View source for Geo Storm

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{other uses|Geo storm (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Geo Storm -- -07-09-2009.jpg
| name = Geo Storm 
| aka = {{ubl
  | [[Isuzu Gemini|Isuzu Gemini Coupé]]
  | Isuzu PA Nero (Japan; [[Yanase (car dealership)|Yanase]])
  }}
| manufacturer = [[Isuzu]]
| assembly = Japan: [[Isuzu#Japan|Fujisawa Plant]], [[Fujisawa, Kanagawa]]
| production = 1990–1993
|model_years=1990–1993
| class = [[Sport compact]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| platform = [[GM R platform]]
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br />3-door [[liftback]]
| engine = {{ubl | 1.6 L [[SOHC]] ''[[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu X engine|4XE1]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 1.6 L [[DOHC]] ''[[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu X engine|4XE1]]'' I4 | 1.8 L [[DOHC]] ''[[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu X engine|4XF1]]'' I4 }}
| transmission = {{ubl | 5-speed manual | 3-speed [[Mazda]] ''F3A'' automatic | 4-speed [[Jatco]] ''F403E'' automatic }}
| length = {{ubl
  | 1990–91 base: {{cvt|163.4|in|mm|0}}
  | 1990–91 GSi: {{cvt|163.9|in|mm|0}}
  | 1992–93: 164 in {{cvt|164|in|mm|0}}
  }}
| width = {{cvt|66.7|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{convert|51.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2282|lb|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|96.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Isuzu Gemini]]<br />[[Isuzu Piazza]]<br />[[Isuzu Impulse]]<br />[[Asüna Sunfire]]
| predecessor = [[Geo Spectrum]]
| successor = none
}}

The '''Geo Storm''' is a [[sport compact]] [[car]] manufactured by [[Isuzu]] that was sold in the United States by [[Geo (automobile)|Geo]] from 1990 until 1993. The same vehicles, with minor variations, were sold by Geo in Canada in the 1992 and 1993 model years only. The Storm was intended to be a budget car with the look and feel of a sports car. It was sold in two-door liftback and hatchback forms.

The Geo Storm was a [[rebadged]] version of the sporty, second generation [[Isuzu Impulse]] minus some of that car's more expensive features. The base models were also equipped with a less-powerful SOHC engine. The Storm was sold in Japan as the Gemini Coupé and also as the PA Nero through the [[Yanase (car dealership)|Yanase dealerships]].<ref name="stormhistory">[http://www.xs4all.nl/~mjs/storygemini.html History] of the Gemini series of cars from Isuzu.</ref> The Storm lacked the Impulse's [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]]-tuned suspension as well as the Impulse's optional [[turbocharger]] and [[all-wheel drive]] drivetrain. Although they were essentially the same car, sales of the Storm were much stronger than those of the Impulse—indeed, the Storm sold better than most small GM cars of that era. Slow sales of the Isuzu version doomed the Storm. When Isuzu ceased building passenger cars in 1993 due to the effects of the [[Lost Decades|crash of the Japanese Bubble Economy]], the Isuzu-made Geo Storm was also discontinued with them. Geo offered no sport coupe replacement for the Storm before the brand was folded into Chevrolet after 1997. As of 2010, there were only 40,300 Storms registered for road use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isuzone.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21485&page=3 |title=Registered Storms as of 2010 |publisher=Isuzone.org |date=July 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929131935/http://www.isuzone.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21485&page=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Storm was manufactured at Isuzu's main plant in [[Fujisawa, Kanagawa]], Japan.

== Versions ==
The most common body style for the Storm was a three-door liftback. The 1990 and 1991 liftbacks were produced in two trim packages, but all Storms shared front disc and rear drum brakes and had an anti-sway bar to tighten the front suspension. The base model was priced at $10,390, and the ''GSi'' was $11,650 .[[USD]]<ref name="may1990caranddriver">''Geo Storm GSi.'' (includes related articles) (evaluation). John Phillips III, Larry Griffin, Nicholas Bissoon-Dath and David Kunkler. Car and Driver v35.n11 (May 1990): pp61(5). (2378 words)</ref>

[[File:Geo-Storm-wagon.jpg|thumb|left|1992 Geo Storm hatchback]]
[[File:1991 Geo Storm hatchback (base) rL.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view of a 1991 hatchback]]

The base model's [[SOHC]] [[inline-four engine]] produced 95 hp (71 kW) and had a 9.1:1 compression ratio.<ref name="may1990caranddriver" /> The more powerful 1990–1991 ''GSi'' used a 1.6L [[DOHC]] engine that produced 130 hp (97 kW) and had a 9.8:1 compression ratio.<ref name="may1990caranddriver" /> The ''GSi'' package also included driving lights, a spoiler, a rear anti-sway bar, and a transmission with a gear ratio that was slightly better for acceleration<ref name="stormgearratios">[http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/hist/specstorm.html Geo Storm Specifications]</ref> than the base model's [[manual transmission]].

