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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  beware the geo engine! - 1994 Geo Metro
  By carshoppin - March 16 - 2:44 am

  When it started losing power and developed a pinging sound, I was informed by several salvage yards and mechanics that the geo 3 cyl (ALL years) is prone to "dropping cylinders." Sure enough, a compression check confirmed my 3cyl is now a barely running 2 cyl car. New rebuilt engine is $1600, with a 600 core charge, and they wont take the old one for core after the piston drops (as the engine will freeze up). This is the 2nd engine for the vehicle, previous owner replaced orig. engine with one from junkyard for same reason before we bought from him. 157k and went through 2 engines.....hmmmmmm.

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  I love this car!! - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By wf415 - March 14 - 12:40 am

  One of the best values Ive ever seen, and a privelege to own and drive. The combination of efficiency, features, reliability, looks, user-friendliness, and fun to drive make it ABSOLUTELY unbeatable.

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  Go Geo Girl! - 1997 Geo Metro
  By used_car_grl - March 7 - 3:54 pm

  I have had in the past ten years 8 cars. I have had fords,dodge, chevrolets, saab,volkswagon,etc.I was looking for a cheap dependable car to get me too and from college and work and around town. I have taken at least 5 or more trips in it so far with mile ranges of 200 to 1000 miles a weekend. The car gets excellent gas mileage, and I have had no problems exept for normal wear and tear ie:new tires.

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  Inexpensive and reliable - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By JodyD - March 5 - 3:30 pm

  Ive owned my Prizm for several years now and have been very impressed with its performance. Its very fuel efficient and I havent had any mechanical problems at all. Also, I live in the northeast where they generously salt the roads all winter and there isnt a spot of rust on the car! It may not be the flashiest car on the road, but its done very well by me.

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  Excellent Car - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By Small Town Guy - March 4 - 11:54 pm

  I purchased the car recently and have several friends who own prizms also. My band director, who is also a good friend, recommended the car to me and says his has ran well since its purchase in 95. The car is great on gas mileage and it runs like a charm. If anyone wants a nice, small, inexpensive car, look no further for the Geo Prizm is here.

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  Great Little Car - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By grburkh - March 3 - 1:45 am

  I drive 134 miles/day to/from work. Currently has 248,900 miles and still climbing. Regular maintenance, replaced struts at 240,000 miles (wow), very minor new parts: alternator, battery, stereo/tape, and minor manifold weld (original muffler and tailpipe). As of last week, worst fuel mileage was 31 mpg!! Plan on buying new one in July 2002. The last year for Chevy/Prizm.

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  Economic Workhorse - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By dhavleak - February 28 - 6:02 am

  This car is a dream for people on small budgets. Ive covered 10,000 miles in 6 months and all Ive had to do is fill fuel! The car is absolutely fine with oil changes every 4,000 miles, Tire rotations every 4000 miles - no fuss at all! Handling is very reassuring and very predictable. Fuel economy is great! Comfort level - well nothing sticks out as being uncomfortable, and thats good! This is as practical a car as you can buy. I highly recommend it!

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  Bulletproof reliability - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By specialk_lsi - February 26 - 5:29 pm

  i love this car, right now im at 62,000 miles and the only thing i had to change was the oil. good power to weight ratio and very good handling w/wide tires. i get an average of 30mpg with 87 octane (mostly city driving).

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  Love my Prizm - 1995 Geo Prizm
  By jennifer - February 17 - 11:47 pm

  Ive had my Prizm for 3 years and have done only routine maintanence on it. It is a strip model, but SO reliable and reasonably priced Id recommend it to anyone.

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  1994 Geo Prizm.. GREAT CAR - 1994 Geo Prizm
  By mcphian - February 7 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my Geo Prizm Used with 70k on it, now it has 107k. Ive had not ONE problem with it. Smooth, quiet engine, slick shifting 5-speed, great fuel economy! You cant kill these cars!