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:

• 

  Maybe better than you would think - 1996 Geo Metro
  By A.L.K. - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car to the ends of the earth. I can get 15 50 lb. bags of landscape rock in it. A ladder will fit without a passenger. I was hit in it. Scariest experience of my life-- but I am now very careful. Drive definsively and this is a great car. First "wear" repair at 120K, knock on wood. I call her "Lil Pepe." I am about to turn it into a rolling billboard for my new business.

• 

  Great First Car - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By firstcar - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I agree with the other comments here. This has been a very reliable car, I am never concerned. The only problem Ive had with it is the rusting exhaust system. I live in the Midwest and Ive replaced the muffler twice in the past four years. My car has 120K miles on it and I would drive it for another 3 years if I wasnt tired of it already.

• 

  whats to complain about - 1997 Geo Metro
  By purtycoolguy - November 5 - 2:00 am

  as far as inexpensive, bought a 97 in 99 for $4500 4 door automatic/air cond...it gets the mileage and has gone from 32k miles to over 88k without complaints..had to put in $100 for air conditioner charge but other than that i am smiling all the way...so what is there to complain about??? it aint a mercedes, but then again, you aint paying the payment!!!

• 

  Runs too well to let go - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By Prizm Commuter - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I want a new car, but cant justify it. This car costs almost nothing to maintain and provides reliable transportation. Bought the car new in 93 and average 10k miles a year. I get 30-32 mpg during my daily commute on local roads and 37+ on the interstate. Replaced the alternator twice (now with lifetime replacement from dealership) and the brake pads up front. I need to repair the falling headliner. Oh, and the dome light has been a pain from the beginning. I did have to replace the rear speakers and the stereo display no longer lights. Outside of that, I have no complaints!

• 

  Reliable Car - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By smedeiros - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 Geo Tracker from a friend in 1997. It had low mileage and was in great shape. Since then, the car did alot of highway driving from state to state when I was in school. It handles just fine on the highway. It hits 80mph with no problems. Its not a sports car and doesnt handle like one, but its fun to drive. It does get slightly loud on the highway, but it is a convertable. It drives incredibly in 4x4 during winter weather. My Geo now has 130,000 miles and has needed absolutely no work. This car was worth every penny and I will drive this car until the very end.

• 

  A U.S. Toyota Corolla! - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Vic - October 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle doesnt look expensive, but is very ergonomically sound. It handles and feels great. It is reliable and very economical. Driving on wet roads makes me appreciate the balanced feel vs my pickup truck.

• 

  Me & My Prizm - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By brooktroutchaser - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 Prizm in 97 with just 14k miles. Paid $9400. It now has 76,800 miles. Ive had to replace the alternator twice-- once under warranty. And the interior door handle cracked. Those are the only problems. Its pokey, but reliable as can be. It runs as well today as it did when I bought it.

• 

  Love My Prizms - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By luvmyprizms - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 1st 90 Prism in 91 with 5K miles. Gave it away in 99 with 130K miles to a fiend in need. It ran great and I had no major repairs. I think it would have run until the body gave out. Only problem was it went thru mufflers fairly fast.

• 

  I cant believe my dad bought this car - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By Radish - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My parents have spent approx. $800 on repairs for this car. Acceleration, horsepower is poor. Something is draining the battery on the car. This car has stalled in my school parking and a major road during rush hour. DO NOT BUY A GEO PRISM, BUY THE COROLLA, IT IS CHEAPER IN THE END.

• 

  mpg is great - 1992 Geo Metro
  By Phisher93 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This has been a reliable car. I had it for 2.5 years from 116k miles to 165k miles. It always started. Always ran and ran, 400 miles at a time even. The convertible roof leaked only very little from the top of the drivers window. but it wasnt all the time maybe only 20% of the time that it rained. Two other things were troublesome: the exhaust pipe broke 3 times. Install a flex pipe at the bend just under the engine. that helped. and my traction on wet or snowy roads was terrible. buy good good tires. I felt like I was in a saucer sled most of the time. Its just a very light car.