Geo models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | 1989-1997 | Based on the Suzuki Swift and built at the GM-Suzuki CAMI plant in Ontario; sold as a Chevrolet from 1998. |
| Prizm | 1989-1997 | A Toyota Corolla twin built at the GM-Toyota NUMMI plant in Fremont, California. |
| Tracker | 1989-1997 | Twin of the Suzuki Sidekick from CAMI; 1993-1994 models were recalled for rear axle housing welds (94V073001). |
| Storm | 1990-1993 | A sport compact built by Isuzu in Japan, based on the Isuzu Impulse. |
| Spectrum | 1989 | Sold as a Geo only for 1989; an Isuzu Gemini-based car that had been a Chevrolet before that. |
Known Geo problems that end up at the scrapyard
Rear axle housing welds on 1993-1994 Tracker
Recall 94V073001 covers 1993-1994 Geo Trackers whose rear axle shaft housing tubes were welded incorrectly and could fracture. A fracture can let the wheel assembly separate and break the brake line, cutting braking on one circuit. On a thirty-year-old Tracker that has also lived through Chicago salt, the rear axle deserves a hard look before any repair money goes in. source
Fuel tank puncture risk on 1996 Tracker
GM recalled 1996 Trackers because, in a rear-end collision, a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement could puncture the tank, which did not meet the federal fuel tank integrity standard (96V121001). A Tracker with rear damage or a fuel smell should be towed, not driven, and its tank area checked before anyone works on it. source
Cracked hood inner panel on 1989-1993 Metro
Recall 93V189001 covers 1989-1993 Metros. Spot welds on the hood striker assembly were mislocated, which could start cracks in the hood's inner panel so the striker no longer engaged the latch, and the hood could fly up while driving. On an old Metro, a hood that won't latch firmly is a known weak spot, not just wear. source
Geo, the brand that was really three partnerships
General Motors sold Geo as a small-car offshoot of Chevrolet from 1989 through 1997, then folded it into Chevrolet, which kept selling the Metro, Prizm and Tracker under its own badge. Every Geo came out of a joint venture with a Japanese maker. The Prizm was built with Toyota at NUMMI in California. The Metro and Tracker came from CAMI, the GM and Suzuki plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The Spectrum and Storm were built by Isuzu in Japan.
That history matters when you sell one. A Geo is at least 29 years old now, so yours may well have been parked for a long time before you decided to sell. But a Prizm shares much of its engineering with the Toyota Corolla, and the Tracker with the Suzuki Sidekick, so a complete car still has parts people look for.
What we need to know about your Geo
Tell us the model and year, whether it starts, and how much rust there is on the floors and rear axle area. Note any recall work you know of, especially the Tracker’s axle and fuel tank recalls. The 1998 and later versions sold as Chevrolet Metros, Prizms and Trackers are welcome too, since they continue the same cars. Flat tires and a dead battery are fine. If it’s in a garage behind other cars or the parking brake is seized, say so, so the driver comes prepared.
Old titles and missing papers
With cars this old, the title is often lost or still in a relative’s name. If you can, apply for a duplicate first; our guide on replacing a lost Illinois title walks through it. If you can’t, tell us what papers you have, such as an old registration, a bill of sale or an insurance card, plus your ID. Illinois rules decide which documents work for a scrap sale, and we’ll confirm on the call. More makes are on the brands we buy page.
Selling a junk Geo: questions
Are Geo parts still worth anything?
Some are, because Geos were built with Toyota, Suzuki and Isuzu. A Prizm shares a great deal with the Corolla of its era, and the Tracker with the Suzuki Sidekick, so a complete car with a working engine is more useful than a stripped one.
The title is in my late father's name. Can I still sell his Geo?
Possibly. The paperwork depends on the estate and on Illinois rules. Tell us on the call what you have, such as the title, a death certificate or letters from probate court, and we'll explain what's needed for a scrap sale.