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:

• 

  solid little car - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By Rick in KC - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I hate to sell this car, but its getting elderly, and my kids are growing too big for the back seat. Its been fun, reliable transportation, and not bad looking, either. One of my favorite cars ever.

• 

  Dont Count on This Vehicle - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Dont Buy This - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Many problems with this vehicle. Even though it was covered by the warranty for the first 50,000 miles I had the radio go out, the a/c quit working, the cassette player broke and they refused to fix it, due to the daytime running headlights-the headlights were constantly being replaced. Right after 50,000 miles, the starter and ignition went out and also the transmission.

• 

  85,000 miles and still going - 1995 Geo Metro
  By gkari - December 10 - 2:00 am

  A great car for basic transportation. Inexpensive to own, low on insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Handles fine on slick roads.I have had nothing major go wrong in 3 years of driving it! As the smallest on the road, Im not convinced the airbags or seatbelts will save lives. Ive been looking into getting a safer car, but I am fearful that it wont be as dependable or efficient.

• 

  Reliable but unsafe - get 4wd or skip - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By garfromchicago - December 1 - 2:00 am

  2wd version of the car shouldnt be sold north of Atlanta ! This car car is terrible in ice, snow. Bought a Subaru second time around but still have my trusty Tracker for those perfect Summer days. Still a joy to drive although underpowered on those days. Never given any major mechanical problems. Great city car for parking.

• 

  My Metro Rocks - 1992 Geo Metro
  By metrolover - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my metro and it runs well. I have owned it for six years now and have had no major repairs yet. It had 50,000 miles when I bought it, and now has 125,000. Only performed minor repairs (tires, brakes, etc). Gets about 40-45 mpg (will get over 50 on the highway if I go about 55-60 mph, the faster I go, the worse my mileage). Just returned home from a 4,000 mile trip over a 2 week period and had no problems, didnt even worry about breaking down.

• 

  208,000miles until someone totaled - 1991 Geo Storm
  By jenni6 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Hi there--I bought Storm brand new,and kept oil changes regular. I drive a lot,I had 208,000 mileson it until yesterday, when a tractor trailer hit me. It still hasnt died, I droveit home. It has been more reliable than anyone else I know who owns a car.

• 

  Excelent - 1991 Geo Storm
  By Stormin - November 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a beast. Owned since 91 and have had 3 people learn to drive stick on this baby. few accidents, nothing major, havnt had to replace any parts. original tranny. fun to drive. Quicker than some people seem to think. great car and unbelievably cheap, GO BUY ONE!

• 

  Its my car and I like it! - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By wolfblade77 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a cool car to drive. With a little modifications, you have a sweet street race car. Its useful, easy to drive and has some power. Ok, its not a sexy car, but its still cool. Got to take it easy in sharp turns, I almost tiped it over today! With my car, I went camping, canoing, kayaking, etc. Everytime, I came back safe and sound.

• 

  Geo Tracker - 1991 Geo Tracker
  By posted - November 10 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle 6 years ago with 102,000 miles. We now have 192,765. In the last 6 years we have had to replace the computer at $650. Other than that, we have had only routine maintanence. It is finally getting tired but we are considering replacing the motor instead of junking the vehicle. The little thing really grows on you.

• 

  GREAT COMMUTER CAR - 1991 Geo Prizm
  By 2002Firebird - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a while and now im running on 298,000 miles ive only changed little things alternator belts fuel filter ect. has had less probs than my newer cars only car i can really depend on. gas milage is great leaks 0 oil. wish it was a litte faster but the cool thing is its the same as a toyota carolla of the same year.. just little differences the brakes, exhaust ect all say toyota no wonder its so reliable go go GEO-TA :-) ever heard of any other geo going that long?