Geo was a brand created by General Motors to sell cars built in collaboration with Suzuki, Isuzu, and Toyota in the United States. These Geo-badged vehicles were sold from 1989 to 1997, and our story today features one of the very last Geos ever built, found in a New Orleans self-service boneyard.
Geo had a close relationship with Chevrolet, as demonstrated by the incorporation of the Chevrolet bowtie into the Geo logo. The first three Geo models were initially badged as Chevrolets before being transformed into Geos in 1989. For example, the Spectrum, which was a twin of the Isuzu I-Mark, was branded as a Chevrolet from 1985 to 1988. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Sprint, a Suzuki Cultus rebadge, went on to become the Geo Metro in its second generation. The Prizm, a Toyota Corolla Sprinter produced by NUMMI, replaced the earlier Sprinter-based Chevrolet Nova. Interestingly, the Pontiac LeMans, produced by Daewoo, didn’t become a Geo, possibly due to its South Korean origins.
In 1989, Geo expanded its lineup by adding the Storm (Isuzu Impulse) and the Tracker (Suzuki Sidekick) in 1990. However, in December 1996, General Motors announced that the Geo brand would be discontinued by fall 1997. The Prizm, Tracker, and Metro would transition to being sold under the Chevrolet brand.
The specific Geo model we are highlighting today was manufactured in May 1997 at CAMI Automotive in Canada. As one of the last few Geos assembled, it holds historical significance. The Chevrolet Metro, a successor to the Geo Metro, continued to be produced until 2001.
During its final model year, the Geo Metro was available in two trim levels: base and LSi. The car in question is an LSi three-door hatchback, which had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $9,180 ($17,906 in 2024 dollars). The base three-door hatchback, on the other hand, had an MSRP of $8,580, equivalent to $16,735 today when adjusted for inflation.
The most significant difference between the base and LSi versions of the Geo Metro was the engine. The base model came with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 55 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque. In contrast, the LSi featured a 1.3-liter “big-block” four-cylinder engine, delivering 70 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. While some might consider the Metro’s performance to be lackluster, those who owned the LSi model with the four-cylinder engine found it tolerably adequate.
This particular Geo Metro is equipped with the optional three-speed automatic transmission, which added $595 ($1,161 today) to the price. Additionally, it includes air conditioning and a Delco AM/FM radio, usually bundled with the $1,346 1SE option package ($2,625 in today’s money). These features made the car a practical and reliable choice for commuting.
Having clocked 113,610 miles over its 27-year lifespan, this Geo Metro has endured the swampy and humid conditions of Gulf Coast Louisiana. Consequently, it has become a breeding ground for various species of mold and mildew. Despite its environmental challenges, this small Metro would have been advantageous for navigating New Orleans’ challenging parking situations.
In summary, the Geo brand was created by General Motors as a platform to sell cars built in collaboration with Suzuki, Isuzu, and Toyota. While it had a strong association with Chevrolet, some models like the Pontiac LeMans did not become Geos due to their origin. The featured car, one of the last Geos ever built, is a Geo Metro with the LSi trim level, boasting a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Its practical features, such as air conditioning and an AM/FM radio, made it a reliable choice for commuting. Despite its age and environmental challenges, the Geo Metro persevered for 27 years and 113,610 miles, fulfilling its purpose as an efficient and compact vehicle in the bustling streets of New Orleans.