1997 Geo IN REVIEW

For Release:	September 1, 1996
Contact:	Chevrolet/Geo Communications
Phone:          (800) CHEVY-MI or 
		(810) 492-8841
Fax:            (810) 492-8853

1997 Geo IN REVIEW

Warren, Mich. -- When the Geo brand was first introduced in 1989, its mission was clear: serve as the entry point for budget-minded, first-time buyers into the Chevrolet and General Motors family. It has fulfilled that mission quite well. Today, research shows 72 percent of Geo customers come back and buy another General Motors product. That’s a tremendous foundation of success to build upon. So, for 1997, Geo will continue to offer a line of high-quality, distinctive yet affordable vehicles whose designs and brand character reflect its young-minded buyers’ quest for originality.

Highlights of the 1997 Geo line:

Metro -- The affordable, reliable, small car expression of Geo that delivers big ideas like safety, comfort, ride and handling. Metro is the vehicle that’s easy to own and easy on gas. Metro Hatchback Coupe boasts the highest 1996 EPA fuel economy ratings: 44 city/49 highway, when equipped with the standard 55-hp, 1.0 Liter, SOHC, 3-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. And, in these days of rising gasoline prices, this type of fuel economy is growing in importance.

For 1997, the Metro lineup now consists of three distinct models: standard Hatchback Coupe, LSi Hatchback Coupe and LSi Sedan. Two new exterior paint colors have been added to the Metro color palette; Sunset Red Metallic and Azurite Blue Metallic. Metro LSi Hatchback Coupe now comes equipped with a standard 70-hp, 1.3 Liter, SOHC, 4-cylinder engine that provides spirited performance. And Metro LSi Sedan now features a standard full-folding rear seat for added loading and cargo-carrying convenience. An optional Convenience Package is now available on both Metro LSi Coupe and Sedan models, which includes dual manual remote exterior mirrors, a passenger seatback pocket, remote hatchback/trunk release, security cargo cover (Coupe) and split-folding rear seat (Sedan), for carrying longer cargo and rear-seat passengers simultaneously. Metro for ‘97 proves that it is the small car with big ideas.

Prizm -- What can you say about a car that 97 percent of its owners would recommend to a friend?* You’d say that it must be doing many things right! So, for 1997, Prizm returns as the affordable, high-quality, precision-engineered expression of Geo. Prizm continued its long list of automotive accolades last year by once again receiving a "Best Buy" Recommendation (Small Cars) from Consumers Digest.

Four new Prizm exterior paint colors have been added for ‘97: Midnight Emerald Mica, Apricot Ice Mica-Metallic, Lavender Pearl Metallic and Canyon Red Mica-Metallic. Power steering is now standard on both Prizm Sedan and LSi Sedan. Prizm door trim panels have been redesigned to incorporate driver and front-passenger storage bins for added storage space. When the optional LSi Convenience Package is ordered, an additional power door lock switch is located on the front-passenger door trim panel. As the flagship of the Geo lineup, Prizm is designed for discriminating, value-conscious buyers who seek superior quality, reliability, durability, safety, styling and enduring value in an affordable small sedan.

Tracker -- the most versatile, fun and affordable, on-road/off-road expression of Geo fits into the active lifestyle of its owners. In fact, there’s a Tracker model that fits virtually every type of mini sport utility need. There’s a 2-Door Convertible available in 2WD or 4x4 configurations, and 4-Door Hardtop also available in either 2WD or 4x4, and in standard or upscale LSi trim levels. Tracker continues to win the hearts of both consumers and the automotive press, with a 1996 "Best Buy" Recommendation from Consumers Digest, as well as being included in the 1996 Consumer Review list of Top-Ten New Trucks.

Two new exterior colors are added to Tracker for 1997: Sunset Red Metallic and Azurite Blue Metallic. A fold-and-stow rear bench seat is now standard on all 2-Door Convertible models, for a variety of passenger- and cargo-carrying capabilities. Tracker safety features include standard driver and front-passenger air bags, automatic Daytime Running Lamps and optional 4-wheel ABS. Tracker is for youthful-minded, expressive individuals who like to pursue the freedom of wide open spaces in a versatile, affordable and rugged mini sport utility.

The 1997 Geo Brand ... it’s for spirited buyers who seek dependable, economical vehicles with unique design and personality that reflect their desire for originality.

*Based upon a 1996 owner survey.