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:

• 

  I miss you, Prizm!!! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By zeusjuice - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is, quite simply, a great buy. It is reliable, one of the most stylish compact cars ever, and fun. It doesnt feel at all like an economy priced vehicle. I strongly recommend the LSI with 1.8L engine over the smaller, 1.6L version. I miss my Prizm very much.

• 

  Troublefree car - 1995 Geo Metro
  By homer99_S - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I own his clone model Pontiac Firefly for 1 year, made 15000 miles and no troubles yet. This car is surprisely great for winter driving. Excellent control in snow and ice for a very light car and starts great even at - 20F. Not good in high winds tough.

• 

  great fun - 1993 Geo Metro
  By Sousasteve - April 4 - 2:00 am

  The only problem i have had was a leaky radiator and loose belts. It is on its third alternator, but that is my fault. Great gas mileage!

• 

  a jewel in disguise - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By count d - April 3 - 2:00 am

  reliable would be an understatement! this car was the greatest investment of money i ever made!!! every single time i put the key in the ignition she starts. i trust this car completely! and i sell brand new cars! everybody ask me when im gonna get rid of my 9 year old car? when she dies {92500 miles only} these cars can reach 200k easy!!!!!!!! simply put the best!!!!!!

• 

  I love my Geo! - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By somesara - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This is flat out a great car. Im a graduate student, and consequently I dont have a lot of money to spend on car repairs. My Geo was relatively trouble free and completely reliable. Only repair was a damaged coil at about 102,000. Unfortunately an idiot sixteen year-old girl plowed into my Geo Prizm the other day, so now Im looking for a new Prizm. But if you want a nice car and dont have a lot of money to spend, definitely go with the Prizm LSi.

• 

  Diamond in the Rough - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Bassman06 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  General motors didnt know a good thing when they had it. The Prizm is an excellent value in the small car segment. I own a 1995 Prizm LSi with the 1.8 liter motor and a 5-speed manual transmission. The performance is more than adequate, and is almost surprising. The ride is very good, with no noticeable quivers in the chassis. With power windows, locks, and mirrors, this car has anything you can want. The build quality is second to few, and better than any other car built by GM. A great buy.

• 

  Ive ALWAYS wanted one. - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By LiquidSunshine - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Found this on autotrader.com. Ive wanted a Tracker since I was 3 years old, finally got it. I drive it all the time, and I get a lot of compliments on it. Real nice looking, black with black soft top. Theres so many mods I can do to it :D I only wish it was a 5 speed and not an automatic.

• 

  BULLET PROOF - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By Cooper14 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 96 with 20k on it. It now has 112k, and the ONLY thing that has ever gone out is the alternator at about 75k. And even that didnt strand me, gave me plenty of advance notice. Almost unreal reliability in this vehicle. At 100k I had brakes done and a tune-up, but not because it seemed to need either one, just seemed the thing to do! I have gone way past the suggested 60k timing belt change. Oops. I also drive a much newer Olds Aurora, but wont get rid of this little gem, its my transportation insurance!

• 

  Great Toy - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By pagemaker45 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1994 Tracker. It has never left me stranded. It always starts and I have never been stuck in Northern NY snow.

• 

  I wish it would die.... - 1991 Geo Prizm
  By woozle - March 22 - 2:00 am

  ...so I can buy a new car. Have had car for 10 years and it has been excellent automobile. Only major repair was cracked exhaust manifold (common problem from what I understand.) I want to get a new car, but cant justify selling geo.