For 1991 and 1992, customers had the option of purchasing a two-door hatchback body style, also called a wagonback. The base price of the hatchback was $11,450, and it was never offered with the stronger ''GSi'' engine. The much more popular Storm liftback was marketed as a "[[coupé]]".<ref name="april1991caranddriver">''Geo Storm Hatchback.'' (evaluation). Phil Berg. Car and Driver v36.n10 (April 1991): pp165(2). (836 words)</ref>

In 1992, the Storm was restyled to have a smoother front fascia without the pop-up headlight covers on earlier models. The 1992–93 base models retained the same engine, features, and price that were on the earlier car, with slight interior changes such as different stereos, revised rear speaker locations, and interior trim and upholstery. The GSi version from these years cost considerably more ($13,645–14,560) but this price included a larger 1.8 [[Liter|L]] 140 [[horsepower|hp]] (104 [[Watt#Kilowatt|kW]]) [[engine]].

Canada received the Storm in 1992; it was offered there in base trim and in up-level GSi "Sport Coupe" models (both available as liftbacks). The more upright "Hatchback" model only came in base trim.

The Japanese were also offered the Geo Storm version of the [[Isuzu Piazza|Piazza]], called the Yanase-Isuzu PA Nero, which was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called [[Yanase (car dealership)|Yanase Co., Ltd.]] under special arrangement, a dealership that sold GM products in Japan. The Piazza/Impulse was also sold by [[General Motors Canada]] as the '''Asüna Sunfire'''.

== Performance ==
[[File:StormAutoX3.jpg|thumb|right|1990 Geo Storm GSi liftback in autocross]]

Modern [[sport compact]]s have faster acceleration and better handling, but the performance figures for the Storm were quite respectable for an economical compact car from that era. ''[[Autoweek]]'''s 1990 review of the Storm was titled "Slick, Quick And Inexpensive", and described the car as "a good performer" that "handles better than the average new car."<ref name="april1990autoweek">Slick, Quick and Inexpensive ''[[Autoweek]]'' April 16, 1990 (includes their own review, as well as quotes from owners and from the staff of other magazines like Motortrend, Car and Driver, and Automobile magazines.)</ref> When ''[[Road & Track]]'' compared ten sport compact cars they said the Storm had "the highest [[skidpad]] rating (0.85 ''g''), sticks like pine tar to the [[autocross]] course, is second-quickest through the slalom and stops shorter from {{convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} than many highly respected sports cars".<ref name="may1993roadandtrack">{{cite magazine | title = Little squirts: ten sporty point-and-shoot cars for a price that won't soak you | magazine = [[Road & Track]] | last = Kott | first = Douglas | volume = 44 | issue = 9 | date = May 1993 | page = 56 }}</ref>

Skid pad test figures ranged from 0.81 ''g''<ref name="may1990caranddriver" /> to 0.85 ''g'',<ref name="may1993roadandtrack" /> meeting or exceeding those of the [[Mazda RX-7]] convertible.<ref name="may1990caranddriver" /> ''Sport Compact Car'' listed the Storm as number three in their "Top Ten of 1992".<ref name="aug1992sportcompactcar">''"Top Ten of 1992; #3 Geo Storm".'' Alan Paradise. Sport Compact Car. August 1992. P. 27-28.</ref> ''[[Hot Rod Magazine]]'''s Jeff Smith drove a Geo Storm that was set up for [[SCCA]] Super Production<ref name="superproduction">SpeedWorld's explanation of [http://www.speedvisionwc.com/history.html Super Production] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051104044907/http://www.speedvisionwc.com/history.html |date=November 4, 2005 }} cars and the World Escort Challenge</ref> racing and declared it to be "every bit as demanding and fun" as racing a Trans-Am series car.<ref name="nov1991hotrod">''Storm Warning; Customizing Chevrolet Geo Storms for Racing''. Jeff Smith. Hot Rod. November 1991. P. 60-62.</ref>

Two different Geo Storm Celebrity Races<ref name="stormcelebrityraces">Information on Geo Storm [http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/feature/bsas.html Celebrity Races]</ref> were held in 1991, the first on July 13 in [[Des Moines, Iowa]], and the second on August 24 in [[Denver, Colorado]]. Although they are not the most common type of race cars, modified Storms are still occasionally used to compete in [[road racing]], [[drag racing]] and [[autocross]]. One of the 2003 entries in the [[Grassroots Motorsports]] Challenge was a Storm GSi.<ref name="2003grmchallenge">[http://www.grmotorsports.com//archives/2003pictures.html photos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101040740/http://www.grmotorsports.com/archives/2003pictures.html |date=November 1, 2006 }} from the 2003 GRM challenge</ref>

