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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  Hope It Lasts Another 10 Years - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By Mr. Boffo - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 1996 with 24000 miles on it It now has 182,000 miles on it. Besides new brakes and tires, the only other thing Ive had to replace is the starter. I change the oil every 5,000 miles otherwise I hope it lasts another 10 years because its been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Surprisingly comfortable driving it on the highway about 600 miles a week.

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  Wont die... - 1992 Geo Prizm
  By av8rdude - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my wifes car and I got to start driving it after we got married. I have been driving it for 7 years and it will not die. I do take care of the car and do lots of preventative maintenance, but it has 130k miles and is going strong. My only complaint is the automatic transmission needs an overdrive gear. The engine seems to reach max rpm at around 73 mph. It has lots of power and torque, just a low end transmission. The 5 speed would be a bonus.

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  Good College Car: Geo Prizm - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By smjordan - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had some problems with this used car, but nothing is perfect. Overall, Id say my Prizm has been reliable and I feel confident that it will last forever as long as routine maintenance is performed. Body rusts.

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  Old Reliable - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By timyak - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Prizm after my wife wrecked my previous commuter car, a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. As far as utilitarian, this car has been great. It always starts and gets an average of 30 miles per gallon and 42mpg on the highway. The acceleration is sluggish but it is an otherwise great little car. Ive always had Corollas and this is definitely not a disappointing "Corolla".

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  A Steal of a Deal - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By GEO/Suzuki fan - June 16 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle. I got what I expected and more. I expected good japanese quality (we all know they are Suzukis) and have gotten it. I bought my Tracker in 1997 with 17k miles and have added over 21k miles a year and have never had any mechanical problem. The gas mileage has been good and everyone who has driven it admitted it is fun to drive. Sure it is not a power machine, but you know that when you buy it. I have the 4dr 4x4 Automatic and even with 95 horsepower I can make it up any hill between San Francisco and Reno/Tahoe. I am sure this car will keep going for another 100k miles.

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  Pretty Good Vehicle - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By Cindee - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This Geo was my fave of all my vehicles, I would DEFINATELY tell someone to buy one. I have had my jeep almost 10 years now it has broken down 1 time because of a timing belt, and that is it!!!!!!!!!!! VERY reliable vehicle, BUY ONE!

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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.

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  100K Still Going - 1992 Geo Storm
  By Milford Bill - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyed the Storm for almost 10 years. Maintained it well, and it has responded with little to no trouble. Fun to drive and is quite roomy with the use of the hatchback. Back seat is more for show, but plenty of room and comfort in the front.

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  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.

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  Steller Car! - 1992 Geo Storm
  By Lakeshow - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Geo Storms are great, underrated cars. The 92-93 Storms have nearly identical engines to Acura Integra GS models up to 2001, as they have the same horsepower. The handling is better in the Storm, and the acceleration is impressive. More horsepower than a BMW 318ti from the mid 90s. Highly reliable car worst enemy is a bad mechanic. Driven this car ~60,000 miles in 21 months, and only had to replace the ECU for $150 (dealer), front brake pads, and the main charging wire to the alternator (due more to my overpowered stereo). Total cost: $200 in maintenance. Spoke to first owners of the car, who changed only oil and spark plugs.