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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  I love this car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Gizz4mo1 - March 30 - 6:07 pm

  My parents bought this car in 1995 used with 10k miles on it. I grew up in this car and now I drive it. Its a great machine. It now has over 350,000 miles on it. It needs some repairs, but it still gets me from point a to point b with little trouble. Its kinda a pain in the summer though... I cant use the a/c or the car will stall, and it has problems starting in the summer. Also, if I come to a complete stop, I have to hold the gas down a bit and keep it flowing or the car will stall. Ive also had to replace the timing belt, tensioner, dist. Cap, door handles, oil pump, fuel pump, fuel line, and I had to weld a hole shut in the gas tank. Even with all these problems, I still love it.

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  Geo Prism - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By mike c - January 22 - 5:04 pm

  My wife has driven this car for 7 years, she bought it with 135k miles on it, now it has 218k on it, it just keeps running, no problems, best money ever spent on a car. Only only major item that needed replacing was the starter. It doesnt look very good, the rocker panels are completely rusted out but hey that happens in Michigan, even on the coldest winter morning it never fails to start, I really respect this car and the folks that designed and built it.

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  A Bucket of Fun - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By gottatracker - January 13 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my Tracker 5 years ago and I would never sell it. It has 158,000 miles on it and the only thing that ever went wrong were the hubs, so I just had them replaced. I give it regular oil changes and it just goes and goes. I have taken it rock crawling and it loves the mud. Any chance I can get to go off road, I do. It is great in the snow as well. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned! I love my tracker, but I see rust appearing here and there. Living in the northeast is taking its toll. I have replaced the top twice since I owned it. Each top had a different quality and I noticed this last one is lasting so much better. When this Tracker rusts away, I will be sad!

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  Great little car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By umr70 - January 6 - 2:25 am

  When I got this car I wasnt sure what to expect. I have been more than pleasantly surprised! Very dependable, great mileage, low maintenance, low insurance rate, and fun to drive. It now has over 192,000 miles on it. It will comfortably cruise at 75 mph with ease and as long as i keep the speed and rpms up it maintains very good speeds even on long hills. Besides basic maintenance, I have replaced the tires once, brakes once, and alternator twice. Unfortunately, it is starting to use more oil. Otherwise, I absolutely love the little guy.

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  Very Reliable/ Great Mileage - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By MacBob - December 27 - 4:06 pm

  Bought it used in 2001 and still running strong. No leaks, still cold a/c, great mileage. Wife gave it to me after she bought Ford Focus last year. Geo has been more reliable than her Focus. Getting old but couldnt let go of it so just had new paint job. Looks great. One of best cars ever owned.

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  Like a Good Friend - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By KD in FL - December 27 - 3:38 pm

  I love this car! (As much as it is possible to love an inanimate object.) Previous rental purchased in 1996 with 11,000 miles. Now at 104K. Smooth, comfortable ride (except on very long trips) Great gas milage even now at about 25mpg. Very agile, easy to maneuver and park. Classy interior for an economy car. I like that the rear view mirror is attached to the headliner, not the windshield. Aside from routine maintenance, its had new brakes, timing belt and a small oil leak. Replaced lock on front pass door, one front a/c/ vent is propped up. All in all a very reliable car. I wish they were still being made. Would definitely buy again (but with power options this time)

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  Go Geo - 1996 Geo Metro
  By Geogo - December 10 - 3:59 pm

  I have owned the car for 2 years and have put over 115K miles on it.. I have replaced nothing, and beat and abused this car and it wont break. Everything works, looks decent. Gets about 35mpg, costs $8 to fill up right now with gas being $1.75. I have changed the oil about once every 10-15K miles and it never uses any oil. Starts every time.

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  Best Car Ive ever had - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By Mark - November 25 - 9:57 pm

  My dad sold me this in 1997 and its now 2008 and the car is still running great. Yes, it has needed new radiator, battery, etc but the drivetrain has been great. Highway mileage is about 40 mpg, city (San Francisco, CA) about 22. I have 199,200 miles on it. Its got rust on it (car was in Michigan from 90-2001) but the rust slowed down after moving to CA. Knock on wood but Im hoping this car lasts me to at least 250,000 miles.

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  Great after all these years - 1992 Geo Storm
  By KV - November 21 - 9:24 am

  Bought car 1992, Liked the size of the car. But kids never like the back seat due to the fact not enough room. Not family car

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  Great Vehicle - 1991 Geo Tracker
  By Diane - November 4 - 11:13 am

  I have had my Tracker since it was new. My husband bought me the hard top for Christmas back in 93 and it is probably why we still own it. It is and has been an economical vehicle and very functional. A great buy way back when!