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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  Dependable - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Jane Newman - March 13 - 12:24 pm

  Had it 10 years, it is 13 years old. Very few repairs, most of them recently. Great gas mileage, easy to handle, ride is smooth.

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  I loved this car - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By boo18 - February 7 - 4:50 pm

  This was my most favorite car. I only had to replace the tires and the battery. It had great gas mileage and was super dependable. It started up on the coldest days of winter without a problem. So sad that I lost it to a car accident, I was planning on keeping that car for another 100,000 miles

• 

  Who needs hybrid? - 60mpg, 250k miles - 1994 Geo Metro
  By roger - February 4 - 10:35 am

  Owned it since day-one. It started out ONLY getting 50 mpg, but as the engine broke in, it went up to 60-62 and has held there to this day. 250k miles. No smoke. Change oil every 5k, brakepads every 75k, belts at 100k. It has always started and gotten me to anywhere. Drive from Washington DC to Miami for 20 gallons of gas at 75mph. Lived on a mountain, no need for chains. It LOVES snow. Better in snow than my 4x4. Who needs a hybrid - build these again!

• 

  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 1990 Geo Prizm
  By greatlittlecar - December 30 - 5:21 pm

  When I married my wife 11 years ago, she owned a 1990 geo prism. We later learned it had been previously wrecked. About two years ago (2005) I was rear-ended in it. The insurance company totaled it out, but we bought it back and repaired it. The only problem I have with this car is that it will not die. It now has over 306,000 miles on it and still runs great. I change oil every 10,000 and use the cheapest I can buy. I have did this since 100,000. I would like a new car but see no reason to get rid of our Geo.

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  Love my tracker - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Love the Tracker - December 24 - 6:28 am

  The Geo Tracker was my first new car and I still own it. Ive only had to change the Battery and tires so far in 10 years of owning it. Great, reliable and fun SUV.

• 

  Great - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By kclguy - December 8 - 12:27 pm

  Bought it w/35,000 miles @ 11 years old from orig. owners. It has had 0 problems and is used every day. It is fully loaded so you dont feel like you are driving a econo-box.

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  A great reliable car - 1993 Geo Prizm
  By great car - November 30 - 8:43 am

  I purchased my Prizm (1.8L 5speed) with 79,000 miles on it. Im writing this review because it finally died. I have 244,500 miles on it and the engine still runs like new. Transmission just went out so going to retire this car. This car has never had anything but expected things needed to it (brakes, starter, etc.). This many miles and everything was still working, power windows, locks, sunroof, the air conditon. I would recommend this car to anybody.

• 

  Tough as Nails!! - 1997 Geo Prizm
  By Jerry - August 31 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my Prizm in 1998. Just like the energizer bunny says It keeps going and going and going. Regular oil changes every 3 months and tire rotations make this car a piece of cake to own. I love driving by gas stations as those big SUVs are sucking down the juice!!

• 

  My Geo - 1992 Geo Metro
  By harmony - August 16 - 8:27 pm

  Excellent mileage and comfort. Everyone yells "cute car" as I go buy so it always feels very good to be driving this car. Ive owned it since it was new.

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  Cheap reliable and keeps you happy. - 1996 Geo Prizm
  By Geo Prizm LSi Driver - July 20 - 2:54 pm

  I bought it with 138K miles. I now have 176K miles, no major repair issues (knock on wood). Just normal oil changes, radiator flush, etc. Had to get a wheel bearing replaced, and one of the pulleys replaced. The Prizm is perfect for a student, first time driver, or just everyday driving. I am hoping to hit 300k before replacing this one. Drives decently through snow in the DC metro areas. If you are looking for something cheap and reliable you cant go wrong with a Geo Prizm.