What Was Your First Car?
There’s something unforgettable about your first car. Not just the make and model, but the way it made you feel. The rush of freedom. The thrill of turning the key. The knowledge that, for the first time, the road was yours.
For me, that car was a bright red 1991 GEO Storm. I was sixteen, just licensed, and suddenly the world felt a lot bigger than my small town. My Storm wasn’t just transportation—it was independence. It meant trips to the next town over just because I could or late-night drives with the radio turned all the way up. That little car gave me access to a world that had always been just out of reach.
The 1991 GEO Storm was one of those cars that didn’t need to be expensive or flashy to feel exciting. Manufactured by Isuzu and sold under GM’s GEO brand, it offered something different: a compact car with a sporty flair. While most economy cars at the time leaned toward the practical and plain, the Storm arrived with curves, color, and character.
Its sloped nose, pop-up headlights (in the early years), and fastback profile made it look like it wanted to go fast. While it wasn’t a performance powerhouse, it handled well, hugged corners, and felt zippy on open roads. I didn’t need more than that.
Inside, the Storm had just enough comfort for me to call it mine—bucket seats, a driver-focused dash, and a cassette player that I replaced with a CD player as soon as I could. The rear seats were more for show than function, but that didn’t matter much; I still fit three friends back there. What mattered was that it was mine. And it ran.
Looking back, the GEO Storm was never a collector’s car. It was built for a moment—and for a generation of first-time drivers like me, it delivered. I don’t have the car anymore, but every time I see one, I feel a familiar spark. It reminds me of that first taste of freedom and the way a car—even a humble one—can shape your story.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re thinking of your first car too. What did you drive? What stories does it hold? At the Merrick Auto Museum, we know every car has a history—even the ones that weren’t built to last forever.
📋 1991 GEO Storm Specs (Sidebar)
Manufacturer: Isuzu (marketed under GM’s GEO brand)
Body Style: 2-door coupe or hatchback
Engine Options:
- 1.6L SOHC I4 (95 hp, base model)
- 1.6L DOHC I4 (130 hp, GSi model)
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Performance: 0–60 mph in ~8.5 seconds (GSi)
Notable Features: Sporty styling, optional rear spoiler, driver-centric interior, available alloy wheels
Production Years: 1990–1993 (U.S. market)
