Geo (United States) - AllCarIndex

Geo was an automotive brand established by General Motors in 1989, operating until 1996. The brand was created as part of a strategic initiative to compete with import vehicles from manufacturers such as Honda and Nissan, which offered fully-equipped cars. To address the challenge of establishing a new dealer network to rival Chevrolet's extensive presence, GM opted to introduce Geo as a sub-brand, allowing existing Chevrolet dealers to sell Geo vehicles alongside their traditional offerings.

The Geo lineup included several notable models, such as the Geo Metro, which was a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Sprint (itself based on the Suzuki Swift), and the Geo Prizm, a rebranded Toyota Corolla produced at GM's Fremont, California plant. The Geo Tracker, which was based on the Suzuki Samurai, targeted the light four-wheel-drive market. The brand's vehicles were launched in 1988 as 1989 models, with subsequent additions including a convertible version of the Metro and the Geo Storm, a sporty coupe derived from the Isuzu Impulse.

In 1990, the Geo Metro was recognized as the lowest-priced car in the United States, retailing for $5,995, which was $500 less than its closest competitor, the Ford Festiva. The Metro convertible also gained attention as the most affordable convertible available at the time. However, despite its initial appeal, the Geo brand struggled with sales, and by 1997, the remaining models—Metro, Prizm, and Tracker—were rebranded as Chevrolets. The Geo nameplate was ultimately discontinued, and the brand's legacy was marked by its focus on fuel efficiency, which, despite accolades such as being named America’s most economical car by the American Automobile Association in 1998, did not translate into sustained consumer interest.