{| class=wikitable
!Model!!0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)!!Top speed
|-
|1990 GSi<ref name="may1990caranddriver" />||8.0 seconds|| {{convert|130|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
|-
|1991 Wagonback<ref name="april1991caranddriver" />||10.0 seconds|| {{convert|108|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
|-
|1992 GSi<ref name="nov1991caranddriver">''The Bonsai GTs. (comparison test of the Nissan NX2000, Geo Storm GSi and Mazda MX-3 GS)'' (includes article on the retirement of the Honda CRX) (evaluation). Richard Ceppos. Car and Driver v37.n5 (Nov 1991): pp112(7). (1941 words) From Professional Collection.</ref>||7.1 seconds|| {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
|}

== Reviews ==
[[File:Nero coupe.jpg|thumb|left|Isuzu PA Nero (Japan)]]

The Storm sold well and was popular with owners, despite getting mixed reviews from automotive magazines. The body styling was "mildly controversial".<ref name="april1990autoweek" /> Kevin Smith of ''[[Car and Driver]]'' used phrases like "[[UHF (film)|Planet Zarkon]]" and "space-capsulish" to describe the body, which he listed as one of the best and worst features of the Storm.<ref name="june1990caranddriver">''"Eleven for thirteen. (quality sports cars under $13,000) (evaluation)."'' Smith, Kevin. Car and Driver 35.n12 (June 1990): 46(13)</ref> ''AutoWeek'' said that college-aged people tended to "shower the Storm with attention", but that [[baby boomer]]s tended to "think that at best, the Storm is unusual looking, at worst, odd."<ref name="april1990autoweek" />

The shape of the body was not the only thing automotive journalists criticized. The engine was described as a "buzzbomb"<ref name="may1990caranddriver" /> or "just plain noisy".<ref name="april1990autoweek" /> A few reviewers disliked the suspension, saying the Storm has "above average body lean and needs more rebound control".<ref name="april1990autoweek" /> Some complained about the small cargo area, visibility and the absence of headroom for backseat passengers.<ref name="may1993roadandtrack" />

Other aspects of the Storm were more popular with magazine test drivers. Many praised the wide power band of the engine. ''AutoWeek'' said, "It revs quickly and easily. Running up to the 7600 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] redline can be a delight."<ref name="april1990autoweek" /> ''[[Automobile Magazine]]'' liked the handling, saying, "It's a delight to negotiate twisty...roads with its firm yet compliant suspension."

== Year to year changes ==
* '''1991''': A hatchback ("wagonback") model was added, other than that, the Storm carried on unchanged.<ref name="may1990caranddriver" />
* '''1992''': All three models of the Storm received a new headlight cluster (with narrow sealed-beam halogen headlamps also seen in that year's Pontiac Grand Prix GTP), tail lights, and front clip. The Storm went on sale in Canada. Base models received a new rear bumper treatment. Instrument panel and gauge graphics were also slightly revised. The GSi version received a new spoiler and a larger [[DOHC]] engine which offered 10 extra hp.<ref name="may1993roadandtrack" />
* '''1993''': The hatchback was dropped, and the center console was fitted with a double-DIN radio. The hp rating of the base model dropped from 95 to 90 because of a camshaft redesign to allow more torque, creating a peppier engine.<ref name="cg">{{Cite web |url=http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2166/ |title=Consumerguide review on the Geo Storm |access-date=February 4, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061010174905/http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2166/ |archive-date=October 10, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Overall, there were six versions of the Storm; the early 1990-91 base and GSi liftbacks, 1991 base hatchback, facelifted 1992-93 base and GSi liftbacks, and base 1992 hatchback.<ref name="stormversionpics">This site has [http://slothnet.com/cars/storm/GeoInfo.html pictures] of all storm versions</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

<!-- Dead note "CarTalk": [http://www.cartalk.com/ct/survey/survey_results.jsp?make=Geo&model=Storm&year=0&x=122&y=23 CarTalk survey results for Storm Owners] -->
<!-- Dead note "Summer1991SportCompactCar": ''Industry News (Race Prepped Storms).'' Sport Compact Car. Summer 1991. -->
<!-- Dead note "Nov1989AllChevy": ''Geo Storm.'' All Chevy. November 1989. -->
<!-- Dead note "Dec1989SuperChevy": ''Geo Storm.'' Super Chevy. December 1989. -->

== External links ==
{{commons category|Geo Storm}}
* [http://www.xs4all.nl/~mjs/storygemini.html Geo Storm History]
* [http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/hist/specstorm.html Storm pricing and specifications]
* In its first year, the [http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/ Geo Storm outsold] GM's Cavalier, Sunbird, Corsica, and Beretta
* [http://www.stormowners.com Geo Storm Owners Page]

=== Racing ===
* [http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/ Isupage]
* [http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/feature/sloc.html Steve Lockett's Storm configured for SCCA Improved Touring (ITB) Road Racing]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1431875134390375655 Video: Steve Lockett's 10.9 pass beats a Camaro at the drag strip]
* [http://www.sbrscca.org/solo/2005_points/Points_4/other.html Geo Storm autocrossing].

{{Geo timeline}}
{{Chevrolet}}
{{Isuzu modern timeline}}

[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive sports cars]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Sport compact cars]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Geo (automobile)]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1993]]