1990-1993 Geo Storm: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Geo Storm and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (GSi)
- Handling
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Visibility
- Cargo room
- Acceleration (base)
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Measuring between the Honda CRX and the Chrysler/Mitsubishi Laser/Talon/Eclipse trio in dimensions, the front-drive 2+2 coupe came in base or GSi trim. Wheelbase was 96.5 inches, and the Storm initially measured 163.4 inches long overall. Isuzu sold its own version of the coupe under the Impulse badge.The base Storm used a 95-horsepower, overhead-cam 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The sportier GSi got a dual-overhead cam, 16-valve version, developing 130 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. Three-speed automatic was optional on the base model, or 4-speed automatic on the GSi. All Storms have a driver-side airbag.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Geo Storm GSi auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Geo Storm. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Geo Storm.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Geo Storm:
A hatchback joined the original fastback for 1991. A squared-off rear roof section created markedly more headroom than the regular 2+2 coupe (though leg space was unchanged). Rear windows swung out, or could be removed altogether.
1992 Geo Storm:
Front and rear restyling for '92 brought mini-quad headlamps and revised taillamps, plus a new wing-type rear spoiler for the GSi. A larger dual-cam engine went into the GSi, too: 1.8 liters instead of 1.6, with 10 extra horsepower.
1993 Geo Storm:
Only the 2+2 fastback coupe remained for 1993, which turned out to be the Storm's final season. Geo's base engine dropped from 95 to 90 horsepower.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Geo Storm includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Geo Storm and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Geo Storm is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Both engines, though eager, are noisy. Performance is at least adequate with the base engine. Loud and harsh, though, it tends to sound faster than the car is actually traveling. The GSi, with its 130- or 140-horsepower, twin-cam engine, packs a punch that makes a little raucousness tolerable. Snappiest action comes at high engine speeds, and highway cruising can get buzzy. Storms are nimble in corners, helped by sharp steering. Both models handle with agility and are surefooted around the turns. The GSi, in particular, has a friendly nature that seems to encourage bold driving. Rough roads turn the base Storm's ride from firm to harsh, but its suspension still absorbs bumps better than most cars in this class. The GSi's more aggressive tires give up additional ride comfort, but deliver greater grip in turns. Supportive front bucket seats mount close to the floor and do not adjust for height. Even so, you get ample head room and a fairly comfortable driving position. On the downside, the combination of low-slung seats, a steep wraparound dashboard, and a relatively high beltline, make the cabin a little claustrophobic, with poor outward visibility. Getting in and out can be a challenge, too. Forget about the back seat in a 2+2. Rear-seat occupants of a hatchback at least have some head room, even if leg space is no better. Analog instruments are clear and unobstructed. Though mostly simple and concise, controls feel plasticky. Though the trunk is only adequate, plenty of storage bins are included.
Value for the Money
Cute, thrifty, and brisk, delivering on their promise of joyful road manners, Storms have ranked high on our list of fun-to-drive coupes.
Cute, thrifty, and brisk, delivering on their promise of joyful road manners, Storms have ranked high on our list of fun-to-drive coupes.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Geo Storm GSi auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Geo Storm includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Geo Storm .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine misfire:
Throttle body is prone to carbon buildup causing idle problems and hard accelerator pedal effort. (1990-92)
Hard starting:
Hard starting in cold weather due to ice forming in some of the engine's vacuum lines. (1993)
Headlights:
Due to a faulty headlight switch, the headlights come on by themselves and kill the battery. (1990-91)
Keys:
The soft metal from which the original keys were made is prone to breaking off in the lock. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $790 |
| Alternator | $680 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $685 |
| Brakes | $185 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $570 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $820 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $420 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $985 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $115 |
Our price chart for this generation Geo Storm details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Storm | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Storm GSi | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Storm | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Storm GSi | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Storm | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Storm GSi | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Storm | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Storm GSi | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Geo Storm include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 1991 2+2 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 164.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2357 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 12.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first two seasons, the Storm had a choice of two 1.6-liter engines: a single-cam version in the base model, rated 95 horsepower; or a dual-cam rendition that made 130 horsepower, for the GSi. Three transmissions were available. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 3-speed automatic optional on the base model, but 4 speed automatic on the GSi. For 1992, the GSi traded its 1.6-liter engine for a 1.8-liter, with 10 more horsepower and 18 more pound-feet of torque. The base engine lost five horsepower in 1993.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 140 | 120 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 22/30 |
5-speed manual: 28.1 4-speed automatic: 24.7 |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 90-95 | 97 | 5-speed manual: 29/35 3-speed automatic: 25/31 |
5-speed manual: 30.2 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 16.0 / 97 | 130 | 102 | 5-speed manual: 25/33 4-speed automatic: 23/31 |
5-speed manual: 29.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Geo Storm include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Storm |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Geo Storm directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1990-92:
Steering wheel hub in cars with airbag can fracture during certain frontal and near-frontal collisions, decreasing control and reducing protection.
1991:
When using front seatback release levers to tip front seatback forward to enter/exit rear seat, it is possible to insert a finger into the hinge mechanism.
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