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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  Fun and Frugal - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By DaveP - May 8 - 2:00 am

  From the beginning, this car was just right -- sporty for a family car, yet comfortable and easy on gas. It always impressed me as nimble on the coast and in the mountains, and twice kept me out of accidents by handling "at the speed of thought" -- once in traffic, once at night, avoiding a deer. Now my sons car, it just keeps on being reliable.

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  MOST RELIABLE FOR THAT LAST 11 YEARS - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By Prizman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 1990. FOr the last 11 years, it has been the most reliable car I have seen. Eleven years later, it has 245675 miles and still going strong, original clutch, roginal transmission!!! I sure got my moneys worth out of this car. I am sure I will get 300Kmi with no problems.

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  Fun to Drive Sporty Coupe - 1992 Geo Storm
  By GeoLover - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Storm used in `94 with 4500 miles. Great runner, and really fun to drive. Now with 125,000 miles, I cringe at the thought of having to replace it someday. Many fond memories from college on...

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  Watch for radio - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By RLA443 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  An overall excellent reliable and underappreciated car. The only two weak points are the radio which was replaced twice under warranty (CD/Cassette) and the alternator which went out at 75000. No other repair bills necessary.

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  A perfect 10 - 1990 Geo Metro
  By Ghetto Cruzah - April 15 - 2:00 am

  It boasts a smooth ride, comfortable upholstry, and the wonderful pickup that customers have come to expect of a Geo.

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  Economical and dependable - 1997 Geo Metro
  By Benbrilling - April 9 - 2:00 am

  In the 2 years Ive owned my Geo I have had no problems beyond worn out wiper blades. It runs smoothly and I the auto-transmission gearing is just right to pull out ahead of the crowd at the stoplights. It accelerates smoothly and quickly on the uphill to over 65 MPH on the freeway. My overall MPG was good before at 32, and now even better since a tuneup.

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  Good Car - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By bigreid07 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very good starter car car for me. Anyone that is looking for a cheep, reliable car for their high school child needs to look at this one...unless they have really long legs!

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  187,000 and still going strong!! - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By sief - March 27 - 2:00 am

  The car still looks great! Everyone says how small it is but my husband, son, an I fit with all the stuff we bring to grandmas houses (2.5 or 5 hours) no problem. I would say the 187,000 miles are half highway and half city. I replace the tires and brakes every few years. The manifold has cracked a few times, the radio went out several years ago, and the heater just blows warm air now, but otherwise no major repairs or replacements. If they still made them, I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Twelve trouble free years - 1990 Geo Storm
  By deskjocky - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Geo Storm new in July 1990 and with 177k miles it runs as smooth and quiet as it ever did. The sun has taken its toll on the interior plastic but the mechanicals remain sound. With the exception of a couple of routine timing belts,an exaust manifold, and a clutch cable, it just doesnt need shop time! It handles well, the mileage is still great and it is still snappy around town.

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  Geo Metro - 1997 Geo Metro
  By Sal - March 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car!