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Marketed as a Geo by Chevrolet dealers, the Metro was built for General Motors by Suzuki and was the replacement for the aging Chevrolet Sprint on the GM "M" platform. Similarly, Suzuki marketed the Metro's cousin, the Swift. Structurally and mechanically the Metro and Swift are the same, but differed only cosmetically. The Sprint, Metro, and Swift were Chevrolet's / Suzuki's offering to compete with the similarly popular and economy-minded Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic. The Metro / Swift was marketed in Canada and the Middle East as the Pontiac Firefly (1989-94) and had an available turbo charged version of the 1.0 L 3-cylinder until 1991 that produced 73hp @ 4500 rpm and 115 ft-lbs @ 3500 rpm.. Additionally, the Metro/Swift was marketed as the Holden Barnia MF in Australia, Maruti 1000 and Maruti Esteem in India.
Similar in design, thougn not so much in appearance as the Metro, the Subaru Justy was also a GM M platform and was equipped with the same 1.0L 3-cylinder until it was redesigned in 1994. Essentially, the Justy was a 4WD version of the Chevy Sprint and until it's engine was converted to fuel injection in 1989, it was the last carbureted car sold in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Both 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and longer 4-door hatchback were available. Metros carried a Suzuki G-10 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine that developed a modest 55hp @ 5700 rpm and 58 ft-lbs of torque @ 3300 rpm. Base models first came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 3-speed automatic was available on the upscale LSi. For 1990, the economy-leading model got an XFi designation. The XFi was the only model not available as a 4-door, and could not be equipped with an automatic transmission. Its engine developed less power. Also, A 2-seat convertible with a driver-side airbag and manual folding top appeared. After dropping the Geo brand in 1995, Chevrolet continued the Metro line with a newly designed body and larger engines until 2001.
Pictured (left to right): 1991 2-Door Convertible, 1992 2-Door Hatchback, 1994 4-Door Hatchback
Pictured (left to right): 1994 Pontiac Firefly 2-Door Hatchback, 1994 Pontiac Firefly sedan (turbocharged), and 1990 Holden Barnia MF 4-Door Hatchback
Year to Year Changes
Gas mileage is outstanding from the 3-cylinder engine, especially with manual shift. Fuel economy, in fact, is the Metro's greatest virtue. It's not uncommon to top 42 mpg with manual shift. A 2-door with 5-speed transmission will average 38.5 mpg in mainly rush-hour commuting. A Metro is lively around town with the 5-speed. Keeping up with traffic isn't a problem. Unfortunately, the noisy engine sounds like it's being thrashed, and highway passing power is scarce. An automatic transmission cuts into both acceleration and economy. Road and wind noise add to the annoyance in this minimally insulated econobox. Delicate, featherweight construction and a short wheelbase combine to produce a jarring ride, at least some of the time. Handling is no better. Be wary about this lightweights level of crash protection. Interior trim is a tad tacky, but four adults can fit neatly, considering the tiny package. Tall drivers have to recline the seat back to get needed head room. Rear leg space in the 2-door is insufficient for adults. Oddly enough, the Metro's smaller than normal 12 inch tires offer excellent traction in the rain and their respective (skinnier than normal) width makes hydroplaning next to impossible.
Value for the Money
While the Metro might be worth considering if you need a gas-miserly budget-mobile, Metros by and large do not retain any value. A standard 1990-1994 2-Door Hatchback can be obtained here on Ebay for $500 to $2000 depending upon age, options, and condition.....anything over $2500 and you've probably been ripped off. A 1990 to 1994 Convertible however (for the simple fact that it is just that, a convertible), will fetch in excess of $2500...personally, I have seen them exceed $5500.
Known Vehicle Problems (when new)
Personally, I have owned three Geo Metro over the years: a 1991 2-Door Hatchback, a 1992 4-Door Hatchback (which was purchased new at a dealership), and a 1994 2-Door Convertible LSi. Some listings here on Ebay for 1990 to 1994 Metros will claim that they meet or exceed 50mpg. With todays gas prices those individuals claiming this extravagant fuel economy are simply playing / preying upon those budget-conscious individuals who are seeking an economic ride. These sellers have probably never driven a Metro for any length of time and (as is more than likely the case) are simply "flipping" the vehicle in order to turn a profit. When NEW, the 1992 Metro 4-Door Hatchback and 2-Door Hatchback with the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission did achieve 52 to 54mpg at nominal operating conditions, but this was extremely rare. A 13+ year old and regularly driven Metro however, WILL NOT achieve or exceed 50mpg. A well-maintained 1990 to 1994 Metro however, WILL achieve between 36 and 42mpg.
If you find this guide helpful and / or informative please click "Yes" below.
