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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  96 geo metro - 1996 Geo Metro
  By gltpete - April 29 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car, it had 10k mi on it & the balance of warranty. 4 times back to the dealer for a/c. Out of warr.: 2 times in for smaller exhaust fixes to the stainless factory ex. Minor elect. problems. Headliner coming down. Overall, an excellent value if you can deal with a tiny (but very usable)car w/ a tiny engine (1.3L) (40 MPG realtime - my driving). I recommend a manualtrans for power reasons..

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  the purple grape - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By BNWTempest - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My Tracker has been very reliable. Ive enjoyed seven good years and only a few minor automobile repairs. Its a fun car. I have only one complaint and that is that the car isnt the most reliable under strong winds.

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  Tracker - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By Pickupman116 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Tracker. Its fun to frive and fun to have. It has plenty of room for the things I need to do. Its a perfect vehical.

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  cheap, reliable transport - 1996 Geo Metro
  By Ching Tai - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Reliability is very important to me. I bought this car new in 1996, and drove it eveyday to work and on holidays. My work is only 3 miles from home, so most of the milage come from my _many_ 2,000+ mile weekend trips. During my ~6 years of ownership, I had zero (yep, thats "0") problems. The only things Ive done so far is regular maintenance and changed the tires.

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  Good car for a Geo - 1993 Geo Storm
  By Neo Geo - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Good reliable car, but rust can be a problem. Have had it for five years now, and no major repairs done. However, Ive had it painted three times and rust still comes through. First I thought it was just bad painting, but Ive seen other cars with rust in the same spots, so it could just be bad factory design. Its got good power for a 1.8L car and the suspension is excellent, very tight and responsive. Theres not alot of room in the car but seats two people very comfortably.

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  I named her Toodles, and shes a peach - 1996 Geo Metro
  By Lsh - April 19 - 2:00 am

  What you pay for is what you get, but in this instance I feel Ive gotten a bit more. Air conditioning still running very cold, a plus in South Florida. Only downside, alignment wasnt right in the beginning and I went through first set of tires quickly. Am preparing to trade in, but thats only because of a skirmish with a poultry truck on the side. Not worth fixing and is unslightly. If that hadnt happened several months ago, Id be keeping. Plan to buy something similar.

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  Geo Metro Conv. can last 210000 - 1991 Geo Metro
  By Mac18991 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Synthetics, Synthetics, I started using synthetic oil at 112000 miles, after oil changes every 3000 miles using Castrol GTX oil. All oil filters and synthetic oil have been the Wallmart cheapo brands because they are only on my car for 3000 miles. Air filter changed at 15000 mile enterval, gas filter every 40000 along with gas treatment every 10000miles, plugs every 18000, wires every 40000 with distributor cap/rotor.Belts every 70000, timing belt/ gaskets every 80000 Struts every 100000 miles.Brakes lasted 130000 miles up front and 165000 miles in the rear. The only repairs have been an oil pan gasket, muffler and altenator, all done after 200000 miles.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1994 Geo Metro
  By Kate - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought me a 94 geo metro 5 speed for my 18th birthday. I drive it everyday and absolutely love it!!! Its great on gas (Ive never put more than $22 to fill it) and its fun to drive. The only problems I find is merging/passing on the expressway... its kind of lacking in the power department (although I can beat almost any car off the line!) I would recommend this car to anyone... especially students... its reliable, cheap and an all around great car!!!!

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  Didnt listen to others & took a chance - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Frankie - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I just turned 70,000 miles on my 1996 Tracker and it is still running strong! Initially I was told not to purchase a Geo because they were not very reliable cars. Id have to say that based upon my Trackers performance that this is false. This is a wonderful little truck to own. It is great in the summer w/the top off and it plows through the snow w/the 4 wheel drive. If you can find one in good shape Id say go for it!

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  1995 geo metro - 1995 Geo Metro
  By DMUNDY - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The most trouble free car I ever had.... only maintance items have been neccessary! Over 130,000 miles on a three cyclinder motor!!!! I would buy another one in a heartbeat!