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:

• 

  Tracker - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By Dude20 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Tracker was very reliable, fun to drive in college. Never had any problems besides normal maintenance. Kept it for probably a year or two longer than I would have if I didnt like it so much.

• 

  Cheap and reliable, I love it - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By vl9999999 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I thought this car was great. It was priced approximately $2,000 less than comparable sedans (e.g. carolla, civic). I had previously owned a carolla and civic and found this car to be comparable. No major mechanical problems, timing belt at about 75,000, alternater at 90,000, and the antilock brake sensor at 101,000. Other than that, the car has run great. The car is definately no-frills. However, I found it to be very reliable and economical (gas milage about 25-35 miles to the gallon). At 101,000 miles and still going.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle! - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By TomRD - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Most reliable, smooth drive, sporty feel (with 5 speed manual). Cant get anything better for the price.

• 

  my green geo metro - 1994 Geo Metro
  By katvee - July 27 - 2:00 am

  best car ive ever owned, we have 2 geos and i love mine, great gas mileage, and its always dependable

• 

  4 Wheeled Wonder! - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By tummykitten - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a disappointment when it comes to riding comfortably on the highway, too much interior niose, is overly affected by wind, has too small a gas tank and didnt get the gas mileage one wouldve thought. However, its four-wheel drive capabilities are awesome as long as it has clearance. Engine had no problems starting in -20 degree weather. Very reliable and definitely takes a beating(but at the risk of denting).Consistantly got 28mpg in city and hwy. This is fun in the snow and on beach with the top down, but dont buy this vehicle for your everyday, highway vehicle.

• 

  So nice! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By pacothechihuahua - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car from a friend. It had been in an accident and was considered totalled by the insurance company but it wasnt a hard it just a minor hit. The car was fixed and you cant even tell. The ride is great, only problem is acceleration, but with the manual tranny it makes it a little easier to bear. I am a former Ford owner and even though I got 200k miles on my escort (and its still running) I would never buy a ford again. Too bad they stopped making the prizm, its a great car and I would consider buying a newer one once I am out of college.

• 

  Storm Value - 1993 Geo Storm
  By David M Rogers - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have +468,000 km on the odometer and the car is as lively as new - thanks maybe for a helping hand from Duralube The auto-gearbox new lasted 180,000 miles but I never changed the oil once during that time ! There are a very few spots of rust but the car looks great. Tips: (1) Alternator needs servicing - make sure you take it to a place which specializes in them and that they give it a complete service. (2) Many parts on a Geo Storm are exactly the same as Toyota fuel pump and rear wheel hub bearing assembly. (3) Automatic gearbox goes - get your honest mechanic to replace entire engine with gearbox for $800.

• 

  Bought as 3rd car, now favorite vehicle - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By Elliot - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Had it five years, since 70K miles. Now has 110K+ miles. Gas, oil, wiper blades, front brake pads, and one $57 emissions sensor. Slightly oversized tires have been so understressed, were getting fantastic mileage from them. Most reliable vehicle Ive owned in 30 years of driving.

• 

  It served its time... - 1992 Geo Storm
  By stuckw/it - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was inherited from family when I got my license. I didnt want it at all. But I have a long commute every day and its really good on gas. Revs high on the highway. Overall it has good build quality, and I can fit my wakeboard in the hatchback. Gets pretty cramped with three friends in the car. No need to lock the car (I hate these manual locks) because nobody in their right mind would steel it! ps. If ur lookin to buy 1, contact me.lol.

• 

  Very Reliable - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By JoR - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability - Ive put very little into this car and never had any problems.