Similar in design, thougn not so much in appearance as the Metro, the Subaru Justy was also a GM M platform and was equipped with the same 1.0L 3-cylinder until it was redesigned in 1994. Essentially, the Justy was a 4WD version of the Chevy Sprint and until it's engine was converted to fuel injection in 1989, it was the last carbureted car sold in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Both 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and longer 4-door hatchback were available. Metros carried a Suzuki G-10 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine that developed a modest 55hp @ 5700 rpm and 58 ft-lbs of torque @ 3300 rpm. Base models first came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 3-speed automatic was available on the upscale LSi. For 1990, the economy-leading model got an XFi designation. The XFi was the only model not available as a 4-door, and could not be equipped with an automatic transmission. Its engine developed less power. Also, A 2-seat convertible with a driver-side airbag and manual folding top appeared. After dropping the Geo brand in 1995, Chevrolet continued the Metro line with a newly designed body and larger engines until 2001.
Pictured (left to right): 1991 2-Door Convertible, 1992 2-Door Hatchback, 1994 4-Door Hatchback
Pictured (left to right): 1994 Pontiac Firefly 2-Door Hatchback, 1994 Pontiac Firefly sedan (turbocharged), and 1990 Holden Barnia MF 4-Door Hatchback
Year to Year Changes
- 1991 Geo Metro: More convertibles were available for sale in 1991. Metro interiors now were treated with Scotchgard-brand fabric protector. The LSi edition got a new seat design with separate front headrests.
- 1992 Geo Metro: Revised front and rear styling included a freshened nose with a more prominent spoiler: black on the XFi and base model, but body-colored on the LSi. A new instrument panel included a cup holder and storage tray. Tail lamps showed a new full-width design.
- 1993 Geo Metro: Automatic front-door locks and several new colors were the major changes for '93.
- 1994 Geo Metro: Convertibles and LSi models departed after the 1993 model year. New door-mounted seat belts could be left buckled to automatically deploy when doors were closed.
- Pros: Fuel economy, Maneuverability, Price
- Cons: Noise, Refinement, Size, Weight
Gas mileage is outstanding from the 3-cylinder engine, especially with manual shift. Fuel economy, in fact, is the Metro's greatest virtue. It's not uncommon to top 42 mpg with manual shift. A 2-door with 5-speed transmission will average 38.5 mpg in mainly rush-hour commuting. A Metro is lively around town with the 5-speed. Keeping up with traffic isn't a problem. Unfortunately, the noisy engine sounds like it's being thrashed, and highway passing power is scarce. An automatic transmission cuts into both acceleration and economy. Road and wind noise add to the annoyance in this minimally insulated econobox. Delicate, featherweight construction and a short wheelbase combine to produce a jarring ride, at least some of the time. Handling is no better. Be wary about this lightweights level of crash protection. Interior trim is a tad tacky, but four adults can fit neatly, considering the tiny package. Tall drivers have to recline the seat back to get needed head room. Rear leg space in the 2-door is insufficient for adults. Oddly enough, the Metro's smaller than normal 12 inch tires offer excellent traction in the rain and their respective (skinnier than normal) width makes hydroplaning next to impossible.
Value for the Money
While the Metro might be worth considering if you need a gas-miserly budget-mobile, Metros by and large do not retain any value. A standard 1990-1994 2-Door Hatchback can be obtained here on Ebay for $500 to $2000 depending upon age, options, and condition.....anything over $2500 and you've probably been ripped off. A 1990 to 1994 Convertible however (for the simple fact that it is just that, a convertible), will fetch in excess of $2500...personally, I have seen them exceed $5500.
Known Vehicle Problems (when new)
- Automatic transmission: Vibration in reverse is caused by the fluid-filled motor mounts and transmission mounts. Revised parts are available. (1991-92)
- Brakes: Brake pedal vibrations are due to by warped rotors caused by uneven lug nut torque. (1990-94)
- Hard starting: In cold weather the engine may not start, or may stumble or stall because ice forms in the vacuum line between the throttle body and MAP sensor. (1993-94)
- Frame and front floor board rust-through (all years), especially in the "salt belt" states (Northeast and Midwest).
- Cracked dashboard, especially among 1992 and prior with flat-style dashboard.
- 1989-91 Seat belt latches (red button) may break and not allow seat belt to latch / unlatch.
- Less than smooth idle, common among all G10 1.0 liter.
Personally, I have owned three Geo Metro over the years: a 1991 2-Door Hatchback, a 1992 4-Door Hatchback (which was purchased new at a dealership), and a 1994 2-Door Convertible LSi. Some listings here on Ebay for 1990 to 1994 Metros will claim that they meet or exceed 50mpg. With todays gas prices those individuals claiming this extravagant fuel economy are simply playing / preying upon those budget-conscious individuals who are seeking an economic ride. These sellers have probably never driven a Metro for any length of time and (as is more than likely the case) are simply "flipping" the vehicle in order to turn a profit. When NEW, the 1992 Metro 4-Door Hatchback and 2-Door Hatchback with the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission did achieve 52 to 54mpg at nominal operating conditions, but this was extremely rare. A 13+ year old and regularly driven Metro however, WILL NOT achieve or exceed 50mpg. A well-maintained 1990 to 1994 Metro however, WILL achieve between 36 and 42mpg.
If you find this guide helpful and / or informative please click "Yes" below.
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Guide created: 06/03/08 (updated 10/09/08)
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