Introduced in 1989, Geo was a budget subbrand of Chevrolet – arguably a predecessor to the Saturn brand – intended to do battle with small, cheap imports. Geo models consisted solely of badge-engineered versions of Japanese cars, with the Metro and Tracker both being warmed-over Suzuki models and the Prizm just being a Corolla. A little-known gem from Geo lore is the Geo Storm, which was a GM version of the Isuzu Impulse.
You almost never see a clean Geo Storm for sale, but here’s one on Facebook Marketplace for sale in Northridge, California with an asking price of $4,500. It’s a 1993 Storm finished in Magenta Metallic (paint code 38U) with white wheels. It has approximately 117,000 miles on the clock and, judging by the impressive photo gallery, appears to be remarkably clean for a Geo.
Power comes from an SOHC 1.6L I4 4XE1 from the Isuzu X family, rated at 95 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. Thankfully, it has the standard 5-speed manual transmission; the automatic option was a 3-speed. This 1993 model benefits from a 1992 facelift that included a smoother front fascia, sans-pop-up headlights, and some upgraded interior materials. ‘93 was the final model year of the Storm’s brief lifecycle.
The Geo Storm was a liftback coupe intended to be the sporty option in the Geo lineup. Its blend of a sporty aesthetic and driving character with affordability and practicality made the Storm competitive with the Ford Probe, Honda CRX, and Toyota Paseo. Its base engine was considered underwhelming, even by early-90s standards, but the GSi model’s hotter DOHC engine made it more of a real performance car.
The Geo Storm is a relic of a bygone segment of sporty-looking cars that are more about aesthetics than performance. This trend is arguably making a gradual comeback with upcoming models like the hybrid, two-door Honda Prelude and the rumored return of the Toyota Celica. However, don’t expect the Geo Storm nameplate to ever see the light of day again.
Comments
like more than current cadillacs design
The best version was the Isuzu Impulse RS, with turbocharger (160 HP) and all-wheel-drive (the sister of the Geo Storm). The Impulse RS went 0-60 MPH in 7 seconds flat, and the handling was enhanced by Lotus. Lotus got the Isuzu turbo engine for the Elan in exchange. This was a fun car to drive!
Geo’s were not a predecessor to the Saturn brand, they were rebadged imports sold at Chevy dealerships. Some were formally badged as Chevy vehicles. The 1st Saturns were built in 1990 and the Saturn brand was trademarked in 1985.
Dreadful automobile.
The Geo lineup was as intended. They were entry level econocars. You got what you paid for.
To drive a car like this for 117k miles with a little four banger is quite an accomplishment. I’m guessing it was quite well maintained and never driven hard. No teenagers obviously.
I was never a fan of any of them regarding styling. Saturn did seem to take their styling cues from Geo. I think that alone was Saturn’s downfall. If this car still has decent compression, it could very well give someone another 30-50k. Could possibly be a decent buy.