter replacement its been very reliable. the brakes have always worked well, but have noticed a more spongey feel to them lately.inside the dash and instrument panels well placed and look good. overall this car has been worth it.

• 

  Excellent Small Car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Geo Dude - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought My Geo in late 1998 with 36,000 miles and have put on over 100,000 miles on top of that since. I drive my car hard so am no fussy about mechanical failures and have had only 1 major fix that is not routine. The clutch master and slave cylinders needed to be replaced around 90000 mi. I have only replace the brakes once and the shocks once. Have some minor problems with the 12V lighter hookup for my external CD player and some problems with knobs. Seats are starting to get uncomfortable. For the money I spent on this car I am very happy with it.

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  One of my better used vehicle purchases - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By ForsythSO - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very relable over the years. The only problems were a mysterious hole in the radiator one month after purchase and the substandard brake system. The brake system was changed in the next years model so that was taken care of. I had to have the entire brake system overhauled twice and replace the booster once over ten years use. But I have been a little rough on it too.(I found out it can go over 100 MPH)

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  Mighty Mite - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By Aztroboy - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Cool design, very utilitarian. Four wheel drive is great. Hard top is very safe. I like all the amenities of a larger SUV, but with the effeciancy and logic of a small car. The LSI model is the best way to go. Lots of upgradable parts available, even on e- bay. Rally wheels are cool on the LSI. Insurance is great and costs are minimum to keep this little truck. Great truck for smart drivers.

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  Great Value - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By JRH - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 95 Geo Prizm in 1995 with 4K miles. I have only had to replace the altinator and breaks. I now have 106K miles.

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  good for awhile - 1996 Geo Metro
  By FormerGeo - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1996 Geo with 26000 miles on it. It ran like a champ for about 4 years. I never thought of it is a comfortable car or particularly well built with all its plastic. Often times on windy days that the car was going to lift off the ground. It was a snap to park but I could never make it up steep hills with more than one person and I think if I had someone over 150lbs in the passanger seat it would pull to the right. Plus the door always made noise.But great car.

• 

  Troublefree car - 1995 Geo Metro
  By homer99_S - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I own his clone model Pontiac Firefly for 1 year, made 15000 miles and no troubles yet. This car is surprisely great for winter driving. Excellent control in snow and ice for a very light car and starts great even at - 20F. Not good in high winds tough.

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  great fun - 1993 Geo Metro
  By Sousasteve - April 4 - 2:00 am

  The only problem i have had was a leaky radiator and loose belts. It is on its third alternator, but that is my fault. Great gas mileage!