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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  blown engine - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By mike - March 21 - 5:26 pm

  Bought prizm with 100,000 miles on it as a work car. Previous owner had all maintenance documentation, oil changed every 3,000 miles, all service done by qualified dealer, etc. this car looked good and ran like a top. Wife was driving prizm down highway and heard "pop", pulled off road and opened hood to reveal oil pouring out from under car. Piece of engine went through oil pan destroying engine. Was no warning this was about to occur. Car ran perfect for the 10,000 miles I owned it until engine let go. Definitly not mainteance issue as car was babied.

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  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.

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  Absolutely Reliable - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By Hithere - February 10 - 3:29 pm

  This car never lets you down. Very good gas mileage. Handles pretty well. Only needs routine maintenance. No breakdowns. Looks classy too. The rear seatback fold down feature that enlarges the trunk is handy.

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  Not bad for a small car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By JW - February 3 - 11:53 am

  Even buying it used with 150K it has been a good car. The windows are a little tight to open or close now though but fixable. The only thing Im not sure of is why the wheel alignment isnt very good. Could be a legacy item from previous owner though. Performance rating takes a hit because the overdrive doesnt always work now. To get the best mileage though I would suggest Spitfire plugs. Ive used them in 3 cars now and each got 10% better mileage roughly.

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  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.

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  Cant kill it - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By Chubbs - December 26 - 10:01 pm

  Bought it w/22 K on it, average 35 K per yr. Now has 190,000. Hoping for 250,000. Unbelievably reliable - oil change every 3,500, brakes, alternator, timing belt @75 K and 1 clutch. Goes anywhere and excellent mileage - still about 35 mpg. Tight ride.

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  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.

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  great little buggy - 1991 Geo Metro
  By D. P. - December 6 - 5:59 pm

  Great gas mileage, good performance, reliable, cheap to own, can park in small spaces, U-turn in 30 ft. Had problems with fixtures like window crank, radio volume control, minor stuff. Engine and powertrain very reliable, little maintenance. Accelerates quickly, but a bit underpowered on long steep hills.

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  tracker - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Fernada - December 3 - 3:49 pm

  I am very proud of my Tracker. Even though it is not the most confortable car, it is very brave and reliable. Other than the oil change, this car has never had to make a visit to the mechanic, and it has 120K miles. I love it because it has never let me down.

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  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!