Many of you have probably heard of the automotive show and overall movement called Radwood that’s taken place across the country, effectively coining an entire genre of automobiles that emerged in the late ’80s through the middle (and possibly late) 90s. Loud colors, unique styling, and rev-happy engines were all qualities so-called “rad” cars shared, but iconic 4x4s are part of the mix, too (hence why I now own two Isuzu Troopers). The Geo Storm seen here captures the spirit of the movement perfectly, with bright yellow paint, blade-style alloy wheels, frameless windows, and an interior that can only be described as festive. Find it here on eBay with 38,399 original miles and an asking price of $7,999 or best offer.
The Storm was effectively an Isuzu Impulse in different clothes, and far simpler in terms of features. Gone was the Lotus-tuned suspension and optional turbocharger, along with the also-optional all-wheel drive. That didn’t stop the Storm from being a successful sport compact for the fun-themed Geo brand, as the company sold quite a few of them. Earlier models were perhaps even more “rad”-approved as they came with pop-up headlights, an essential styling cue of the 1990s. The Geo Storm seen here is the top-shelf GSi model, with a 140 b.h.p. four-cylinder, rear sway bar, and different gearing for better acceleration.
The interior was peak ’90s, with the two-tone upholstery and wrap-around instrument binnacle. The sport seats were extremely well-contoured, and you have to love the ribbed gear shift boot. This Storm is in incredible condition inside and out, clearly having never ended up in the hands of a teenage driver like so many of them did. The GSi models also came with some unique aero enhancements, like front and rear spoilers with integrated driving lamps. The seller notes this Storm remains completely stock inside and out, down to the factory cassette deck. There’s also the clean Carfax, with no evidence of prior accident damage – and it certainly looks that clean.
While the Isuzu Impulse stole a lot of the thunder in enthusiasts’ minds with its rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration and sharp styling, the Geo Storm is the model you’re far more likely to find for sale today. The Impulse is all but extinct, and finding spares is a nightmare. The Storm may not as iconic styling-wise, but it deserves a place at every Radwood car show for its colors, looks, and the very essence of its place in the sport compact market. Very few exist today in this sort of condition, and I personally think it’s worth every penny of the asking price. When’s the last time you saw a Geo Storm this nice?
Those seats tho
When the gen4 Camaro’s came out in 93 I thought they looked like the Storm’s bigger, angrier brother.
Wow! Had this exact car/model in ’91. Loved it… $8k seems a bit steep but definitely a blast to drive.
What a sweet little treat. I almost pulled the trigger on a new one in 92. I haven’t seen a nice one in forever. Most of these were modded-out and beaten to death by younger owners before even the dawn of the 2000s.
LS Swap.
My thoughts exactly… I built a 4.3 let metro convertible with a transaxle years ago in 1998 before Cell Phones had cameras…
My wife had a new 1991 GSI. The car handled like it was on rails. This one is really nice, too bad it doesn’t have A/C! Price I think is high, but there is an butt for every seat.
An amazing find. The last one I can remember seeing was on a fresh trade lot. Yellow like this one. Rusted into the ground and beat. That was in 2004. These were common then all at once were gone. This is a surprising example.
I do NOT think the ask is horrible. What kind of little sporty car can you find that can handle and offer good fuel economy that is almost in like new condition?
Owned a 90 model Storm. Got fantastic gas mileage. Good handling and awesome looks with tinted windows. Fragile suspension though.
They sold a lot of Storms.
They served their purpose and then were disposed of.